Women's Giving Circle of Chautauqua County - Grantmaking Program

Geographic Scope: Chautauqua County

Focus Areas: 2025 priority - Addressing Childcare Scarcity and Access in Chautauqua County. Programs supporting women and girls.

Eligibility:

• Local nonprofit organizations
• Programs addressing the annual funding priority
• Programs serving women and girls in Chautauqua County

2025 Grant Awards: Two grants of $25,000 each awarded to:

• Caring Beyond Limits – YWCA Jamestown and Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (expanding access to inclusive, high-quality childcare for children with diverse developmental and behavioral needs)
• Child Respite Center (Happy Haven) at Healing Word Ministries Church of God (free, once-weekly drop-off childcare pilot program)

Background: The Women's Giving Circle (WGC) of Chautauqua County launched in June 2024 as a member-led philanthropic initiative with mission to build a better future for women and girls. After one year, WGC has over 110 members. It is an independent, member-led effort hosted by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, which provides administrative and back-office support. Members contribute at least $500 annually with 100% of funds invested directly into community through grantmaking.

Contact Information:

• Lindsey Goold
• Email: lgoold@crcfonline.org
• Phone: (716) 661-3390
• Website: crcfonline.org/circle

How to Apply

Membership and Participation:

• Annual membership contribution: minimum $500
• 100% of member contributions go directly to grantmaking
• Member-led grants committee reviews applications
• Full membership vote on grant awards

Grantmaking Process:

• Annual funding priority established by membership
• Applications reviewed and evaluated by Grants Committee
• All members vote on final award recipients
• Grant recipients present impact updates at annual meeting the following year

Contact for More Information:

• Lindsey Goold
• Email: lgoold@crcfonline.org
• Phone: (716) 661-3390
• Website: crcfonline.org/circle