The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards over $1 million through its competitive grant processes to charitable organizations working to make a difference across the region.
The Community Foundation is able to grant to 501 (c) (3) organizations located in or serving Southern Chautauqua County, with some grant funding made to municipalities, school districts (for public purposes) and religious organizations.
2021 Competitive Grant Opportunities
The General grant process occurs every other month and provides the most flexible funding opportunities for grantees. It is intended to assist with emerging needs or one-time costs. Requests could include, but are not limited to: program enhancement, communications or marketing, upgrades to technology or equipment, and modest capital improvements.
The Community Service grant process hosts two cycles per year and is intended to support larger programming, capital, and technology needs. Requests could include, but are not limited to: ongoing programming, upgrades to technology or systems, and larger capital improvements.
The Strategic Project grant process hosts two cycles per year and is intended to fund larger initiatives with wide-reaching and longer term community impact. Requests could include, but are not limited to: new and highly collaborative approaches to addressing significant community needs, projects that provide a significant economic impact on the region, and large-scale capital improvements.
Additionally, the Community Foundation holds specific grant dollars available for churches. Religious organizations may apply through the General process. Available funding is intended to support congregational needs which could include, but are not limited to, modest capital improvements, upgrades or purchases for equipment and technology.
Additional Grant Opportunities in Chautauqua County
The Community Foundation utilizes Chautauqua Grants, a shared grants portal, for nonprofit organizations to access grant applications for more than 10 area funders. Each funding organization has an individual web page with details about their grant processes, including deadlines, priority areas and contact information.
