Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants

Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants aim to support local non-profit organizations by funding vital programs and services. With a commitment to 'Putting People First,' the bank prioritizes projects that benefit low to moderate-income populations and demonstrate significant community impact. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and directly serve Chautauqua and Erie Counties. The grant seeks to empower communities through innovative solutions, volunteer participation, and financial education.

Putting People First
Community. By definition, it’s a group of individuals living and working together toward a common goal. For more than 127 years, Lake Shore Savings has been committed to our Western New York community by Putting People First throughout this place we call home. It’s our promise that our commitment to providing the best service and financial products will always begin with the needs – and the voice – of those we serve.
Putting People First is more than just knowing someone’s name. It’s about a bank extending its support to individuals, business owners and community partners who aspire to be the best they can be at every stage of their financial journey. It’s listening first, then responding with solutions that make sense. It’s placing control in the customer’s hands with the technology and security they want to bank at their convenience. It’s actively engaging customers to anticipate future needs, so Lake Shore Savings Bank can maintain our position of relevance and stability in the community. And it’s recognizing and supporting other local organizations that dedicate vital services and programs to those in need.
At Lake Shore Savings, we put people first because that’s how trust is earned, and relationships are built.
We are proud to continue our tradition of Putting People First throughout our communities by awarding a series of Community Reinvestment Grants to help fund vital programs and services to local non-profit organizations.
Priority will be given to:
Community development and investment projects serving the needs of the low to moderate income population or geographies.Projects which have the greatest potential impact on the community.Projects that will benefit the most number of people.Programs representing innovative, efficient approaches to serving community needs.Requests which will assist those citizens whose needs are not met by existing programs or services particularly low to moderate income recipients.Projects which promote volunteer participation and citizen involvement.Community economic developmentFinancial education.

Eligibility

Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status. Organizations whose activities or programs directly benefit Chautauqua and Erie County. Special projects that are sponsored by educational or religious institutions will be considered only if they benefit the community as a whole.Careful consideration will be given to the commitment and composition of the requesting organization's board, officers, and project leaders. The organization must be able to show that they have the fiscal responsibility, management qualifications and the ability to complete, deliver or provide the services or programs for which the contribution is requested.

Ineligibility

Applications will normally not be considered for:Individuals.Capital campaigns to establish or add to endowment funds.General operating budgets of existing organizations.Publications of books or programs, conferences will be considered on a case-by-case basis.Annual fund raising campaigns.Political campaignsSupplant tax funds for projects or activities that would ordinarily receive public support.Government funded agencies and school systems.Scholarships.Organizations and projects outside the bank’s service area of Chautauqua and Erie Counties, WNY.