Programming and Capital Improvement Projects that address a community need or deliver broad community benefit
Deadline: March 1, August 1
Decision: Mid-May/ Mid-October
Range: $4,000- $20,000
Click here to preview a pdf copy of the application.
Eligibility
Organizations are eligible to apply to more than one application for different projects throughout the year.
Organizations should request the amount of funding that is needed to successfully complete the project, consistent with other anticipated funding sources and the organization’s capacity.
The following are not eligible for consideration:
- Expenses that have occurred or are scheduled to occur before a funding decision is known. (March 1/ mid-May and Aug 1/ mid-October)
- Expenses for consumable or giveaway items (food, t-shirts, backpacks, promotional items, trophies etc.).
- Sponsorship of one-time events, banquets, dinners, fundraisers, or one-time trips (travel, accommodations, registration fees, etc.).
*The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation reserves the right, at any time and in its sole discretion, to decline a grant request that could be viewed as having a specific political, partisan, or religious agenda.
Criteria
The Community Impact Grant opportunity is for programming or capital improvement projects. As part of the narrative in the grant application you will be asked to explain how your program or project is seeking to address a community need or deliver broad community benefit.
- Mission Alignment
- Impact: Community Need or Broad Community Benefit
- Identified and Measurable Outcomes
- Collaborative or Coordinated Efforts
Consideration is also given to:
- Clear and Realistic Project Budget
- Ability to Leverage Multiple Funding Sources
- Board Engagement/ Strength of Governance
- Operational and Financial Health
Information is obtained from a combination of the grant application and further discussion during the review meeting with the volunteers considering the request.
Review
Submitting a Community Impact Grant application is an interactive experience and includes several steps.
- Submit an Application
Once an application is submitted it will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness by staff. At this time staff will also confirm your scheduling availability for the grant review meeting.
- Finalize Application with Staff
Staff will contact you to finalize the application, additional items or information may be requested at this time. If this is a recurring program request this will include information from the most recent final report.
- Grant Review Meeting with Volunteers
Each applicant will be scheduled to meet with a panel of volunteers that are considering their application, the panel will be considering multiple applications. This meeting will be a succinct 20-minute time for the volunteers to ask any additional questions. You do not need to prepare a presentation or any additional information.
The volunteers will make funding recommendations as a group to be presented to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for approval.
Staff
Staff are here to help you navigate the grant application process and provide any technical assistance, please contact us at 716-661-3390.
- Julia Niles, Grants Manager [email protected]
- Liz Jones, Community Impact Officer [email protected]