Community Foundations Expand Capacity Through Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Rural Philanthropy Fellowship
Jamestown and Dunkirk, N.Y. — The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation are pleased to announce that Rural Philanthropy Fellows have been added to their teams through a unique partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. This effort will strengthen philanthropic leadership and community impact across rural regions of Western New York and Southeast Michigan.
Solimar “Soly” Vazquez
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation welcomed Solimar “Soly” Vazquez as its Community Impact Fellow, while the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation brought Jeannie Gallaway on its team as the Rural Philanthropy Fellow.
Together, these new roles represent a coordinated investment by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to strengthen local philanthropy and expand community foundations' ability to respond to emerging community needs.
Jeannie Gallaway
“By welcoming Soly to our team, we have added capacity to analyze our grantmaking and scholarship impact to make strategic improvements in outreach and process,” said Tory Irgang, Executive Director at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.
“Through our relationship with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, our impact and capacity have increased substantially. The addition of Jeannie as our first Fellow will be a game-changer for the NCCF and the community,” said Diane Hannum, Executive Director at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. “She is a strategic thinker, with enthusiasm for positive change in our community and region.”
Vazquez and Gallaway are part of the Rural Philanthropy Fellows Cohort, which includes 15 fellows placed within community foundations across Western New York and Southeast Michigan. The initiative is funded primarily by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, with additional partnership support from the Herrick Foundation.
The program provides fellows with hands-on experience in philanthropy while helping community foundations expand their current capacity and deepen their work. Vazquez and Gallaway will be fully engaged as staff at their respective community foundations while also receiving professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities through the New York Funders Alliance and partner organizations.
“We are excited to have Soly assist our community impact team with special projects and research that is beyond our current capacity,” added Elizabeth Jones, Community Impact Officer at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “She will be a part of the full lifecycle of grantmaking and scholarships and help us implement strategic changes.”
Vazquez brings a unique blend of nonprofit, government, and private sector experience to her role, having served most recently as Associate Dean at Jamestown Business College and in the County Executive’s office.
“I’m honored to join the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and support the important work being done to strengthen our community,” said Vazquez. “This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and help connect resources to organizations and individuals working to create positive change.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jeannie to our staff,” said Leslie Wille, Community Engagement Coordinator at Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. “Her experience, coupled with her knowledge of and passion for our community, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact. Jeannie is truly an asset to our community and the foundation.”
Gallaway is a recognized leader in northern Chautauqua County, Board Secretary for Together We Bloom, and held various strategic planning roles throughout our community.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to create lasting impact in my community, and I believe the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation is a powerful vehicle for comprehensive, intentional, and strategic change,” said Gallaway. “I feel fortunate to join a team doing such meaningful work and to contribute thoughtfully to efforts that build resilience, compassion, and understanding across our community.”
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated to improving quality of life in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Established through Wilson’s estate following his passing in 2014, the Foundation was created with a 20-year grantmaking lifespan focused on delivering immediate, measurable, and meaningful impact in the communities it serves.
By participating in the Rural Philanthropy Fellows Cohort, both community foundations are helping strengthen the philanthropic infrastructure that supports nonprofits, educational opportunities, and community initiatives throughout Chautauqua County. The initiative also supports the development of emerging philanthropic leaders who will help guide community investment in the future.
About the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation partners with the community to ignite positive change and create legacies of impact. Learn more by clicking here.
About the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation
The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation connects people with purpose, building local prosperity through local philanthropy, strategic grantmaking, and community leadership. Learn more by clicking here.
