Large-scale Programming and Capital Projects that address documented community needs or delivers significant economic impact
Due: Pre-applications due Dec 1
Full applications by invitation (January 9)
Funding Decision: mid-February
Range: Over $20,000
Click here to view a pdf copy of the application.
Given the nature and scale of Strategic Project grant requests, the Foundation typically considers applications at the start of the year. This allows organizations to have a funding decision within the first quarter of the year, so that they can plan their programs or capital projects accordingly. However, that does not mean the Foundation isn’t able to consider a request at a different time during the year. If you have an emergent funding need or opportunity please contact Liz Jones, Community Impact Officer at [email protected].
Criteria
The following criteria are used in consideration of funding, information is obtained from a combination of the grant application and further discussion during the review meeting.
- Mission Alignment
- Impact: Community Need or Economic Impact
- Wide-Reaching, Long-Term Impact
- 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
Additionally, for recurring program requests (apply each year) outcomes from your most recent final report will be included in the current application materials for consideration.
Eligibility
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.
Expenses that have occurred or are scheduled to occur before a funding decision is known are not eligible for consideration.
Organizations are eligible to apply to more than one application for different projects throughout the year.
*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.
Review
This level of funding is considered directly at the board level.
Application: Submitted pre-applications will be reviewed by the board. Applicants will be notified by a staff member if they are invited to submit a full application, which may include some direction as to the information to include and the requested amount. Additionally, staff will work with applicants to finalize the information and any supporting materials included in the full application; for recurring program requests (apply each year) this will also include information from your most recent final report.
Meeting: Each applicant will be scheduled to meet with a panel of board members that are considering their application. This will be a succinct 30-minute time to ask any additional questions. The panel will be considering multiple applications.
Decision: Information from the application and review meeting will be brought to the full board of directors for a funding decision.
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]