Women's Giving Circle of Chautauqua County Awards $75,000 in Grants
Members of the Women’s Giving Circle
The Women's Giving Circle (WGC) of Chautauqua County celebrated another milestone of collective giving at its 2026 Annual Meeting, bringing members together to reflect on the Circle's continued growth and vote on this year's grant recipients. The event highlighted the power of women-led philanthropy and the impact that can be achieved when community members come together with a shared commitment to building a better future for women and girls in Chautauqua County.
The centerpiece of the Annual Meeting was the announcement of the 2026 grant recipients, selected through the WGC's Childcare Innovation Challenge. Following a full membership vote, the Circle approved funding for both finalists, awarding a total of $75,000 to programs addressing childcare access, availability, and support for families throughout the region.
The Childcare Innovation Challenge was designed to explore innovative solutions to childcare challenges, including non-traditional childcare needs, school breaks, and enrichment opportunities. Facilitated in partnership with Ally Co and led by Katie Castro, the Challenge guided participants through a collaborative process focused on identifying community needs, developing innovative solutions, and strengthening proposals. The process engaged more than 40 representatives from 28 local organizations, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to address childcare challenges across Chautauqua County.
"The Childcare Innovation Challenge demonstrated what is possible when community members come together with a shared commitment to solving complex challenges," said Jane Cleaver Becker, founding member of the Women's Giving Circle. "By listening, collaborating, and investing in innovative ideas, we're helping create stronger supports for children, families, and caregivers throughout Chautauqua County. This process reinforced that meaningful change happens when we work together."
The 2026 grant recipients include:
Capable & Connected Caregiving – Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System
Funding Award: $40,000
In partnership with Ahira Hall Memorial Library, Darwin R. Barker Library, and Dunkirk Public Library, this pilot program will support informal caregivers by providing training, resources, and enrichment opportunities through local libraries. The program aims to equip caregivers with tools to better support children while creating accessible learning opportunities for families throughout the community.
Happy Haven Respite – Healing Word Ministries Church of God
Funding Award: $35,000
Happy Haven Respite provides free, reliable childcare for families facing barriers to traditional childcare options, including parents in recovery, single parents, and grandparents serving as caregivers. The program offers care during critical gaps, such as school breaks, while connecting families with additional community resources and support services.
The Annual Meeting also celebrated the continued impact of the WGC's inaugural grant recipients, who shared updates on how 2025 grant funding strengthened and expanded their programs. Their stories served as a reminder of the meaningful difference members can make through collective giving.
Members also heard from WGC member Sheila Schroeder, author of It's Time to Talk: A Woman's Guide to Navigating Money Conversations, who shared insights on navigating important financial conversations. The WGC looks forward to continuing the conversation with Sheila through a virtual member event this fall.
Since launching in June 2024, the Women's Giving Circle has continued to grow as a member-led philanthropic initiative. The Circle now includes 148 members and continues to grow, with members pooling their resources and experiences to create greater collective impact in Chautauqua County. Membership contributions directly support the Circle's annual grantmaking efforts, ensuring that 100% of membership dollars are invested back into the community through mission-driven grantmaking.
The Women's Giving Circle is an independent, member-led initiative hosted by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, which provides administrative and back-office support. The continued success of the Circle is made possible through the dedication of its members, Leadership Team, Grants Committee, Membership Committee, and Programming & Events Committee.
Looking ahead, the Women's Giving Circle remains committed to creating opportunities for members to connect, learn, and engage with important community issues through educational programming, networking events, and continued investment in local solutions.
For more information about the Women's Giving Circle of Chautauqua County, visit crcfonline.org/circle or contact Lindsey Goold at lgoold@crcfonline.org.
