All Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s grants have a definite impact on the organizations that receive them. However, it is the Community Service Grants that provide the most support to area non-profits, whether funding, for example, programs, facility maintenance, or equipment. The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation recently approved the first round of applications for the 2009 Community Service Grants. Through the Foundation’s 30-year history over $4,900,000 has been awarded through these grants. 

           

It is important to note that the Community Service Grants are unrestricted funds. This means that the Board of Directors of the Foundation has complete discretion over the monies awarded to Community Service Grant projects. These unrestricted funds are the backbone of support for the Foundation’s grantmaking. They enable the CRCF Board to address current and rising needs within the community.  Additionally, Community Service Grants, on the whole, average larger grant awards to non-profits than the Foundation’s other sources; therefore, they have a more significant impact in terms of dollar value to the community.

           

With the first round of applications being accepted in March, the Community Foundation awarded 16 Community Service Grants totaling $100,000 to area organizations. The programs who received funding address the fields of arts and culture, economic development, education, and social welfare. A few of the unique projects receiving an award this year include: Fenton History Center’s The Spoon River Anthology Project, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s Renaissance Square Public Space Project, Chautauqua Institution’s Bring the Spirit of Exploration Into Your Classroom, Chautauqua Blind Association’s Free Vision Screening for Pre-school Aged Children, and Lutheran Social Services’ Making Music at Lutheran. While these are only a sample of the projects that were awarded grants, all recipients demonstrated that their projects were truly worthwhile and would be of benefit to the greater community.   

 

As a final note, the Board of Directors of the Foundation and Staff thank the volunteers who serve on the Community Service Grants Committee. Every three months, these Committee volunteers meet to discuss the grant applications and make award recommendations. Prior to the meetings, these Committee members conduct research, site-visits, and fieldwork on the grant applications they are assigned; so they know exactly what the grant involves and how it will benefit the community. Needless to say, this is a very time-intensive process. Their work is greatly appreciated and is vital to making the best use of these funds.  

 

The Foundation Board and Staff also offer their appreciation to our local organizations who are seeking to build a better community. Through the Community Service Grants process, the Foundation is able to review the progressive ideas held by many area organizations, as well as the commitment that is required to follow through on these ideas.

 

The Foundation will continue to support these progressive ideas with the Community Service Grants serving as the seed.  June 30^th is the next deadline for submitting applications. Applications can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website at www.crcfonline.org. Go to “We Provide” and click on “Grants.”