The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) recently hosted a meeting for representatives from each of their three Community Donor Advised Funds. Representatives in attendance were Lou Barnes and Pete Ryan of the Ripley Community & Heritage Fund, Donna Roof and Kathy Tampio of the Silver Creek-Irving Heritage Fund, and Al Holbrook and Deanne Manzella of The Westfield Fund. During the gathering, representatives shared the successes and challenges they have experienced. Convening the members allowed for the sharing of ideas and best practices, fostering a spirit of collaboration.

Community Donor Advised Funds serve as “mini-foundations,” providing funding for organizations within their communities. Each fund has a committee of volunteers from the community they serve. Committee members review grant requests from nonprofit organizations in their community annually. The endowed funds provide a consistent funding source and empower members to support the most important organizations in their community.

The Ripley Community & Heritage Fund (RCHF), currently chaired by Ryan, was the first Community Donor Advised Fund established at NCCF in 2001. The mission of the RCHF is to enrich the lives of Ripley residents. Since its inception, the RCHF has invested nearly $86,000 in the Ripley community. Grant applications are due annually by January 15. For more information or to contribute to the fund, visit https://www.nccfoundation.org/rchfund.

Established in 2002, the Silver Creek-Irving Heritage Fund (SCIHF) funds charitable organizations, programs, and initiatives that address the most pressing issues within the Silver Creek/Irving communities. Their slogan is “Remembering Our Past – Securing Our Future”. Grant applications are due annually by September 20. The SCIHF is actively seeking new committee members within the community. If you are interested in joining the committee, please get in touch with Committee Chair Kathy Tampio at mktampio@gmail.com. For more information or to contribute to the fund, visit https://www.nccfoundation.org/scihf.

The Westfield Fund (TWF) is the newest of the three Community Donor Advised Funds held at NCCF. The group initially began in 2017 to support the creation of the First Responders Tribute in Westfield and grew over several years into an active Community Donor Advised Fund. Their mission of enriching the quality of life for Westfield residents is fulfilled through grantmaking to charitable organizations and projects serving the community. The Westfield Fund is chaired by Al Holbrook. Grant applications for TWF are due annually on April 1. For more information or to contribute to the fund, visit https://www.nccfoundation.org/westfield-fund.

Community Donor Advised Funds are created with contributions from community members and invested for growth, harnessing the power of collective philanthropy to have a more significant impact in the community. If you are interested in establishing a Community Donor Advised Fund for your community, please get in touch with NCCF at 716-366-4892 or nccf@nccfoundation.org. The staff at NCCF welcomes your questions and is ready to help you explore the options and assist you through the process of getting started.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $21 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and leadership and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. As a nationally accredited community foundation, the NCCF has proven compliance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, demonstrating integrity, equity, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of its community. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.