Most non-profit organizations in Chautauqua County are very familiar with the Community Foundation’s grant processes. As such, these organizations know that every year, this time of year, means that the Karl Peterson Grants application deadline is coming soon. However, this year there has been an addition to the Karl Peterson Grants that has been made possible due to the support and generosity of the Lynn Foundation Fund.
The purpose of the Karl Peterson Grants process has always been unique. This is due to the fact that these grants serve to benefit religious, educational, charitable, and scientific causes. In fact, Karl Peterson Grants were the only grants available from CRCF for religious organizations and causes in the community. This was until the creation of the Lynn Foundation Fund. By establishing a charitable fund with CRCF, The Lynn Foundation is helping to forever provide financial assistance to religious and non-religious charitable activities within our area. With this additional support added to the Karl Peterson Grants process, religious institutions will have greater opportunity for assistance from CRCF. Additionally, other non-religious organizations that participate in good projects for the benefit of humanity will also have greater opportunity for assistance. `
Even with the addition of the Lynn Foundation Fund to this grant process, the eligibility for application remains the same as previous years. There are three factors that organizations must consider when they apply: 1) The geographical area considered for grants is generally limited to the Jamestown and Chautauqua County area; 2) The grants committee is interested in unique projects or those not typically funded by other area foundations; 3) Most grants from this grant process are under $1,000. All grant applications will be reviewed and considered by the Karl Peterson Grants Committee and the Lynn Grant Committee. The deadline for application is January 31, 2008.
In 2007, the Community Foundation awarded over $19,000 to local organizations through the Karl Peterson Grants process. Now that the Lynn Foundation Fund has been added to the process, this amount of support will grow in 2008. A sample of some organizations that were awarded assistance last year included: the Ashville United Methodist Church, Busti Federated Church, Camp Mission Meadows, Lakewood Baptist Church, Living Waters Open Bible Church, Trinity Relief Zone, Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team, Drama Enrichment Program, Family Services of the Chautauqua Region, IMPACT Club, Joint Neighborhood Project, and WRFA Community Radio. This is a small group of many that received an award and is a list that is bound to grow due to this new funding support.
There are many organizations, religious and non-religious that have real needs in the Chautauqua region. If yours is one of these organizations, then consider applying for a Karl Peterson/Lynn Foundation Fund grant. Applications can be downloaded on the Foundation’s website at www.crcfonline.org. For more information on this grant process, please contact the Community Foundation staff at 661-3390. With the additional support through the Lynn Foundation Fund, there will be greater ability to service your needs. What better way for your organization to kick-start 2008!
