Funding Amount

Not to exceed $2,500

Deadline

October 15, 2026

191 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Community Fund

Overview: The Community Fund is an unrestricted fund that makes grants responsive to the community's greatest needs.

Geographic Scope: Cattaraugus County, NY

Funding Cycles: Two annual cycles

  • April 15 deadline for consideration at May board meeting

  • October 15 deadline for consideration at November board meeting
  • Focus Areas: Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Cattaraugus County to fund innovative projects in areas that include, but are not limited to:

  • Animal welfare

  • Arts and culture

  • Community/economic development

  • Education

  • Environment

  • Health and wellness

  • Human services

  • Mental health

  • Recreation

  • Youth development
  • Eligibility:

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

  • School districts

  • Universities

  • Government organizations

  • Religious institutions (if request meets a charitable purpose as outlined above)
  • Assessment Criteria: Proposals are assessed on:

  • Organization strength

  • Community need or opportunity

  • Feasibility and impact

  • Project budget

  • Role of the CRCF grant
  • What CRCF Does NOT Fund:

  • Ongoing annual/operational needs

  • Salary and fringe benefits

  • Marketing/advertising

  • Sponsorships of fundraising events

  • Endowment building

  • Religious purposes (except charitable programs)

  • Loans or assistance to individuals

  • Political purposes

  • Organizations that discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin or physical ability

  • Activities that occurred before the Foundation's decision date
  • Important Notes:

  • Generally grants are not intended to fund ongoing annual needs

  • Only one proposal from an organization will be considered each calendar year

  • It is recommended applicants reach out to CRCF prior to applying

  • Successful applicants must submit a final report at conclusion of grant
  • Contact Information:
    Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation
    301 North Union Street, Suite 203
    Olean, NY 14760
    (716) 301-CRCF (2723)
    [email protected]

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Submit through online grant portal - All applications must be submitted through the online grant process
    2. Review proposal assessment rubric - Understand how proposals are evaluated
    3. Complete application form with project details and budget information
    4. Submit by deadline - April 15 or October 15
    5. Committee Review - Proposals are assessed by a committee of trusted professionals and active community volunteers
    6. Board Approval - Those recommended for approval are presented to the board of directors at a regularly scheduled board meeting
    7. Notification - Applicants are notified of the board's decision generally within two weeks of the board meeting

      Required Materials

    • Grant application through online portal
    • Project budget and details
    • Evidence of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable)
    • Information demonstrating community need/opportunity
    • Organization information

      Notes

    • It is recommended applicants reach out to CRCF prior to applying
    • Grant recipients may be requested to provide a written annual report on use of grant funds

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitssmall-grantsfoundationanimal-rescueartscommunity-developmenteducationenvironmentmental-healthhuman-servicesrecreationyouth-programs

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