Best Chautauqua County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Grant offers funding extensions for existing programs through June 2025, focusing on community improvement. Established in 1920, this organization partners with various sectors to enhance quality of life. Their mission mobilizes resources to support individuals and families, aiming for academic success, health independence, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,500 to $116,000, with a minimum request of $7,500 for the 2022-2024 cycle. Eligibility is limited to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation Grant Program supports organizations in southern Chautauqua County, NY, focusing on the arts, education, environment, health, and youth. Grants range from $100 to $500,000, with larger requests considered in annual installments. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status or government/religious affiliation serving the community. Ineligible are grants for individuals, scholarships, and expenses incurred before a funding decision. The foundation promotes sustainability, adaptability, and intergenerational impact.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

The Patrick Shinners Memorial Team Player Scholarship, managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, provides financial support to student-athletes in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties who exemplify teamwork and dedication in football. Established in memory of Patrick Shinners, this scholarship honors those who contribute positively to their teams, regardless of individual accolades. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors with a commitment to community involvement and team spirit, encouraging all athletes, including those entering the Armed Forces or technical trades.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Holmberg Foundation Grant supports educational, charitable, and religious needs for economically disadvantaged individuals. This private foundation aims to empower those with the potential to succeed in college but lacking financial means. Key funding focuses include support for charitable organizations, scientific initiatives, and educational institutions like JCC and SUNY Fredonia, making a positive impact in the community.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Western New York area. Established in 1956, it supports diverse charitable purposes and encourages applications from various sectors, including religious, educational, and scientific organizations. The Foundation reviews applications quarterly, with a requirement for a three-year waiting period for reapplicants. For inquiries, contact their office directly at (716) 855-2146 or via email.

The DFT Communications - Robert Maytum Memorial Golf Tournament Community Betterment Fund Grant supports community initiatives with a focus on innovative solutions and collaboration. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate significant impact and address unmet needs. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, as individuals and political entities are not eligible. Funding is restricted for annual appeals, operating expenses, and travel costs, emphasizing effective resource utilization and community engagement.

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.

The Ripley Community & Heritage Fund Grant aims to enhance the lives of Ripley residents through support for not-for-profit organizations. The grant prioritizes volunteer-led initiatives, historical preservation, and projects that yield measurable outcomes, while fostering collaboration among community groups. Eligible organizations must be certified not-for-profits or sponsored by fiscal agents, with projects benefiting the Ripley community. Applications are limited to one per grant cycle, ensuring focused support for impactful endeavors.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation is offering Service Learning Mini-Grants aimed at Middle and High School teachers in northern Chautauqua County. These grants support projects that integrate community service with educational experiences, fostering civic responsibility among students. Eligible projects must include both a community service and a learning component, with funding available for various resources such as materials and technology. This initiative promotes local philanthropy and community development.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation offers CRCF General Grants aimed at enhancing community welfare through flexible funding for emerging needs and one-time costs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving Southern Chautauqua County, with a focus on mission alignment and broad impact. This bi-monthly grant process facilitates support for program enhancements, capital improvements, and technology upgrades, ensuring that community needs are met effectively.

The CRCF Community Impact Grants support nonprofits and organizations in Southern Chautauqua County, fostering significant community development. With over $1.5 million awarded annually, these grants focus on programming and capital improvement projects that address local needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and faith-based entities, encouraging diverse initiatives that benefit the broader community. This partnership aims to ignite positive change and create a lasting legacy of impact within the region.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Caregivers supports underserved caregivers, including family and paid professionals, in Western New York. Established by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the initiative aims to enhance resources such as transportation assistance and training opportunities. The foundation prioritizes grants that foster impactful support for older adults, ensuring that local organizations can effectively address community needs and innovate sustainable solutions for caregivers.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Arts & Culture Initiative provides funding for Monroe County arts organizations, distributing up to $15,000 for capacity-building and general operating funds, along with micro grants of up to $2,500. This initiative supports small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on arts and culture, especially those in rural areas. The program emphasizes community feedback and prioritizes organizations with active programming, fostering growth and sustainability in the arts sector across Western New York.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Design and Access Grant aims to enhance community access to spaces and programs supporting healthy living in Western New York. Managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, this grant focuses on projects that improve walkability, bikeability, and the overall recreational landscape. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for funding to support pre-planning, development, or construction costs, fostering sustainable community enhancements.

The Project Play WNY Winter Free Play Series Grant aims to provide youth across all eight counties of Western New York with opportunities for fun and engaging play activities in 2026. This grant supports local organizations, including non-profits and schools, that serve children aged 5-14, encouraging community involvement and healthy recreation.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds offer grants to support youth sports initiatives in Western New York, focusing on increasing children's participation in sports. The foundation encourages community-driven projects that prioritize children's interests and promote active lifestyles. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that aim to address objectives such as revitalizing local leagues and training coaches. These grants reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.'s commitment to long-lasting community impact and innovation in youth sports.

Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing (TPAP) 

Request for Proposals

The purpose of “Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing or TPAP” Geriatric Demonstration Project is to facilitate supportive housing residents aging in place based on their priorities and preferences who are age 55 years and older, as well as residents younger than 55 years living with complex medical conditions that necessitate homecare. Older adults living in OMH supportive housing are at risk of losing community tenure due to emerging unmet care coordination, cross service system navigation, and homecare needs compounded by lack of connection to social determinants of health (SDOH) resources, and community and natural supports. Grant funding will support an enhanced home care rate, provision of at least one paid peer professional, and enhanced care coordination with the local office for aging and community partners that addresses social determinants of health and social engagement needs. OMH supportive housing residents identified as at risk for losing community tenure will be supported by an interdisciplinary care team of (1) an OMH supportive housing case manager, (2) a local office for aging case manager, (3) a homecare professional, and (4) at least one mental health or substance use/gambling peer professional who will collaborate with the residents to identify outstanding service and social needs. This will build a person-centered, holistic plan that is based on the older adult’s priorities and preferences for aging in place. A peer professional in this RFP is defined as a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a mental health Peer Specialist through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board or a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a substance use/gambling Recovery Peer Advocate through the New York Certification Board. Grantees will also be required to collaborate with community-based organizations across service systems, including mental health, aging, substance use, and gambling harms, that also address social determinants of health and social engagement needs, such as, but not limited to, Social Care Networks, Rural Health Networks, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Older Adult Rural Support Program, Regional Economic Development Councils, or Downtown Revitalization Initiatives. This may include projects focused on community inclusion, the Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support Program, club houses, OASAS and OMH recovery centers, older adult centers, faith-based, civic, arts, cultural organizations, etc. To foster sharing of best practices in meeting the holistic needs of OMH supportive housing residents, grantees and their partners will participate in virtual and in-person learning collaboratives that include crossdisciplinary training curriculum consisting of trainings chosen in consultation with the chosen grantees and the Geriatric Interagency Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Planning Council and the Master Plan for Aging advisory groups.

Wrap around funding will be available to provide services and goods not covered through existing reimbursement channels that support aging in place in OMH supportive housing. Examples include, but are not limited to, non-medical transportation, memberships to community groups and/or gyms, continuing education, supplies to support personal interests and hobbies, large print calendars, pill containers, and mobility aids. Wrap-around funding can also be used to provide technological support based on the residents’ needs and preferences. Examples include equipment (laptops, computers, personal devices, and/or internet access), online communities and devices to support engagement (Virtual Senior Centers, GetSetUp, Discover Live interactive virtual tours, animatronic pets, and online support through self-help and peer support groups), and technology literacy classes (for email, video chats with friends, children, grandchildren, etc., banking, patient portals, and education on fraud protection) are additional supports to help people use technology to age in place.

This RFP can be used to expand or enhance existing aging programs in OMH supportive housing or can be used to develop a new program that meets all the program requirements. OMH CR-SROs awarded the “Aging in Place Pilot” grant MH253015 may also apply for this grant for their supportive housing programs.

All types of proposals will be evaluated using the same criteria and applicants must identify the geographic designation they will serve, rural or non-rural. Rural counties in NYS are listed in the table below.

The Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts, established in 1996, aims to perpetuate the appreciation of fine arts, particularly classical ballet and opera. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations in Western New York, focusing on performances that preserve traditional compositions. The fund prioritizes Tier 1 for ballet and opera, and Tier 2 for high-quality classical performances by responsible nonprofits. It reflects a legacy of cultural enrichment through artistic expression.

The New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the well-being of children and families in Western New York. By providing financial support to not-for-profit organizations, the foundation seeks to increase their visibility and impact. Registered not-for-profit organizations can apply for restricted grants, with the board of trustees meeting twice a year to review applications. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to community enrichment and support.

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Mission: In partnership with our community, we ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact.

Scholarships

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, job training and certification. The Foundation hosts several different scholarship opportunities throughout the year. 

Music Scholarships

Open to Chautauqua County students (K-11) to assist with the cost of music instruction, or high school seniors and college students from Chautauqua County majoring in music. 

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.