Grant Opportunities
All open CRCF grant opportunities can now be applied for through the online grant portal. Apply with the button below. Read the details on the current grant processes below:
Access the online grant application
Community Fund
The Community Fund is an unrestricted fund that makes possible grants responsive to the community’s greatest needs. Grant applications for the Community Fund are accepted in two funding cycles, the April 15 deadline for consideration at the May board meeting and the Oct. 15 deadline for consideration at the November board meeting.
Proposals are assessed by a committee of trusted professionals and active community volunteers on organization strength, community need or opportunity, feasibility and impact, project budget and the role of the CRCF grant (see proposal assessment rubric). Generally grants are not intended to fund ongoing annual needs. Requests should not exceed $2,500.
Grant Funding Guidelines
Community Fund 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 (see Mentall Wellness in Catt. Co. grant information)
- recreation
- youth development
School districts, universities and government organizations and religious institutions are also eligible to apply, as long as the request meets a charitable purpose like those outlined above.
CRCF grants are not intended to fund areas such as:
- ongoing annual/operational needs
- salary and fringe
- marketing/advertising
- sponsorships of fundraising events
- endowment building
- religious purposes (see exclusion above)
- 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
Only one proposal from an organization will be considered each calendar year for a Community Fund grant.
It is recommended applicants reach out to CRCF prior to applying.
Successful applicants are required to submit a final report at the conclusion of the grant.
Mental Wellness in Cattaraugus County Fund
Grants from this fund will support programs and activities that will promote and support mental wellness in Cattaraugus County in the spirit that was intended by the former Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County (MHACC). Grants will be limited to 501 (c) (3) organizations. Generally grants from this fund cannot be used for overhead or start-up. Grant applications will be accepted once per year, with the deadline of Sept. 1.
Wagner Family Library Fund
This fund provides grant support for libraries in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties to support educational programming and new activities for youth and adults. The grant application process will open August 1. Applications will be due September 30.
Specific Funds
A description of specific funds is available on our Funds page. There is a rolling application deadline for funds that accept grant applications and applicants should contact the Foundation office for specific information.
Scholarship Funds
See separate guidelines and application for scholarships on our Scholarships page.