Impact Conversation: Foundation Launches $10M Campaign

The panel discussion included NCCF Community Engagement Coordinator Leslie Wille, NCCF Executive Director Diane Hannum, NCCF Board Chair Dave Travis, Campaign Chair Dan Reininga, and Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County Executive Director Jeannie Gallaway.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) announced the public launch of its Campaign for Northern Chautauqua: Today. Tomorrow. Together. The announcement came during a well-attended event at the recently opened Events Center at 21 Brix Winery on September 18, which featured a panel discussion on the campaign and the work of NCCF.

During the evening activities, participants had the opportunity to: “Be a philanthropist” by sharing the name of their favorite local nonprofit. At the end of the event, five organizations were randomly selected to each receive a $100 grant from NCCF, awarded in honor of the participants who chose them. It was a great 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 were Lakeshore Humane Society, Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, Revitalize Dunkirk, United Ways of Chautauqua County and the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club.

The campaign’s goal is to raise $10 million for Northern Chautauqua, with a focus on community funds to ensure that Northern Chautauqua continues to thrive as a vibrant, thriving community that provides hope for generations to come. These impactful funds are flexible and allow the NCCF Board of Directors to direct resources to where and when they are most needed in our community. This same flexibility means that NCCF will always be able to meet the ever-changing needs of the community, even if they cannot be anticipated. Contributions to the Community Funds always remain local and directly benefit our community, families, and children of today and tomorrow. Indeed, investing in Community Funds is an investment in the future of Northern Chautauqua!

Many donors have chosen to establish their own Community Fund through a gift or bequest in support of the campaign, creating a lasting legacy for their family that will contribute to their community forever.

“We are happy to invite all members of our community to participate” said Dan Reininga, Chair of the Today, Tomorrow, Together campaign.

“It’s inspiring that so many people in our region and beyond have already donated more than $6 million. We’d like to thank our Cornerstone Contributors who donated to the campaign even before its public launch. Their leadership has created the momentum and set the stage for a successful campaign.”

NCCF is one of more than 700 community foundations nationwide. Community foundations are created to expand philanthropy in a given area, help donors connect with causes they care about, and serve as organizers around important 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 while maximizing their tax benefits.

“More and more people are approaching philanthropy with a holistic mindset” said NCCF Executive Director Diane Hannum. “For example, a donor can create a named Community Fund to support a campaign, open a donor advised fund to simplify giving throughout the year, or even establish a bequest through a designated beneficiary or IRA — all through NCCF. We are committed to helping donors realize their personal charitable goals while strengthening Northern Chautauqua for the long term.”

Individuals, families and businesses can confidently pursue their charitable goals through NCCF. As a safe and trusted intermediary and partner, NCCF works closely with hundreds of local charities, learning their missions and understanding their needs. In addition, the NCCF team provides personalized guidance to help donors navigate the various giving options while aligning with their financial and tax goals. For example, donating stock that is worth more than expected can be a great way to support a campaign or build a trust because you can avoid capital gains tax on the transferred stock.

“One of the best things about NCCF is that it truly belongs to the community” said Dave Travis, NCCF board chairman. “Anyone can get involved, and because charitable dollars are distributed to nonprofits that work tirelessly in our region or are used to support local economic development or build nonprofit capacity, the entire community benefits. That’s what this campaign is all about – ensuring that Northern Chautauqua thrives for everyone, both now and in the future.”

Interested parties can find more information on the NCCF website at www.nccfoundation.org, or by contacting Diane Hannum at [email protected] or Leslie Wille at [email protected], or by phone at 716-366-4892.

Since its founding in 1986, NCCF has invested more than $21 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and partnerships with leaders and communities. NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization that is committed to the development of the northern Chautauqua community and encourages local philanthropy. As a nationally accredited community foundation, NCCF has demonstrated 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 about NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.