By Rose S. Prinzi
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 nonprofits whether it is for programs, facility maintenance, or equipment. The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation recently approved the second round of applications for the 2010 Community Service Grants. Through the Foundation’s history, over $5,300,000 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 full discretion for the approval of the monies awarded to Community Service Grant projects. These unrestricted funds are the backbone of support for the Foundation’s grantmaking. They enable the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s Board to address current and rising needs within the community. Additionally, Community Service Grants, overall, average larger grant awards to nonprofit organizations than the Foundation’s other sources; therefore, they have a more significant impact in terms of dollar value to the community.
With the second round of applications closing in March, the Community Foundation recently awarded 17 Community Service Grants totaling over $69,000 to area organizations. The programs who received funding address the fields of civic enrichment, education and family, child social welfare. A few of the unique projects receiving an award this year include: Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation’s Jamestown Youthbuild, Junior Achievement of WNY’s Financial Literacy Program, Jamestown Community Learning Council’s Parents as Teachers, Joint Neighborhood Project, Inc.’s Hispanic Service Navigator Program, YMCA Camp Onyahsa’s Youth Resident and Day Camp Scholarships and Chautauqua County Humane Society, Inc.’s Reduced Adoption Fees program. 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. Three times a year, 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 future progressive ideas with the Community Service Grants serving as the seed. June 30th is the next deadline for submitting applications. If you are interested in learning more about the Foundation’s Community Service Grants, go to www.Chautauquagrants.org and click on Chautauqua Region Community Foundation or call 661-3390.