The Conewango Valley Kennel Club has established the Conewango Valley Kennel Club Scholarship to support local students as a way to give back and build a future workforce.  

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation are pleased to announce that Rural Philanthropy Fellows have been added to their teams through a unique partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

CRCF has more than doubled the number of endowed Donor Advised Funds in the last 5 years. The Funds offer flexibility, tax advantages, and opportunity for the donor to remain hands on.

For professional advisors, client retention is most vulnerable during generational transitions. Nationally, fewer than 20% of heirs continue working with their parents’ advisor after inheriting assets. Philanthropy offers one of the most natural and meaningful entry points. Conversations about giving invite discussions about values, legacy, and shared purpose, while strengthening the advisor’s role as a trusted guide. 

One of the most powerful tools for professional advisor clients age 70½ and older is the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs allow eligible clients to direct IRA distributions to charity.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has announced the establishment of the Ranger Relief Fund, created by a group of active and retired volunteers from the fire service across Chautauqua County.

The Bemus Point Library Board of Directors is proud to announce the creation of the Bemus Point Library Fund, an endowment fund established at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the library.

The second annual Jeep Jam and Ride for Randy event brought together community members, riders, and supporters on August 17, 2025, for a day of fun, remembrance, and giving back — all in support of local charitable causes.

The life and legacy of Michelle Rogene Johnson-Anderson, a lifelong nurse, educator, and mentor, will continue to impact future generations of healthcare professionals through a newly established memorial scholarship.

The family and friends of the late Andy Field recently established the Andy Field Memorial Fund to honor Andy's legacy and support the organizations and causes that were meaningful to him throughout his life.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is pleased to announce that Vince Horrigan has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award. A celebration event is scheduled for September 19 at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

The Community Support Group of Southwestern NY (CSGSWNY) is delighted to announce a pivotal moment in their mission to serve local needs, marked by the upcoming launch of Willow Creek Thrifty Treasures, a new mission-based thrift store in Clymer.

The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of Chautauqua County celebrated its first-ever Annual Meeting of the Members on July 15, 2025. The gathering marked a powerful reflection of collective giving and women-led philanthropy, bringing together members who are committed to building a better future for women and girls in Chautauqua County.

On June 12, the 2025 Stanley A. Weeks Braw Caddie Clan Award for Excellence was formally presented at Moonbrook Country Club. The recipient, Conner Dean, distinguished himself both academically and athletically and is slated to attend New York University. 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has been signed into law. Three major takeaways are of particular importance that are likely to impact your clients' charitable planning opportunities over the months and years ahead.  

The family of Samuel “Sammy” D’Angelo, Jr., a cherished former Jamestown resident and accomplished soccer player, has proudly announced the creation of the Sammy D’Angelo Memorial Fund.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is honored to announce the creation of The Resource Center Dr. John Vona "Smile" Fund, an agency endowment fund, established in loving memory of Dr. John Vona by his children Linda Hart, Dr. David Vona, Sandy Stewart, and Daniel Vona.

Keeping up with an ever-evolving landscape of tax legislation can be a full-time job! Many attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors regularly ask the community foundation to provide a refresher course on the potential tax changes on the horizonin 2025, especially those that might impact charitable planning techniques. 

Chances are, you’ve already begun to notice that a major transfer of wealth is happening as your Baby Boomer clients establish financial and estate plans to pass their wealth to their Gen X and Millennial children.

Did you know that the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has administered a Charitable Gift Annuity program since 2006? With advisors fielding more questions about charitable gift annuities (CGAs), we thought this was an opportunity to share some updates: