A panel discussion included NCCF Community Engagement Coordinator Leslie Wille, NCCF Executive Director Diane Hannum, NCCF Board President Dave Travis, Campaign Chair Dan Reininga, and Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County Executive Director Jeannie Gallaway.
The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) has announced the public launch of its campaign for northern Chautauqua: Today. Tomorrow. Together. The announcement came at a well-attended event in the recently opened Events Center at 21 Brix Winery on Sept. 18, which featured a panel discussion about the campaign and the work of NCCF.
As part of the evening’s activities, attendees had the opportunity to “Be A Philanthropist” by sharing the name of their favorite local nonprofit organization. At the end of the event, five organizations were randomly selected, each receiving a $100 grant from NCCF, given in honor of the attendees who chose them. This was an excellent way for community members to directly support causes close to their hearts, highlighting the spirit of generosity that defines northern Chautauqua. The organizations receiving grants are the Lakeshore Humane Society, Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, Revitalize Dunkirk, United Ways of Chautauqua County, and the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club.
The campaign aims to raise $10 million for northern Chautauqua, focusing on Community Funds to ensure that northern Chautauqua thrives as a vibrant, prosperous community offering promise for future generations. These impactful funds are flexible and allow NCCF’s Board of Directors to direct resources where and when they are needed most in our community. This same flexibility means that NCCF will always be able to address the community’s ever-changing needs, even when they cannot be anticipated. Contributions to Community Funds always stay local and directly benefit our community, families, and children today and tomorrow. Indeed, investing in Community Funds is an investment in northern Chautauqua’s future!
Many donors have chosen to establish their own named Community Fund through a current gift or bequest in support of the campaign, creating a lasting legacy for their family that will continue to give back to the community forever.
“We are excited to invite everyone in our community to participate,” said Dan Reininga, Chair of the Today, Tomorrow, Together campaign.
“It is inspiring that so many people in our region and beyond have already committed more than $6 million. We would like to thank our Cornerstone Contributors who made gifts to the campaign even before the public launch. Their leadership has created momentum and set the stage for a successful campaign.”
NCCF is one of more than 700 community foundations across the country. Community foundations are established to grow philanthropy in a particular region, help connect donors to causes they care about, and serve as conveners around critical community issues. Many individuals, families, and businesses choose to organize their giving through NCCF, working with NCCF’s team of professionals to support their favorite causes and maximize tax benefits at the same time.
“More people are approaching philanthropy with a holistic mindset,” said NCCF’s Executive Director Diane Hannum. “For example, a donor might establish a named Community Fund to support the campaign, open a donor-advised fund to simplify giving throughout the year, and even set up a bequest through a beneficiary designation or IRA — all through NCCF. We are committed to helping donors meet their personal charitable goals while enhancing the northern Chautauqua in the long term.”
Individuals, families, and businesses can confidently fulfill their charitable intentions through NCCF. As a secure and trusted facilitator and partner, NCCF works closely with hundreds of local charities, getting to know their missions and understanding their needs. Additionally, NCCF’s team provides personalized guidance to help donors navigate various giving options while aligning with financial and tax goals. For example, donating appreciated stock can be an excellent way to support the campaign or establish a fund, as capital gains taxes on transferred shares can be avoided.
“One of the best things about NCCF is that it truly belongs to the community,” said Dave Travis, NCCF Board President. “Anyone can get involved, and as charitable dollars are distributed to nonprofit organizations working tirelessly in our region or used to support local economic development or nonprofit capacity building, the entire community benefits. That’s the essence of this campaign — ensuring a thriving northern Chautauqua for everyone, both now and in the future.”
Those who are interested can find more information on NCCF’s webpage, www.nccfoundation.org, or by contacting Diane Hannum, dhannum@nccfoundation.org, or Leslie Wille, lwille@nccfoundation.org, or by phone at 716-366-4892.
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.