Thanks to funding from the Falconer Region Community Fund and Donald R. Swanson Memorial Fund, The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation recently awarded grants to seven organizations in the Falconer region.

In 2024, over $16,000 in total was awarded through the two funds, providing assistance to fire departments, libraries and faith-based institutions. The Ellington Volunteer Fire Department received funding towards the cost of a large-diameter hose, while the Kennedy Fire Department received support for interior firefighter gear. The Ellington Farman Library received funding for a series of community programs, Kennedy Free Library was awarded funding for improvements to the children’s computer area and Falconer Public Library received support towards the cost of new computers. Additionally, two area churches received funding for capital improvements; Bethlehem Lutheran Church towards the cost of a door and archway replacement and Falconer United Methodist Church for the parking lot sealcoating and striping.

Created in 2012 under the leadership of lifelong Falconer residents, Maurice and Doris Roach and aided by other community members and local stakeholders, the Falconer Region Community Fund was created to support charitable activities within the Falconer Central School District boundaries. The Donald R. Swanson Memorial Fund was established in 2017. To date both funds have awarded nearly $80,000 to the community.

“These funds continue to have a tremendous impact on the Falconer, Kennedy and Ellington communities,” noted Liz Jones, Community Impact Officer at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “This year the funding opportunity helped to meet unmet needs for local fire departments, libraries and two area churches.”

However, this year the funding requests exceeded the amount available to grant, not all projects were able to be supported or supported in full. Jones added, “Over the past couple of years the demand for funding has been more than what is available, we see the continued need to grow both funds to be able to support more grantmaking in the future.”

Contributions to the Falconer Region Community Fund or the Donald R. Swanson Fund can be made online, by visiting crcfonline.org/give, or by check at: Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit click here or contact Lisa Lynde, Donor Services Officer at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org.