Allegany County Area Foundation - News and Events

ACAF February Grants Support Students, Library Programs, and Leadership Allegany

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:52:11 GMT

Eight local organizations receive ACAF funding for educational programs, youth initiatives, and community enrichment.

Ca naseraga, Cuba, and Whitesville libraries, CA BOCES, Cuba-Rushford Elementary School, Leadership Allegany, Wellsville Central School, and Wellsville Youth Cheer were awarded grants at the Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) February meeting.

All grants were made through ACAF’s Allegany Fund unless otherwise noted.

CA BOCES Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society: $325 for student induction into the national NTHS program.

Cuba Circulating Library: $2,000 to bring the Shake on the Lake theater program to Cuba this August (Joseph Bucher Fund). ACAF has been a frequent sponsor of SOTL in Allegany County.

Whitesville Public Library: $720 for a Spanish instruction program (Joseph Bucher Fund).

Wellsville Central School: $600 to purchase supplies for its student needs closet.

Canaseraga Essential Club Free Library: $825 for its summer reading program (Joseph Bucher Fund).

Wellsville Youth Cheer: ACAF committed to a $2,000 grant toward a storage building when WYC is approaching its overall fundraising goal for this project.

Cuba-Rushford Elementary School: $2,000 for inclusive musical playground equipment.

Leadership Allegany: $650 for a scholarship for the 2026 leadership training program (Peter Sprague Fund and Allegany Fund).

The Allegany County Area Foundation grant committee convenes every two months . The next 2026 meetings are in April and June. Grant applications for April should be received by Friday, April 17 .

To learn more about the Allegany County Area Foundation, contact Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org .

Battling Mind Striders Establishes Overcoming Challenges Scholarship

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:04:19 GMT

New scholarship will support local students who demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and community involvement

The Battling Mind Striders (BMS) has partnered with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) to establish the Overcoming Challenges Scholarship Fund, a new award designed to support students who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.

“The meaning of ‘overcoming challenges’ means a lot to me personally because I have battled with a lot in my life,” BMS co-founder Jacob Witter said. “To me, it means hard work, never giving up, and pushing oneself through the difficulty one goes through.”

This annually funded scholarship will provide a yearly award of $500 to a current Allegany County high school senior who has shown the ability to overcome challenges — including a mental health diagnosis, physical disability, or other significant life circumstances. The recipient must have maintained a 2.5 GPA in high school and be accepted into a two- or four-year college program. Community service involvement and a demonstrated commitment to giving back will also be considered in the selection process.

Jacob, who lives with schizophrenia, has dedicated himself to building mental health awareness in Allegany County. In 2024, he partnered with peers to create Battling Mind Striders, a support group based in Wellsville, NY, focused on advocating for, supporting, and empowering individuals living with mental illness.

BMS hosts weekly community walks every Saturday at 10 a.m. (weather permitting), beginning at Catholic Charities (67 East Pearl Street) in Wellsville. These walks are designed to promote both mental and physical wellness while fostering friendship and connection among participants.

“I believe that we all have a purpose in life, and mine is to help people,” Jacob said. “BMS was created to give back in our community.”

The Overcoming Challenges Scholarship was funded through grassroots community efforts. In 2025, BMS hosted two fundraising dinners — a spaghetti dinner and a pulled pork dinner — with proceeds supporting the establishment of this scholarship fund.

“A lot of people took the time to help [with the community dinners], and I am very thankful for the assistance,” Jacob said. “I am thankful for those who helped me, including Mary Ann Newark, family, friends, and others out there.”

Overcoming Challenges Scholarship Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. Image provided by Battling Mind Striders.

In 2024, Jacob was honored with the Inspiration Award by the Allegany County Mental Health Association for his leadership and dedication to mental health advocacy. He also received a Perseverance Award during his senior year of high school — recognitions that continue to inspire his commitment to serving others.

“The Overcoming Challenges Scholarship reflects the importance of helping people who may be struggling in our community,” Jacob said. “When we invest in people who have fought through adversity, we strengthen our entire community.”

To learn more about Battling Mind Striders, check out their Facebook page and consider joining the Battling Mind Striders’ Facebook Group .

The Allegany County Area Foundation manages over 100 grant and scholarship funds supporting local students and charities. To give to a fund or start a fund, contact Executive Director Bruce Campbell at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616 .

ACAF partners with Undue to abolish over $1.4 million in medical debt for Allegany County families

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:52:55 GMT

Historic partnership makes ACAF the first community foundation in WNY to erase medical debt with Undue

Through the Leadership & Innovation Fund, the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) has donated $10,000 to Undue Medical Debt to allow the purchase and erasure of $1,475,163.89 in medical debt for local residents. This donation will impact 1,298 families across Allegany County.

The ACAF’s Leadership & Innovation Fund, established by ACAF co-founder Jack Carter, enables ACAF to work with organizations on larger activities that enhance the quality of life in Allegany County and encourages ACAF in its efforts to see broad community involvement in bringing forth potential projects.

Undue Medical Debt, formerly known as RIP Medical Debt, is a national non-profit organization that uses donations to purchase and erase medical debt for those in need. Undue relieves medical debt for individuals or families who earn up to four times (400%) the federal poverty level or whose medical debt equals at least five percent of their annual income.

“Undue’s mission is fueled by neighbors helping neighbors to mend a broken system and create a world where healthcare never comes at the cost of financial ruin,” Undue’s Vice President of Philanthropy Marisa Clemente said.

By purchasing medical debt in large, bundled portfolios at a fraction of its original cost, Undue is able to use donations to abolish debt for financially vulnerable communities, with one dollar donated — on average — erasing $100 of medical debt.

“There are financial, emotional, and health implications for those burdened by unpayable medical debt,” ACAF’s Executive Director Bruce Campbell said. “ACAF is glad to be in a position to help out many local residents who are dealing with this.”

Eligible families in Allegany County will be notified of their debt relief from Undue directly by mail with a branded “Undue Medical Debt” envelope out of the blue. There is no application process, no tax consequences, and no penalties. Recipients of debt relief do not need to take any action, though they are encouraged to share their testimony with the non-profit. In addition, Undue takes steps to remove any negative credit reporting associated with the relieved medical debt. To learn more about Undue’s model, visit unduemedicaldebt.org/faq/ .

According to Undue, the ACAF is the first community foundation in Western New York to work with them on medical debt forgiveness. The ACAF first began communicating with Undue three years ago, reflecting a long-standing commitment to exploring innovative solutions that directly improve the well-being of Allegany County residents.

"We are profoundly grateful for the Allegany County Area Foundation’s support and their dedication to the well-being of their community,” Clemente said. “This partnership is a wonderful milestone for us, and we hope it inspires other foundation partners to join this movement to bring relief to thousands more families New York."

The Allegany County Area Foundation manages 100 grant and scholarship funds supporting local students and charities. To give to a fund or start a fund, contact Executive Director Bruce Campbell at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616.

Alyssa Bump Joins Allegany County Area Foundation Staff

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:08:59 GMT

Cuba-Rushford and SUNY Fredonia alumna will serve as Communications Fellow

Leadership & Innovation Fund Boosts Cuba Greenway Extension

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:47:08 GMT

Photograph by Jules Hoepting

The Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) Leadership & Innovation Fund, established by ACAF co-founder Jack Carter, enables ACAF to work with organizations on larger activities that enhance the quality of life in Allegany County and encourages ACAF in its efforts to see broad community involvement in bringing forth potential projects.

The Foundation is pleased to announce that the fund’s initial grant, for $14,210, has been awarded to Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway (FOGVG) in support of the Cuba Greenway Extension Project.

The Town of Cuba has long had an interest in both better connections between the village and the Greenway Trail and a safer walking route from the village to Cuba-Rushford Central School. A plan addressing these needs was a finalist for state funding last year but not selected.

At that time, the LC Whitford Company indicated that it would provide the trail work on an in-kind basis, donate the necessary land, and create as a memorial the Daniel Whitford Greenway State Park Entrance. However, funds were still needed for a survey, mapping, wetlands Review, legal fees, and the work of a landscape architect and engineer.

ACAF’s Leadership and Innovation Fund grant covers these costs, allowing the project to move ahead. Once completed later this year, the Greenway Extension will benefit the Cuba community by providing a much safer option for pedestrians heading north out of Cuba toward the school, and a new trailhead (access) to the Greenway, allowing for increased local and regional use of the trail – a potential boost to local businesses.

Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway will serve as grantee and support the project through its extensive knowledge of the trail system, maintenance, and funding, while the Town of Cuba will provide local oversight.

Allegany County non-profits are encouraged to discuss their creative ideas with ACAF. The Foundation can be reached via phone at 585-296-5616 or email at director@acafny.org .

December 2025 ACAF Grants

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:03:12 GMT

Grants Assist Several Organizations

(DEC 2025) The Allegany County Area Foundation Grant Committee meets every two months to review applications and consider how it may help with community needs. At its December meeting, the committee approved the following grants:

Angelica Community Radio - $2000 (Joseph Bucher Fund) For the purchase of audio equipment for use at community events. This request was shared with the Angelica Boosters organization.

Babcock Theater Preservation Society - $2776 (Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Fund) For purchase of and training on equipment that will be used for Documenting Wellsville, an effort to digitize, preserve, and protect artifacts from the historic Babcock Theater. The Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society will similarly use the equipment for the digitization of its extensive collection of local records.

Cuba Fire Dept - $1000 (Joseph Bucher Fund) For a utility trailer needed to transport UTV (off-road) rescue vehicle.

Catherine Schuyler Chapter NSDAR - $1000 (Joseph Bucher Fund) For the DAR’s America 250 monument planned for Angelica’s Park Circle.

Comfort House of Allegany County - $1000 (Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Fund) To repair ceiling damage to one of the facility’s family bedrooms.

Houghton Academy - $500 (Allegany Fund) Support for senior play.

Rushford Free Library - $639 ($100 Moogan Fund; $539 Allegany Fund) For a secure, weather-proof outdoor drop box needed during construction of the library’s new facility.

To inquire about grant possibilities, please contact the ACAF office at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org The ACAF Grant Committee will next meet in February. Grant requests should be submitted by February 10.

Fall 2025 Grants Update

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:42:23 GMT

Grants Support Good Work Throughout Allegany County

The Allegany County Area Foundation Grant Committee meets every two months to review applications and consider how it may help with community needs. Through October, the committee has awarded the following grants (with the fund providing the grant noted):

ACCORD - $1000 for Holiday Angels program. (Carter-Windus Fund).

Allegany County Blind Assn - $200 for a portable ramp that will provide easier access to the association’s Low Vision Clinic. (Shear Fund).

Rushford Free Library - $1500 for new, secure filing cabinets for the keeping of hard copy records and electronic equipment. (Allegany Fund).

Genesee Valley Rotary Camp - $1500 for a new PA system for the camp dining hall.(Carter-Windus Fund).

Marjorie Dieter Mastin (Canaseraga) Historical Society - $2300 for furnace work on the historic former Trinity Episcopal Church building, now owned by the Society and being converted to a public-serving space. (Bob Christian Fund $550 and Peter Sprague Fund $1750).

Alfred Box of Books Library - $700 for programing. (Allegany Fund).

Roswell Park Angel Fund - $250, in recognition of the care Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center provides for Allegany County residents. ($100 Shear Fund; $150 Moogan Fund).

HomeCare and Hospice - $1300 for tablet computers for two Allegany County based nurses. The tablets will provide for better workflow, communication, and care coordination. (Carter-Windus Fund).

Trinity Christian Day Care - $1500 for day care scholarships. (Carter-Windus Fund).

Thelma Rogers Historical Society - $500 for the Society’s Jingle and Glow holiday light display. (Shear Fund).

Southern Tier Traveling Teacher - $1000 for new testing material necessitated by changing state guidelines. (Allegany Fund).

WXXI/WXXY (radio) - $2500 for repairs to the housing that protects the station’s Caneadea transmitter. This unit provides programing and emergency alerts for significant portions of Allegany County. (Carter-Windus Fund).

YMCA Child Care - $2500 for childcare scholarships. (Carter-Windus Fund).

Paul H. Vienna Scholarship Moves to ACAF

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:28:33 GMT

Scholarship Created over 50 Years Ago

The Paul H. Vienna Scholarship, established in 1975 and sustained by local volunteers ever since, will be managed by ACAF starting this fall with the application and awarding process for the 2026-2027 academic year.

A beloved and highly-respected educator, coach, and administrator, Mr. Vienna built a remarkable track record during his 15 years of service to Belfast Central School before passing away at age 38 from a heart attack. From 1959 – 1974, Mr. Vienna served BCS as physical education teacher, athletic director, and boys’ soccer and basketball coach. He was BCS superintendent from 1974-75. His accomplishments and honors include 63 consecutive league wins and five league championships in basketball; four Section V soccer titles; Service as Secretary of Section V Athletic Association and President of the Allegany County Athletic Association, and recognition as Thomas Oakley Memorial Big 30 Basketball Coach of the Year.

After Paul Vienna passed away, family and friends established a scholarship fund with a late September golf outing set up as the initial fundraiser. Thus began the Paul H Vienna Scholarship golf tournament, which enjoyed a fifty-year run thanks to dedicated volunteers and significant community support from area schools, the Belfast community, and the larger athletic community that so appreciated Mr. Vienna and his legacy.

The tournament grew in popularity throughout its history, generating funds that have provided college scholarships to over one hundred Belfast Central School graduates. This summer the scholarship committee moved its unused scholarship funds to ACAF to endow the award, ensuring that the program will continue in perpetuity.

The Paul H. Vienna Scholarship predates the founding of the Allegany County Area Foundation (1983), making the scholarship uniquely ACAF’s newest and oldest. It is also the Foundation’s 100th active fund.

ACAF Spring 2025 Grants

director@acafny.org (Bruce Campbell) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:59:11 GMT

Grants Support Various Projects and Programs

(June 2025) The Allegany County Area Foundation’s May and June grants assisted the following organizations, projects, and programs.

Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps – Support for purchase of a motorized swift water rescue boat (Carter – Windus Family Fund & Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Fund)

Cuba-Rushford Elementary School – Purchase of two handicap accessible swings (Nyla Sloat Fund & Carter-Windus Family Fund)

Salvation Army Wellsville – Repair of sidewalk in front of the SA’s Pearl Street facility (Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Fund)

David A. Howe Library – For Shake on the Lake performance, July 31 (Allegany Fund & Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Fund)

Belfast Public Library – Summer Reading program (Carter-Windus Family Fund)

Genesee Library – Community Cooking Project (Joseph Bucher Fund)

Scio Memorial Library – for public awareness activities and materials (Carter-Windus Family Fund)

Wide Awake Club/Fillmore Library – Furniture for teen room update (Carter-Windus Family Fund)

Together for Youth – Summer to Remember program (Joseph Bucher Fund & Carter-Windus Family Fund)

Allegany County Agricultural Society/Allegany County Fair – Technology needed to improve cell service and enable electronic payments at county fairgrounds (Carter-Windus Family Fund)

Fillmore Central School Alumni Scholarship

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:17:46 GMT

Award Recognizes Importance of Students Building Lives Locally

(Oct. 2024) The Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) newest scholarship, the Fillmore Central School (FCS) Alumni Scholarship, has come about through the generosity of the FCS classes of 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and the creative thinking of FCS science teacher Jarrett Vosburg.

An FCS graduate, frequent class advisor, and himself the recipient of ACAF’s scholarships for his studies at SUNY Geneseo, Vosburg worked with class and school leadership to establish the fund, which is composed of unused class gift funds and resulted in an endowment large enough to provide an annual scholarship of $500. The first award will be made in spring 2025 for the 2025 - 2026 academic year.

The scholarship will be open to Fillmore graduates or seniors who’ve contributed to the FCS community in academics and extracurriculars, and has a parent, guardian or grandparent that attended Fillmore Central School. This criterion recognizes the importance of local graduates who choose to remain in the area to work and raise families. “Western New York, and Allegany County in particular, can get a bad reputation in terms of the opportunity it affords to its young people,” Vosburg notes. “In reality, this area has so much to offer in terms of its natural resources, educational institutions, infrastructure, agricultural investments, and even manufacturing opportunities.”

Chantel Cline Memorial Scholarship

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:56:23 GMT

New Scholarship Will Aid Genesee Valley Graduates

(Nov. 2024) The family of Chantel Cline has established a scholarship in her memory. Chantel passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2024.

Chantel was a member of Angelica Central School’s last graduating class (1996) and a graduate of Corning Community College. She had been with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, where she was a highly regarded Emergency Services Dispatcher, since 2009.

This new scholarship will assist a Genesee Valley Central School senior or graduate pursuing a career in a criminal justice related field.

The first Chantel Cline Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in spring 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Leadership and Innovation Fund

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:12:07 GMT

New Fund will Boost ACAF Grantmaking

(Dec. 2024) Over the past three years, the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) has benefited from substantial donations that are providing increased funds to distribute and great flexibility in doing so. With more funds to work with, the foundation has begun adjusting its grant making approach from one that’s been primarily reactive, to a proactive approach, engaging with community leaders and organizations.

The Foundation’s newest Fund, the Leadership and Innovation Fund, will support both efforts. Established by Jack Carter, this generous fund will allow ACAF to work with organizations on projects that enhance the quality of life in Allegany County and encourages ACAF in its efforts to see broad community involvement in identifying and bringing forth potential projects.

Mr. Carter’s involvement with ACAF goes back to its very beginning. He and the late Peter Sprague recognized the good that a community foundation could do for Allegany County and their efforts led to ACAF’s founding in 1983. Mr. Carter served as the organization’s treasurer for its first twenty years.

The Foundation will be discussing grant programs at a public information session this spring (date TBD). In the meantime, organizations with potential projects are encouraged to contact the foundation at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org

ACAF Grants Boost Libraries, Arts, and Wellness Programs

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:44:00 GMT

(Dec 2023)

Alfred and Whitesville libraries, Fountain Arts Center, Allegany County Blind Association, Andover Central School, and Pioneer Oil Museum were awarded grants at the Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) December meeting.

All grants were made through ACAF’s Allegany Fund unless otherwise noted.

The Allegany County Blind Association received $500 to provide pre-school amblyopia screenings county wide. Working with schools, the Blind Association tests 175 children annually. Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention spares children more invasive treatment later and leads to much better outcomes. This support was provided through the Thomas F. and Laura L. Moogan Fund.

Whitesville Public Library was awarded $800 to support its monthly adult crafting program.

Andover Central School and its 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) program were awarded $1000 in support of its food pantry program, which opened last year. The pantry provides food and hygiene items to Andover families with children enrolled in the school. This grant was provided by the Allegany Fund and Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Fund.

Alfred Box of Books Library received $1000 for a Community Read event. Planned for spring and in coordination with Alfred University and Alfred State College, the Community Read brings together local residents, university students, and high school students to read and discuss a book on a topic of general public interest.

The Foundation supported the Pioneer Oil Museum’s expansion project with a $1500 grant to provide for new and updated exhibits in the enhanced space. This grant was made through ACAF’s Allegany and Joseph Bucher funds.

The Fountain Arts Center’s music program has experienced significant growth and has been raising money for a newer, more reliable piano. ACAF has awarded the organization $1000 to complete that effort and allow for purchase of the quality used piano it has identified.

In addition to these grants, ACAF distributed funds to food pantries located in various areas of the county.

The post ACAF Grants Boost Libraries, Arts, and Wellness Programs appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Celeste Wuersig Remembered with Scholarship

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 01:45:00 GMT

(April 2023) The family of Celeste Wuersig has established a scholarship in her honor and memory with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF). The Belfast native and long-time Cuba resident passed away on March 6, 2022.

In 1965 Celeste fell in love with the man who would become her husband of 55 years, Klaus Wuersig, originally of Görlitz, Germany. Married in 1966, they had three children, their (late) son, Erich Wuersig, and two daughters, Elke (Wuersig) Miot, and Renate Wuersig. Their life together included countless adventures, including extensive domestic and international travel, fighting a proposed nuclear waste dump in Allegany County, and living overseas in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

To learn Klaus’s native German, Celeste first learned alongside their young children, then started taking language courses at Houghton College. Eventually she completed her coursework in advanced literature and graduated with honors in 1988 with a double major in German and French. She continued connecting with people from all over the world, and took additional classes and independent study in Russian, Arabic, Farsi, and Italian.

In addition to her interests and accomplishments, Celeste is remembered by her family as a wise, fun, and loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend. Her curiosity and love of learning continues through her children, who she encouraged to pursue their own passions.

The Celeste M. Wuersig Scholarship will support a student who demonstrates an interest in languages through college study and career aspirations. Students may apply for the scholarship through the regular ACAF online scholarship application. The first Celeste M. Wuersig Scholarship was awarded in Spring 2023 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The post Celeste Wuersig Remembered with Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Born in 1949 to parents Dominic P. and Dorothy Curcio, Celeste’s youth in Belfast, NY included a large, loving extended family, hosting international students, and the natural beauty around her – which she enjoyed exploring, displaying an early curiosity and love of learning that characterized her whole life. An avid learner and reader, Celeste acquired a large repertoire of information about a broad variety of subjects and was comfortable speaking to anyone about almost any topic. She loved learning about nature, gardening, all types of cuisine, politics, culture, history, eclectic varieties of music, and, most especially, languages.

Forty & Eight Scholarship Helps Aspiring Nurses

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 01:39:00 GMT

(April 2023)
The Allegany County chapter (Voiture 1006) of the national 40 & 8 veterans honor society has established an endowed scholarship fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF).

American veterans returning from World War l service in France founded in the Forty and Eight in 1920. The organization is committed to patriotic and charitable endeavors, including child welfare and nurses training – the latter emphasis derived from the acute nurse shortage the veterans observed during their service.

Allegany County’s Forty and Eight was established on June 16, 1928. Its members have supported the county in a variety of ways, including assisting aspiring nurses. This new scholarship will continue this tradition and perpetuate the legacy of the local chapter.

One $500 scholarship will be awarded annually to a student preparing for a nursing career, with priority to students already excelling in a college nursing program. As the Forty and Eight Fund endowment grows, additional scholarships will be offered. Students will be selected for the scholarship through the regular ACAF scholarship process. The first award was offered this past spring for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The post Forty & Eight Scholarship Helps Aspiring Nurses appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Formally known as La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux  (The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses), the Forty and Eight is an independent honor society of American veterans and service members.

Carter – Windus Family Fund

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 22:37:00 GMT

Carter – Windus Family Fund

The Carter – Windus Family Fund has been established through a donation from Friendship native V Perry Carter.

The Carter-Windus Family Fund reflects the Allegany County connections shared by Mr. Carter and his sister, Patricia Carter Windus, and their appreciation for their growing up in Friendship. In addition to their ties, Mrs. Carter Windus’ late husband, Harold, was born and raised in Belmont.

The Carter Family was involved in the Friendship community over multiple generations in local business, farming, church, and civic affairs. Mr. Carter’s father, Roy Carter purchased the iconic Carter’s Hardware in Wellsville and Roy also inherited the Carter Hardware in Friendship from his father Valentine Carter.

The former Carter Family home at 37 East Main Street is now the Carter House Ministry Center of the United Church of Friendship.

Though both are in their 90s and no longer living in NY, Mr. V Carter and Mrs. Windus maintain an interest in Allegany County and the well-being of its residents. The first grants from the fund are anticipated in 2024. While sharing his areas of charitable interest with the Foundation, Mr. Carter has left the use of the fund to the discretion of the ACAF board, allowing for the funds to be used to where most needed to meet the pressing and emerging needs in the county.

Here’s a local news story about this remarkable gift Land donation to Allegany CountyArea Foundation generates $1 million (eveningtribune.com)

The post Carter – Windus Family Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Allegany County Area Foundation June Grants Support Archery Program, Scouting, Libraries

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 22:34:00 GMT

(June 2023) Scout Troop 733, Genesee and Belfast libraries, and Canaseraga Central School were approved for grants during the Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) September meeting.

Wellsville’s Boy Scout Troop 733 will receive $725 for the purchase of new tents and related items needed for its growing program.

Genesee Library was awarded $750 for landscaping updates to create a larger, more functional, and attractive area for summer reading programs and general activity as the library becomes an increasingly central part of its community.

The Belfast Public Library was awarded $1000 for its Summer Concert Series and Taste of Belfast event. These August performances featured local musicians and were held in the community’s Town Park. The last Monday concert included the Taste of Belfast event and activities for kids and families.

The ACAF Grant Committee awarded $1500 to Canaseraga Central School to support its growing ‘Staying on Target’ archery club program. Established in 2013, the club builds on a very popular National Archery in Schools gym unit and meets two or three times per week after school from September to March. Currently, 31% of CCS’s grade 4-12 students participate. The grant funds will allow the club to purchase equipment and supplies.

These grants were made through ACAF’s Allegany, Moogan, and Shear funds. The ACAF Grant Committee meets quarterly, in September, December, March, and June.

The post Allegany County Area Foundation June Grants Support Archery Program, Scouting, Libraries appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Foundation’s June Grants Support Archery Program, Scouting, Libraries

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 02:58:00 GMT

(June 2023) Scout Troop 733, Genesee and Belfast libraries, and Canaseraga Central School were approved for grants during the Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) September meeting.

Wellsville’s Boy Scout Troop 733 will receive $725 for the purchase of new tents and related items needed for its growing program.

The Belfast Public Library was awarded $1000 for its Summer Concert Series and Taste of Belfast event. The concerts will feature local musicians and be held on August Mondays in the Town Park. The last Monday concert will include the Taste of Belfast event and activities for kids and families.

These grants were made through ACAF’s Allegany, Moogan, and Shear funds. The ACAF Grant Committee meets quarterly, in September, December, March, and June. The next grant application deadline is August 25.

The post Foundation’s June Grants Support Archery Program, Scouting, Libraries appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Amanda Nicole Curcio Scholarship

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:34:00 GMT

(Oct. 2022) The Family of Amanda Curcio has established a scholarship with the Allegany County Area Foundation in her memory. The Belfast Central School senior passed away in May of 2007.

Though Amanda lived in several places throughout the state of New York, she loved Belfast and considered it home. She liked the outdoors, music, playing sports, and treasured time with her family and friends. Creative, sensitive, and artistic, Amanda played the guitar and was especially interested in creative writing, drawing, art, and poetry.

She contributed greatly to the Belfast Central School through her kind, caring, and positive nature. Amanda enjoyed making people laugh, smile and appreciate time spent together. She helped others to find their community of friends within BCS and to thrive there. Amanda was always very mindful of others, looking out for their well-being and happiness.

The Amanda Nicole Curcio Scholarship will benefit Belfast Central School students who reflect Amanda’s care and concern for others and display a solid academic record, with special consideration given to applicants showing an interest in creative writing and/or intent to pursue this at the college level.

BCS seniors and graduates may apply for the scholarship through ACAF’s regular online application, which will open on November 1.

This scholarship was originally created in 2007 and school-based before being moved to ACAF this summer.

The post Amanda Nicole Curcio Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Bequest Establishes Allegany County Historical Society Fund

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:12:00 GMT

(July 2022)

The Allegany County Historical Society (ACHS) has established an endowed fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF). The Allegany County Historical Society Fund has come about through the generosity of long-time ACHS member and trustee Lee Gridley. Lee appreciated history – she studied it and taught it and was deeply committed to preserving it for future generations. Through a generous bequest in her estate, Lee has enabled the ACHS to establish this permanent fund, which will provide a steady, annual income to support the Historical Society and its programs.

The ACHS motto is ‘A Story Worth Telling … A Heritage Worth Preserving.’ Through its collections at the ACHS center in Andover, the Society has photos, articles, records, and artifacts that tell of the lively history and interesting characters of Allegany County, from native cultures to river communities to oil, agriculture and industry. ACHS also supports the county’s many local history organizations in their work.

Learn more about this outstanding resource at https://www.alleganyhistory.org/ .

The post Bequest Establishes Allegany County Historical Society Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Larry Dye Remembered with Scholarship Fund

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:02:00 GMT

(Oct. 2022) Friends and former colleagues of Larry Dye, who passed away in June at age 86, have established a scholarship in his honor and memory with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF).

The Larry Dye Scholarship will benefit Cuba-Rushford Central School students who are planning for careers in emergency services or fire safety, or students pursuing other careers but who were active EMT/VFD volunteers during their school years. The first award will be made for the 2023-2024 academic year, and students can apply through the regular ACAF scholarship process.

Larry was a graduate of Cuba Central School and Lehigh University. He joined and eventually led and expanded the family insurance business, while also being involved in the industry regionally through various councils and boards.

Larry loved his hometown and served it in many ways, perhaps most notably as a 50-year member of the Cuba Fire Department. He was proud to have led fundraising efforts that built the present firehall.

At the county level, he served as fire district deputy coordinator, and as president of the Fire Chiefs Association. His contributions were recognized with Fireman of the Year honors in Cuba and for all of Allegany County.

His service to the community also included being a member and president of the Cuba Chamber of Commerce. Larry received the Community Service award in 1971 and Man of the Year in 1983.

This Cuba icon is remembered as positive, kind, organized, and civically minded. He was a natural storyteller, quick to smile, and fun loving. Ms. James and Mr. Marshall are pleased to establish this scholarship in his honor.

The post Larry Dye Remembered with Scholarship Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Lee James, Long-time associate and sales manager of the Lawrence Dye office in Cuba NY, and Mick Marshall, agency president, decided after Larry’s passing that they would like to create a scholarship in his name to perpetuate his legacy with the rural VFDs. By helping young adults who are interested in being Firefighters/EMTs, they hope to see more involvement in our rural fire departments.

Foundation’s June Grants Support Education, Theater, Public Health

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:35:00 GMT

(July 2022) The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) June grants support youth, the arts, libraries, and public health.

The Allegany County Area Foundation awarded the following grants at its June 15 meeting:

Alfred Montessori School – $750 to update pre-school classroom instructional materials. An important part of the Alfred community since 1983, AMS provides PK – grade 5, and before- and after-school, and infant and toddler programs.

Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Handicapped – $750 from ACAF’s Shear Fund in support of community outreach and education programing and ACABVH will be offering in collaboration with other agencies and organizations.

Angelica Community Radio (WRAQ 92.7FM) – $1000 to help bring MXBETH, Shake on the Lake’s fun, creative interpretation of Shakespeare’s MacBeth, to Angelica this summer. Shake on the Lake is a highly regarded, professional theater company based in Perry, NY that brings theater to rural communities. The Angelica program was presented on July 31. For more information see Shake on the Lake .

Wide Awake Club Library (Fillmore) – $750 for the Youth Services Collection Rejuvenation Project. This effort will update the library’s youth and young adult collection, purchasing new titles and replacing popular books that are worn out. The WACL has the second highest circulation among Allegany County’s 17 libraries.

Whitesville Library – $462 in support of a special summer children’s event to be held during the town bicentennial. This activity will complement other celebrations being planned and help introduce local kids to the library.

YMCA – $516 from ACAF’s Moogan Fund to provide local youth with memberships to the Wellsville YMCA.

Unless otherwise noted, these grants were made through ACAF’s Allegany Fund, the foundation’s largest discretionary grant fund. The ACAF Grant Committee meets quarterly, in September, December, March, and June.

The post Foundation’s June Grants Support Education, Theater, Public Health appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

ACAF Grants Made to Leadership Allegany, Cuba community, Salvation Army

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:31:00 GMT

(May 2022) The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) recently made grants in support three local organizations.

ACAF awarded $600 to Leadership Allegany. The Foundation provides an annual scholarship in this amount for a local early- or mid-career professional to attend the organization’s innovative nine-month professional development program.

The Village of Cuba is well-positioned to be a key part of the Genesee Valley Trail Town Initiative, and ACAF has awarded $1500 to assist the community’s efforts in this area. This $1500 grant to Cuba Friends of Architecture provides for the purchase of ten flat screen display monitors that will be placed at local businesses and linked to a Yodek cloud-based media system. The displays will provide residents and visitors with information about the Genesee Valley Canal Greenway Trail, maps, and local history, services, events, and weather.

ACAF awarded $700 to the Salvation Army Wellsville Corps for the replacement of its nursery flooring. The work was completed by a local contractor.

ACAF executive director Bruce Campbell notes that while ACAF’s Grant Committee was not scheduled to meet until mid-June they reviewed these requests ahead of that. ‘Each of these was either an immediate need or a project with a compressed timeframe, so our grant committee met by email ahead of our scheduled meeting. We can usually be flexible like this on timing and we’re glad to be able to help these organizations that do so much good in the county. We’ll still convene in June and will have more grants to announce following that meeting.’

The post ACAF Grants Made to Leadership Allegany, Cuba community, Salvation Army appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

March Grants Support RAM Clinic, Oil Museum, libraries.

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:29:00 GMT

(April 2022) At its March meeting, the Allegany County Area Foundation reviewed several grant applications and was pleased to make grants to these local organizations.

ACAF awarded $2500 to Genesee Valley Central School in support of this fall’s Remote Area Medical Clinic. Last year’s event provided over 300 guests a variety of free medical, dental, and vision care. The clinic is slated for September 24 & 25. Keep an eye on local news sources for information on schedule, services, and volunteer needs.

The Friendship and Genesee libraries will receive $250 and $1000, respectively. Friendship Free Library grant supports the startup this spring of a Subscription Box program, which will complement the libraries popular craft kit program.

The Genesee Library grant will support the purchase of an air conditioning unit, and the addition of bookshelves to hold the library’s growing juvenile collection. The AC unit will serve library visitors and staff, and patrons who may need a place to stay cool on our hottest summer days.

The new bookshelves will be constructed by a local craftsman.

The Foundation also awarded $1482 to the Pioneer Oil Museum to help with costs related to flood damage, including replacement of materials and site remediation. The Museum’s Hahn & Schaffner site was hit by flooding in July 2021, and again by ice dam-related floods this February.

Support for the Friendship Library came from the Foundation’s Walter Taber Fund, while the Museum received funds through the Foundation’s Bob Christian Fund and Allegany Fund. All other grants were supported by the Allegany Fund.

The post March Grants Support RAM Clinic, Oil Museum, libraries. appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Clair and Mildred Almeter Scholarship Established

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:12:00 GMT

(March 2022) The family of Clair and Mildred Almeter has established a scholarship in their memory with the Allegany County Area Foundation. The endowed fund will support students pursuing a vocational credential or two- year degree – with priority to graduates of Alfred-Almond (AACS) and Genesee Valley (GVCS) Central Schools. There will be two scholarships awarded each year.

Clair and Mildred delighted in spending time with their large extended family, camping, and gardening (flower and vegetable gardens). Both enjoyed fishing and Clair also loved hiking and was an avid hunter. They were parishioners at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Almond, NY. After Mildred passed away in 2004, Clair became more active in the church and living his Christian beliefs by generously giving to charities helping families and children. He wanted to see them succeed.

Before Clair’s passing in 2022, he had discussed scholarships and the cost of education. He was concerned that most scholarships are earmarked for 4-year schools and require high grades in high school. Clair knew you need a skill or higher education to support a family. He thought there should be awards for students that may or may not excel academically but want to learn a more hand-on trade such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanics, welding, health care aide, nursing, veterinary or dental assisting, culinary arts, or engineering technology.

These two scholarships will open doors for students to have access to practical higher education. There is no minimum GPA to apply, students need only to be accepted to a 2-year or certificate program in a vocational field. Priority will be given to those who demonstrate financial need. The initial awards were made to June to 2022 graduates.

The post Clair and Mildred Almeter Scholarship Established appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Clair and Mildred were both younger children in large farming families (Clair 10 siblings –Mildred 11) and grew up on Jersey Hill in West Almond where they attended a one-room schoolhouse.  Both dropped out to help their families and quickly learned that education was the key to getting better paying jobs.  Clair worked for 15 years for Erie Railroad freight in Hornell and then both Clair and Mildred worked in the maintenance department at Alfred University until retirement.

County Historical Society to Benefit from Endowed Fund

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:55:00 GMT

(July 2022) The Allegany County Historical Society will benefit from a fund established through the support of the late Lee Gridley, a long-time educator and ACHS trustee.

The Allegany County Historical Society Fund has come about through the generosity of long-time ACHS member and trustee Lee Gridley. Lee appreciated history – she studied it and taught it and was deeply committed to preserving it for future generations. Through a generous bequest in her estate, Lee has enabled the ACHS to establish this permanent fund, which will provide a steady, annual income to support the Historical Society and its programs.

Learn more about this outstanding resource at https://www.alleganyhistory.org/ .

The post County Historical Society to Benefit from Endowed Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Tim Rohe Scholarship

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 18:47:00 GMT

(January 2022) The family of Fillmore Central School alumnus Tim Rohe has established a scholarship in his honor through the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF). This award will support student in pursuing education or training in a technology, mechanics, or engineering field with priority to graduates of Fillmore Central School.

Tim passed away in 2020 at the age of 19, after battling substance use and depression. His family remembers him for his passionate pursuit of knowledge, his curiosity in taking apart and rebuilding anything he could find, his love for philosophical thinking, and his quick-witted debate skills and humor.

The recipient of this scholarship will embody Tim’s qualities of curiosity and adventurousness. The first scholarship will be made next spring for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students can apply through the regular ACAF online application process (accessible through the ACAF website).

The post Tim Rohe Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Tim was also a kind and helpful young man who spent many hours working with his older brother Daniel on construction projects and happily playing with his nieces and nephews. He was always quick to offer to help with any task. In high school he was both an athlete and a scholar; he was an active snowboarder and swimmer and earned National Merit recognition his senior year. After high school he enrolled at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, where he was studying Computer Engineering.

Rose Fleming Scholarship

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 18:00:00 GMT

(January 2022) The family of retired teacher Rose Fleming has established a scholarship in her honor through the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF). This $500 award will support an aspiring teacher with priority to graduates of Belfast or Fillmore central school who will be pursuing teacher training at Ms. Fleming’s alma mater, St. Bonaventure University.

A first-generation college student from Rome, NY, Ms. Fleming attended the only college she applied to – St. Bonaventure University – and is grateful for that education and the scholarships that made it possible. She cherished her time at St. Bonaventure and to this day is a loud and proud alumna. You’ll find her at nearly every home SBU men’s basketball game in her Bonas gear.

A Southern Tier resident since those college days, Ms. Fleming taught for 39 years, most of that at Belfast and Fillmore central schools as a reading specialist, where she developed a reputation as caring, generous, and highly skilled teacher. Ms. Fleming taught hundreds of children to read and nearly seven years into retirement former students still thank her and credit her for that ability.

Ms. Fleming actively contributes to her communities; she has been a school board member, and club advisor. She is very active with St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and continues to encourage reading in her part-time librarian position at the Belfast Public Library.

ACAF currently holds assets of over $13M and manages 70 scholarship and grant funds. For information about contributing to the Rose Fleming Scholarship or establishing a new fund, contact Bruce Campbell at ACAF via director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616.

The post Rose Fleming Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The first scholarship will be made this spring for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students can apply through the regular ACAF online application process (accessible through the ACAF website).

Retired Nurses and Andover Natives Honored with Scholarship

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:24:00 GMT

(August 2022) Sisters Janet and Phyllis Burger were always very close, despite an eleven-year age gap, so it was not surprising that Janet would eventually follow Phyllis into a nursing career. A new scholarship fund established with the Allegany County Area Foundation, the Janet Burger Appier/Phyllis Burger Wilson Memorial Scholarship, honors these Andover sisters and nurses for their outstanding careers and supports aspiring nurses.

Janet, who passed away last year, married James Appier (also an Andover native) and ultimately ended up residing in the Corning -Elmira area where she was employed in various long-term positions and earned her Nurse Practitioner’s credential. She was licensed in both NY and PA; and taught Clinical Studies at Elmira College for a couple years.

This scholarship honors the memory and professionalism of these sisters, with priority for Andover Central School seniors and graduates pursuing study in nursing or in other health related fields. Aspiring nurses from other county schools may also benefit.

A similar fund has also been established in Janet’s name with the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes in Horseheads, NY for students in that area that are going to be attending nursing programs in that area. For more information, contact CFECFL at 607-739-3900 or cmm@communityfund.org

Allegany County students can apply through the regular ACAF online application process (accessible through the ACAF website), which will open from November through early February.

The post Retired Nurses and Andover Natives Honored with Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Both sisters attended St. James Mercy School of Nursing, where they appreciated the on-site living and practical approach the school employed. Phyllis lived and raised her family in the Andover area while working as a nurse and nurse manager at several area hospitals and nursing homes. She died in 2012.

December Grants Support NTHS, Book Program, Holiday Assistance

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 13:35:00 GMT

(DEC 2021) The Allegany County Area Foundation recently made grants to support a variety of local activities.

ACAF awarded $600 to the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Belmont Chapter (BOCES). The chapter’s usual fundraising efforts have been sidelined by COVID restrictions resulting in a budgetary shortfall. This grant allows for seventeen students to be inducted into NTHS and helps with the cost of the induction ceremony.

The library has seen new patrons and a thirty five percent increase in circulation since the program started, with eighty percent of participants under the age of eighteen, including excellent pre-school age participation.

The Allegany County Shop with a Cop Fund awarded $260 grants to Wellspring Ministries and ACCORD Corporation. Both have well-established programs to provide gifts to kids throughout the county during the holiday season, and these grants supported those efforts.

The post December Grants Support NTHS, Book Program, Holiday Assistance appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

ACAF provided $1000 to the Belfast Public Library in support of its Book Box program. Library staff created the Book Box in May, responding to local needs and noting the popularity of subscription type programs. Each month, recipients pick up a box with 3-5 books, snack, and age-appropriate swap. When that box is returned, they receive the next edition. Feedback from recipients helps to enhance the contents of future boxes.

Wide Awake Club Library Fund

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 13:26:00 GMT

(September 2021) Fillmore’s Wide Awake Club Library will benefit from ACAF’s newest fund. This endowment has been established by an anonymous donor whose own childhood was enriched by the library.

The Wide Awake Club Library (WACL) was born in January 1896, when a women’s study group connected to the Maccabees Lodge determined that a library was essential to staying up to date (or’ Wide Awake’ – hence the uniquely clever name they chose for their venture) on current events. A physical presence on Main Street, Fillmore, soon followed and the library has been a mainstay of the community ever since.

Like most small town libraries, the WACL has evolved along with local needs. The library has the second highest circulation of all county libraries, and among its programs are pre-school and baby/toddler times, talks by local authors, summer reading, genealogy resources and instruction, homeschooler support, Cookbook Club, and the Escape to the Library after school activity coordinated with Fillmore Central School. The library also holds a collection of local history resources.

A part-time staff of seven runs the library, with help from twenty volunteers. Director Roxanne Baker is pleased for the annual support the Wide Awake Club Library Fund will provide “I’m super excited that someone thought to do this for us. I know the library will benefit from this for many generations.”

The post Wide Awake Club Library Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Hillside and Valley Brook Cemeteries

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 13:23:00 GMT

(October 2021) An anonymous donor has established a fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) for the benefit of Andover’s Hillside and Valley Brook cemeteries.

The post Hillside and Valley Brook Cemeteries appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

New York’s rural cemeteries face financial challenges borne of rising costs, changing traditions, general economics, and regulatory policy. The Fund for the Hillside and Valley Brook Cemeteries will offer annual support, starting in 2022, to help these two cemeteries maintain their grounds and meet the needs of the Andover community.

June ACAF Grants Support Students, Libraries, Friendship Historians

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 23:09:00 GMT

(June 2021) The Allegany County Area Foundation approved grants to several local organizations at its June meeting. The recipients are:

Whitesville Public Library was awarded $500 for a special event to kick off their summer programming.

Angelica Free Library received $500 toward masonry repair and restoration on its historic building.

The Town of Friendship was awarded $450 for the town historian to purchase additional copies of the 2015 Bicentennial book, and to have the original transferred to digital media for future use.

The YMCA of Wellsville was awarded $1500 to purchase one-year memberships for 60 local youth.

All these grants were provided through the ACAF’s Allegany Fund, with the YMCA grant also receiving support from the Foundation’s Thomas F. & Laura L. Moogan Family Fund and Norbert Shear Memorial Fund.

The post June ACAF Grants Support Students, Libraries, Friendship Historians appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Family Service Society (FSS) received $550 for a student field trip. FSS runs mentoring programs at three schools in Allegany County and has received ACAF grant support for several years.

New Scholarships Will Serve Allegany County Students

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:42:00 GMT

(June 2021) The Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to announce that generous donors have recently endowed three new scholarships. All will be awarded for the first time during the 2022-2023 academic year and can be applied for through the Foundation’s regular scholarship process (that is, through the Dollars for Scholars system). More info is coming – here’s a summary for now.

The Millicent Friendly Graduate Student Scholarship

The number of local high school graduates going on to graduate or professional (e.g., law school, med school) school after earning their bachelor’s degree has increased, yet most ACAF scholarships do not support students past the BA/BS. This new fund will help to address this gap.

Catherine Schuyler Chapter NYS DAR Scholarship

Our very active and community-minded local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has established a scholarship to support a student pursuing study in history, museum studies, or a related field. Our DAR chapter was established in 1897 and serves Allegany, Steuben, and Cattaraugus counties.

Cuba Council of Churches Scholarship

The Cuba Council of Churches recently moved its scholarship program to ACAF. This award will benefit a Cuba-Rushford Central School senior who is active in his/her church and demonstrates an active and growing Christian life and faith.

Stay tuned for more detailed press releases on these new programs. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about how you can set up a fund to provide a scholarship, or annual grant support to your favorite local non-profit, contact ACAF at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616.

The post New Scholarships Will Serve Allegany County Students appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Cuba and Genesee libraries, GVCS, Wellsville Cemetery Project Benefit from ACAF’s March Grants

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:48:00 GMT

(April 2021) Genesee Library, Genesee Valley Central School, Cuba Circulating Library, and the Wellsville American Legion were approved for grants at the Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) March 24 meeting.

ACAF’s Thomas F. and Laura L. Moogan Family Fund is supporting the Cuba Circulating Library’s Story Walk project with a $327 grant. This creative activity encourages literacy and fitness by posting pages from a children’s book along an accessible, walkable path.

The Genesee Library will use a $1000 grant to purchase a storage shed, necessitated by having to plan more outdoor activities, and to move indoor activities outside, in the interest of social distancing. This support came from ACAF’s Allegany Fund.

The Allegany Fund is also supporting Genesee Valley Central School’s plans to host a free Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic with a $1500 grant (see www.ramusa.org for more information). Slated for October 2021, RAM has the potential to see 400-500 visitors; ACAF’s donation will help GVCS provide for the 200 or so volunteers that will staff the event.

‘Our local organizations are very proactive and flexible in identifying and meeting community needs. These grant requests are good examples of that approach’, notes ACAF Executive Director Bruce Campbell, ‘and we are really pleased to support them.’

The Allegany, Moogan, and Christian Funds are all endowed, such that they can help to fund activities like these annually. If you’d like to know how to establish a fund, or to contribute to these or another existing fund, please contact ACAF executive director Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org

Founded in 1983, and with an endowment of $11.5M, the Allegany County Area Foundation supports the county through over 50 endowed scholarship and grant funds.

The post Cuba and Genesee libraries, GVCS, Wellsville Cemetery Project Benefit from ACAF’s March Grants appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Foundation’s Robert Christian Fund, which supports activities related to local history, will provide $429 to the American Legion Riders Post 702 for its efforts to clean up and restore Wellsville’s Nathaniel Johnson Cemetery. The 400 persons interred in this historic site include more than two dozen veterans, including some who served in the Civil War and the War of 1812.

Barbie Ludden Scholarship

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:04:00 GMT

(March 2021) The Cuba Central School Class of 1981 has created a scholarship with the Allegany County Area Foundation to honor friend and classmate Barbie Ludden, who tragically lost her life in August 2020, a victim of domestic violence.  This scholarship will be available to a senior graduating from Cuba -Rushford Central School who will be pursuing a career in a medical field.

Barbie was a certified pharmacy technician and worked for the Seneca Nation Health System. Throughout her career, she developed lasting friendships with her co-worker and she always made it a point to go above and beyond for her patients.

Barbie was an active member of the Cuba AmVets Post #1. She volunteered for many fundraising events throughout the year, giving her time, energy, and infectious smile. Barbie will be remembered for how she dedicated her life to helping others.

The recipient of this scholarship should embrace the values that drove Barbie in her life – a desire to make the world a better place, integrity, and above all, kindness. Barbie, along with her beloved father Charles, emphasized the importance of education, as they were unable to pursue it for themselves. This scholarship will be used to help a student with demonstrated financial need reach their full potential through education.

The scholarship was first awarded in the Spring of 2021.

The post Barbie Ludden Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Barbie was a classmate that was loved by all; she was kind, caring, and exemplified the type of person we should all strive to be. She was adored by her family and friends who she loved fiercely. Her daughter, Cristy Botens, was quoted as saying, “I would not be the person I am today without my mom’s unconditional love, her care, and her unending compassion and support.”

Next Grant Application Deadline is December 10

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:45:00 GMT

(September 2022) Grant seekers wishing to be considered at ACAF’s fall Grant Committee meeting should submit their application materials by mid-day Monday, September 12. See the grant pages of this website for more information or contact ACAF at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616.

The post Next Grant Application Deadline is December 10 appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Scholarship Update

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:28:00 GMT

(April 2021) ACAF’s slate of scholarship recipients for the 2021-2022 academic year has been reviewed and approved by our board of directors. All applicants will notified of their status by email by April 19, with recipients receiving scholarships specifics by US Mail shortly after.

The post Scholarship Update appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

December 2020 Grants Boost Food Program, Local Agencies

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:22:00 GMT

(January 2021) ACCORD Corporation, the Division of Social Services, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Fillmore Strong Food Program are among the organizations and efforts that benefitted from the most recent Allegany County Area Foundation grants.

The Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired received a grant to replace its aging computer, which is used for record keeping, client service, and communication with clients and funders. This grant was provided through ACAF’s Shear Fund.

The Foundation’s Shop With A Cop Fund boosted two efforts to brighten the holidays for children and families, providing grants for ACCORD’s Community Angels Holiday Assistance Program and the Division of Social Services Foster Care Christmas Party.

Both of these efforts provided gifts to families. Local law enforcement generously assisted Foster Care Party organizers with gift delivery and setting up drive through distribution. The SWAC Fund was started in 2019 by the SWAC committee when the long-standing SWAC program in Wellsville ended (with the closing of Kmart). The fund focuses on supporting kids during the holiday season and continues to enjoy strong community support, including a generous annual donation from the Allegany County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

Run with the support of the Fillmore Wesleyan Church, the Fillmore Strong food program prepares and delivers ready-to-eat meals across northern Allegany County to individuals in need who cannot easily access other means of food support.

The Fatherhood Connection is a new ACCORD program being offered in collaboration with the Allegany County Division of Social Services, Cattaraugus Community Action, ProAction of Steuben and Yates counties and the University of Buffalo. The Connection offers support, information and training to any parenting father, or father figure, and explores a variety of important topics, including child development, communication, anger management, blended families, legal matters, healthy relationships, and discipline vs punishment. For more information about the Fatherhood Connection, contact ACCORD at 585-268-7605.

Support for the Fillmore Strong and Fatherhood Connection activities came from ACAF’s Allegany Fund.

The post December 2020 Grants Boost Food Program, Local Agencies appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

New Fund Supports Pioneer Oil Museum, Honors Allegany County Judge James Euken

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 21:22:00 GMT

(Nov. 2020) A donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has established a fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation for the benefit of the Pioneer Oil Museum (POM) in Bolivar. This gift, made in memory of the late Allegany County Judge James Euken, will provide an annual grant to the POMs facilities and operations.

The museum preserves a history that Judge Euken treasured, going back to his high school summers working on a pipeline. “Although he loved his career as a lawyer, District Attorney and judge’” the donor recalls, “his passion was his work with oil men. He loved walking in the woods where old oil rigs remained, he loved the maps and the leases and the “get rich” and “go bust” stories of oil prospectors.”

The donor and Mr. Lounsberry, both acquainted with Judge Euken, remember him as ‘a kind and polite gentleman, the kind of man you tried to emulate …highly respected.’ They agree that this fund benefitting the Oil Museum is a fitting tribute.

The Fund’s creator notes “Allegany County has established as its brand Western New York Wild, and there is no wilder nor woollier saga than the history of the oil business … no matter how good the geographic charts, the deals and the percentages, it was all about hunches and luck and the machinery not breaking down … I’d be glad if other friends of Jim might support the museum, which seeks to preserve this industry’s huge position in our county’s history. Oil men love to tell the tales of liquid gold, and I’d like them to know how much Jim valued their friendship and how much I have been entertained by his retelling of their stories.”

Interested persons can support the oil museum directly or contribute to this newly endowed fund. Contact ACAF at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org for more information.

The post New Fund Supports Pioneer Oil Museum, Honors Allegany County Judge James Euken appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Museum volunteer and board member Kelly Lounsberry notes that the museum is grateful for this assistance. “Being a small non-profit, funds such as this are vital to both our existence and the ability of the museum to improve and grow in the future.” Indeed, the museum has completed several projects recently, including the restoration of the marker at the site of O. P. Taylor’s historic Triangle #1 well and setting up a replica nitroglycerin factory. They are now on the lookout for vintage oil field engines that could potentially be returned to operating condition.

ACAF Announces September Grants

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 13:33:00 GMT

(Oct. 2020) The Allegany County Area Foundation selected the Family Service Society, Inc. (FSS) and the Independence Emergency Squad (IES) for $1000 each in grant support at its September meeting. The grants were made out of ACAF’s Allegany Fund, an endowment that helps Allegany County non-profits.

Corning-based FSS runs youth mentoring programs at Genesee Valley and Whitesville central schools. This year FSS is introducing an Extracurricular Enrichment component to these efforts. Focused on fun, learning, and exploration, the enrichment program will offer classes in art, aviation (through the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center), and science (with Tanglewood Nature Center). These classes are currently being held online but will return to the school setting once on-site afterschool programing is permitted.

Research has consistently shown that students that participate in mentoring programs like these become more confident and are more likely to stay in school and less likely to engage in substance abuse and other negative behaviors. ACAF has supported these mentoring programs for the past several years.

The Independence Emergency Squad (IES) grant helps with replacement of the IES/Whitesville Fire Department sign board. “Our old sign has served the community well for many years.” Noted IES Captain Dennis Graves. “A new sign will allow multiple announcements at one time and emergency notifications would be more visible.” “This new electronic sign board will benefit the area and help the Emergency Squad and Fire Department in the important work they do,” says ACAF director Bruce Campbell. “IES and the WFD did a great job coming up with funds for this project. ACAF is glad to be a part. And we really appreciate the creative thank you!” In addition to emergency and IES/WFD messages, the sign displays general local announcements, notices from schools, non-profits, etc. The electronic sign will be up and running in early to mid-winter.

The post ACAF Announces September Grants appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Mentoring Programs, Emergency Squad Benefit From ACAF Grants

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:57:00 GMT

Corning-based FSS runs youth mentoring programs at Genesee Valley and Whitesville central schools. This year FSS is introducing an Extracurricular Enrichment comp

onent to these efforts. Focused on fun, learning, and exploration, the enrichment program will offer classes in art, aviation (through the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center), and science (with Tanglewood Nature Center). These classes are currently being held online but will return to the school setting once on-site afterschool programing is permitted.

The post Mentoring Programs, Emergency Squad Benefit From ACAF Grants appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Update on United Way, ACAF Community Relief Effort

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 17:36:00 GMT

(Sept. 2020 update) With the Coronavirus pandemic creating significant economic disruption in our area, the Allegany County Area Foundation and Allegany County United Way created Community Relief Funds (CRF) and a shared grant application and review process to streamline support for local organizations that are assisting county residents. To date, over $24000 has been awarded with recipients including:

Alfred State College Food Pantry – for support of ASC students that experience food insecurity.

Fillmore Strong Food Program – run in cooperation with the Fillmore Wesleyan Church, this program makes and delivers ready made meals to persons unable to access other meal services due to age, disability, and transportation issues.

Cornell Cooperative Extension – For the CCE/Clover 4H program that provides substantial food boxes to farm families (active and retired) throughout Allegany County during this especially busy season.

Cuba Cultural Center – for the CCC’s Backpack (weekend food) Program serving 175 children from the Cuba-Rushford, Friendship and Belfast school districts.

Allegany County Historical Society – for equipment needed for the preservation of significant historical documents. Like many nonprofits, ACHS was unable to undertake its usual fundraising activities.

Hart Comfort House (hospice) – for equipment and supplies needed in order to reopen under NY State pandemic guidelines.

Genesee Library – for its activity kits for school-aged kids.

Salvation Army – support for food programs.

YMCA Wellsville – Two grants. First, for the Shepherding program, which actively reaches out to residents county wide and helps to take care of needs identified through this contact. More recently, ACAF/ACUW provided funds to support families that need access to the Y’s after school/child care program but are unable to afford the fees.

Allegany County Libraries – this summer, CRFs reviewed applications from two libraries seeking help with the unplanned expense of reopening in line with CDC guidelines. Knowing the important services provided by our local libraries, and that these reopening expenses would be experienced by all of them, the grant committee decided to provide support to all 17 Allegany County libraries.

The shared grant committee includes the directors and two board members from ACUW and ACAF. Once a grant is approved the organization directors determine the funding specifics. Each organization brought existing resources to this effort; these funds have been buoyed by generous community donations.

‘The shared grantmaking process has worked well’ AFAF Executive Director Bruce Campbell reports. ‘It’s been great working with our colleagues at the United Way to support the county in this time of unusual need. We are really grateful for the support we’ve received from individuals and businesses around Allegany County.’

‘We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with ACAF on this fund, and for the support we continue to receive from community members and businesses alike. Coretta Scott King once said “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members” and I think that rings true now, more than ever,” added ACUW Director Mandi Joyce-Phelps.

Grant applications are still being accepted. The ACAF website has more information and a link to the grant application. Bruce Campbell ( director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616) and Mandi Phelps ( mandi.phelps@acuw.com or 585-593-0020) are available to answer any questions.

The post Update on United Way, ACAF Community Relief Effort appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

March ACAF Grants

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:37:00 GMT

(April 2020) In March, the Grant Committee of the Allegany County Area Foundation approved $500 grants to the Fillmore Central School PTO for its backpack food program operated in conjunction with the Houghton Wesleyan Church, and the Wellsville YMCA to help with child care costs for essential workers for whom school closings have created a financial burden.

The grant committee opted to defer grants other grant applications so as to preserve funds to address emerging needs created by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The post March ACAF Grants appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

CARES Act and Charitable Giving

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:27:00 GMT

The CARES Act includes provisions that incentivize donors to make charitable contributions that can help non-profits during this pandemic crisis.

Donors can make an above-the-line deduction for contributions of up to $300 that are made to certain qualifying charities. All taxpayers are eligible for this deduction, including those who use the standard deduction. For the small percentage of those who itemize, the act suspends the normal limit on contributions for 2020, which is 50% adjusted gross income (AGI) for individuals.

For corporations, AGI is increased from 10% to 25%. Corporations can also deduct 25% of food donations.

The post CARES Act and Charitable Giving appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Where can I send a donation or request additional information?

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:52:00 GMT

Here are the addresses and contacts for the ACUW and ACAF

United Way of Allegany County
PO Box 15
103 N Main St., Suite 3
Wellsville, NY 14895
Mandi Phelps
Mandi.phelps@acuw.com
585-593-0020

Allegany County Area Foundation
Crossroads Center
6087 State Route 19
Belmont, NY 14813
Bruce Campbell
director@acafny.org
585-296-5616

The post Where can I send a donation or request additional information? appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 03:23:00 GMT

The post appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Should I give to this Fund instead of making other donations?

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 19:16:00 GMT

The Community Support Fund is not intended to be the primary vehicle for local support but rather to enhance effectiveness for donors (in terms of UWAC and ACAF understanding local needs) and coordination for UWAC and ACAF as grant providers.

This is a challenging time for many county residents and for the nonprofit organizations that have benefited from your giving in the past. Many have had to cancel annual fundraising events, so we encourage you to please continue to give to organizations you regularly support. If you are in a position to do so, now is the time increase your community giving.

The post Should I give to this Fund instead of making other donations? appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a specific grantee?

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 19:15:00 GMT

We are not considering restricted donations to the Community Relief Fund.

The post I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a specific grantee? appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

A Message from the Foundation

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:33:00 GMT

The Coronavirus has created an unprecedented, combined public health and economic crisis. The Foundation is functioning during these times and is accessible via phone or email. Our scholarship and grant processes are being handled differently but are uninterrupted.

Here is information related to some questions we’ve been getting:

Economic Situation
ACAF’s staff and board, through its Investment Committee, are monitoring the economic situation and are in touch regularly with our investment manager, Vanguard. Their advice amid this turbulence remains to ‘stay the course’ with our investment plan rather than making changes. We will continue to be watchful and in contact with Vanguard.

Grants and Scholarships
The Foundation’s budget for grants and scholarships is based on a percentage of assets averaged over the most recent 20 quarters. This approach is intended to help even out the effects of market swings, such as we are experiencing now. By ACAF policy, the amounts for 2020-2021-year awards were established in January. Accordingly, the current decline will have minimal impact on grant and scholarship awards made this spring.

Helping the Community
Allegany County officials, agencies, and non-profits are in regular communication as we collectively work to understand what the current and emerging needs are as created by the Coronavirus situation. As we learn where help is needed (and what we can do) we will share that information on our Facebook page and website.

The post A Message from the Foundation appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Scholarship Update March 27

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 19:36:00 GMT

Our scholarship process is underway, with selection teams reviewing applications now and into next week. Because this committee was not able to meet in person the process will take a little longer than usual, but we anticipate notifying applicants of their status within the first 10 days of April.

Note that the May 17 scholarship event planned for scholarship recipients has been cancelled.

The post Scholarship Update March 27 appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

ACAF Announces December Grants

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:06:00 GMT

(Jan. 2020) In December, the Grant Committee of the Allegany County Area Foundation approved grant support for the following non-profit organizations (fund from which the grant was made is also shown):

Alfred Box of Books Library – for the Money As You Grow Bookshelf (financial literacy materials for young families). Allegany Fund $600.

Allegany County Association for the Blind – Support for spring 2020 amblyopia screening in Allegany County pre-k classrooms. Allegany Fund $400.

Allegany County Department of Social Services – For the Foster Care Christmas Party. Wellsville Shop With A Cop Fund $500.

Boy Scouts of America Allegheny Highlands Council – To offset for 30+ campers from Allegany County the sudden increase in 2020 BSA summer camp fees. Allegany Fund $800.

Friendship-Nile Historical Society – For renovations related to turning a recently-donated building into a home for the Society’s collections. Robert Christian Fund & Allegany Fund $500.

Scio FBLA Toys for Tots – To help the Scio FBLA in its efforts to provide food and holiday gifts for children and families in need. Allegany Fund $500.

The post ACAF Announces December Grants appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Shop With A Cop Grant Supports Foster Care Christmas Party

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:41:00 GMT

(Dec. 2019) When the Wellsville Kmart closed in March of this year, it effectively ended the local Shop With A Cop (SWAC) program. This summer, the SWAC Committee used its remaining resources to set up an endowed fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation. The fund’s objective is to carry on the SWAC ideals – enhancing the holiday season for kids while also giving them a positive interaction with law enforcement personnel.

Held December 9 in Cuba, the party, according to DSS Homefinder Caseworker and party organizer Jennifer Bigelow, saw a record number of children, parents, foster parents, relative caregivers, and DSS staff attend. Approximately 70 children received a gift from Santa. Also on hand to help were over a dozen officers from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department, Cuba and Wellsville PDs, and Amity-based State Troopers. Ms. Bigelow reports “we were excited to have law enforcement attend and donate their time. They frosted cookies with children and families, helped Santa hand out gifts, and served approximately 150 people a hot meal and dessert.”

In addition to food and gifts, party highlights included a bounce house, a DJ to play holiday themed music, and a photo back drop for family portraits that were printed on site. The Grinch even showed up to entertain.

Ms. Bigelow noted her appreciation for those that made the party possible – host Cuba VFW, Otis Eastern, individual donors, volunteers, Assembly of God Church (which provided the meal), Xi Alpha Omicron sorority, and community members that contributed children’s gifts.

The post Shop With A Cop Grant Supports Foster Care Christmas Party appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The first-ever grant ($500) from this new Wellsville Shop With A Cop Fund was awarded this month to the Allegany County Department of Social Services in support of its annual Foster Care Christmas Party. This event brings together children in foster care, their parents and siblings and foster parents.

Deputy Sheriffs Support Shop With A Cop Program

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:34:00 GMT

The department’s annual Beard for Bucks program permits officers to grow beards for hunting season provided they make a donate to the department’s charitable efforts. This year’s BFB program resulted in a recent $1400 gift to the Allegany County Area Foundation’s Shop With A Cop Fund. The accompanying photo shows ACAF Executive Director Bruce Campbell with Allegany County Sheriff Rick Whitney and officers of the sheriff’s department.

“We really appreciate the generosity of the sheriff’s department has shown to the Shop With A Cop program.” Campbell notes, “generosity with resources in making donations like this and generosity with their time participating in the activities the fund supports, like the recent Foster care Christmas Party.”

The post Deputy Sheriffs Support Shop With A Cop Program appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

(January 2020) The Allegany County Sheriff’s Department continues its tradition of supporting the local Shop With A Cop program.

Scholarship Will Help Wellsville Area Homeschoolers

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 00:58:00 GMT

(January 2020) New York and Pennsylvania current and future college students who have pursued their high school studies through the Wellsville Area Homeschoolers (WAH) organization may benefit from a new scholarship established with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF).

Funded by an anonymous donor, the Wellsville Area Homeschoolers scholarship will annually assist up to five students pursuing a two- or four-year degree, or a trade or technical credential. College-bound seniors and current college students that complete at least 50% of their secondary school program as a part of the WAH Group may apply through the ACAF website (scholarships tab).Contact the Foundation’s executive director Bruce Campbell at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616 with questions.

The ACAF scholarship application deadline is February 3rd. The initial recipients will be chosen this spring for 2020-2021 school year awards. Academics, financial need and community involvement will the primary scholarship criteria. Students may re-apply for the scholarship through completion of a bachelor’s degree.

The post Scholarship Will Help Wellsville Area Homeschoolers appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

New Scholarship Honors Carl Atwell, Serves Andover Students

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 00:43:00 GMT

(Jan. 2020) The Carl Atwell Memorial Scholarship has been established to benefit an Andover Central School senior who demonstrates a record of athletic and community involvement, and who will be pursuing college or military service. The first recipient will be selected this spring for a 2020-2021 school year award.

Carl Atwell was raised on a dairy farm in Andover. An outstanding athlete, he excelled in soccer, basketball, and baseball at Andover Central School – from which he graduated in 1953. Following his marriage to Corinne Hyland, he served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957, and then Carl and Corinne returned to Andover to raise their family (Jeanne, Eileen, Pat, and Suzy). Carl had a successful career at Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, retiring in 1999 as assistant plant manager. He passed away on August 4, 2019.

Teresa Joyce, who, along with her mother and siblings organized the scholarship effort, remembers her uncle as a loyal friend to many, an avid sports fan, and as a man who deeply loved his family, church, and community.

The post New Scholarship Honors Carl Atwell, Serves Andover Students appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Andover seniors should apply through the regular ACAF/Dollars for Scholars application, which is used for all ACAF scholarships. Links to the application may be found on the Foundation’s web and Facebook pages. The deadline is February 3rd.

ACAF Scholarship Timeline

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 21:32:00 GMT

Our scholarship application is now closed. Volunteers are presently evaluating the applications online. The scholarship committee will meet the third week of March for its review and selection. Applicants will be notified of their status in late March or early April.

The post ACAF Scholarship Timeline appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Deputy Sheriffs Entrust Scholarship Program to ACAF

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 23:16:00 GMT

(Dec. 2019) The Allegany County Deputy Sheriffs Association (ACDSA) and Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) have teamed up in managing the Deputy Sheriff’s Association (ACDSA) scholarship program. This scholarship supports students preparing for any career though those pursuing law enforcement will receive priority. The scholarship is open to high school seniors in Allegany County school districts. Seven $500 awards are offered annually, and are given in memory of officers Dan Barkley, Richard Burdick, Cory Dieter, Kevin Elliott, Fred Grusendorf, Wilbur “Webb” Palmer, and Derek Ward.

The scholarships are funded through the proceeds of the annual Dan Barkley Basketball Showcase. This popular tournament brings Allegany and Steuben county boys and girls varsity teams together in a unique cross-county competition.

Students can apply for an ACDSA scholarship through the Foundation’s regular scholarship process. The online application may be found via the scholarship tab on the ACAF website and is active now through February 3rd. The Allegany County Area Foundation is part of the Dollars for Scholars program.

“The Foundation has a blind review process, online application and a lot of experience managing scholarships,” says Correction Officer Corporal Matthew Tronetti. “They were a preferred choice for us as we looked for ways to streamline our scholarship process. “

The post Deputy Sheriffs Entrust Scholarship Program to ACAF appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

ACAF Grant Benefits Pioneer Oil Museum

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 23:13:00 GMT

(Oct 2019) The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a $1000 grant to the Pioneer Oil Museum. This support came from ACAF’s Allegany Fund, which supports a variety of Allegany County non-profit organizations

In addition to the Main Street center, the Pioneer Oil Museum owns the nearby former Hahn & Schaffner Complex and the former Pittsburg, Shawmut and Northern Railroad depot. The Museum has renovated its Shaner and Joyce Exhibition Buildings, which between them house a collection of historic oil field equipment, a section of an old powerhouse, and a collection of soon-to-be-working equipment from the Bolivar and Bradford oil fields.

“The history of Allegany County and the oil industry are on display at the Pioneer Oil Museum,” notes ACAF executive director Bruce Campbell. “The Foundation is really pleased to support this project.”

The post ACAF Grant Benefits Pioneer Oil Museum appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Foundation funds were used to help pay for the museum’s timeline display ‘Oil! Gushers and Dusters’ (see photo) which chronicles the history of oil exploration in the state. The display can be found in the museum’s Main Street building, which features a variety of artifacts and photos and has been re-painted and re-organized for an improved visitor experience.

Grant Supports Friendship Library’s Virtual Reality Program

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 23:05:00 GMT

(OCT 2019) The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a grant to the Friendship Free Library for its new virtual reality program. The funds will be used to purchase Oculus Go headsets.

Friendship is among the first libraries in the area to feature Virtual Reality. Ms. Hill hopes that as the VR program becomes established there may be enough interest to warrant teen and adult activities.

The post Grant Supports Friendship Library’s Virtual Reality Program appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

This Tinker VR activity, which will serve 4th – 8th graders, has been created in collaboration with Friendship Central School’s after-school program. Library director Michelle Hill believes this can spark student interest in VR and all it can offer “from traveling, team activities, puzzles and brainteasers to travelling around the globe and seeing many of the world’s natural wonders.”

Van Dines Honored through Grant Fund

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 22:12:00 GMT

(Nov. 2019) The Ken & Judi Van Dine Christian Service Grant has been established by the Grace United Church family and friends of the Van Dines to honor their strong Christian commitment, 50+ years of service to their church and community, and their mission work in Haiti.

A long-time, Wellsville ophthalmologist, Dr. Van Dine and Judi, a registered nurse, first went to Haiti on a medical mission in 1985 at the invitation of a medical colleague, serving in the Central Highlands village of Pignon. Ken and Judi returned to Haiti many times over the next 20 years, developing significant know-how in addressing poverty, with a focus on education and development initiatives. Their greatest desire with this grant is to support and encourage young people interested in missions to adopt a similar focus.

The Van Dines’ son Neil has been a full-time missionary in Haiti for 30 years and is a highly qualified mentor to individuals serving in developing nations.

The grant will provide support for persons preparing for a short-term missionary experience that focuses on development efforts, with priority given to those serving in Haiti (other locations overseas and domestic will be considered). For more information, contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org.

The post Van Dines Honored through Grant Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Foundation Funds Support Local Libraries

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 20:11:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented grants to the Andover, Friendship, and Scio libraries. This support came from designated funds – endowments that have been set up for the benefit of these specific organizations.

Scio Memorial Library receives annual support from the Hydramec Fund, Friendship Free Library from the Susan Foster Myers Fund, and the Andover Free Library from the Doris O. Church Fund and the Fund for the Andover Free Library. The latter was established last year, and this marks the first distribution from this new endowment.

The libraries use this annual assistance for collections, facilities and programming. Echoing sentiments shared by all three library directors, Friendship’s Michelle Hill notes “We are always grateful when the community remembers their local libraries.”

With almost 10 million dollars in assets, ACAF manages a variety of funds and welcomes gifts, which are tax-deductible, including memorials for friends and loved ones. Interested in contributing to this fund, or in establishing a scholarship or community grant fund? If so, contact Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org

The post Foundation Funds Support Local Libraries appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

March 2020 Grant Deadline

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 02:02:00 GMT

(Dec. 2019) The ACAF Grant Committee will meet in mid-March. Organizations seeking grants should have complete materials submitted by Friday March 6th. The application can be obtained through this website, or by contacting ACAF at director@acafny.org.

The post March 2020 Grant Deadline appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Scholarship Application is Now Open

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 02:13:00 GMT

The ACAF Dollars for Scholars scholarship applications for the 2020-2021 school year opened on Monday, November 4th. Applications can be completed online. Check under the Scholarships tab of this web site for application information and links.

The post Scholarship Application is Now Open appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

New Fund Will Support Whitesville Cemetery

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 17:16:00 GMT

(Sept. 2019) A beautiful setting that serves as the resting place for its community’s founders and generations of beloved citizens, and a spot where many local residents take a peaceful walk, the Whitesville Cemetery faces the challenges common to many rural cemeteries – fewer burials, expansive grounds, and keeping up with costs for regular maintenance and upkeep.

Working with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF), Whitesville native Elton Harris has established a fund that will provide annual assistance to the Cemetery – to supplement the Cemetery Association’s own resources. The Lester and Dorotha Harris Fund for the Whitesville Rural Cemetery honors Mr. Harris’ parents while helping to keep the cemetery a beautiful, well-kept place for remembrance and for Whitesville citizens to walk.

Lester and Dorotha Harris were well-known in the community through their maple syrup production and involvement in numerous civic organizations, including the Grange, 4-H, and the historical society.
The first distribution to the Cemetery Association will be made in summer 2021. Interested persons may contribute to this fund through the Foundation.

With assets of $10 million, ACAF manages over 50 scholarship and grant funds. If you would like to donate to an existing fund, or establish a fund to support students or your community, contact Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org Donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

The post New Fund Will Support Whitesville Cemetery appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Shop With a Cop Tradition to continue with ACAF

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 19:38:00 GMT

(Sept. 2019) Founded in 1992 by Steve Havey, then manager of the Wellsville Kmart store, the local Shop With a Cop program was a popular holiday tradition, brightening the season for disadvantaged children while giving them a positive interaction with law enforcement. In fact, Havey notes, “through the 26 years that Shop With A Cop was a physical presence at Christmas time, over 2500 at-risk kids had the experience of a better Christmas and a new friend in uniform.”

The effort enjoyed community support that Havey describes as inspirational, with participation from virtually all Allegany County police agencies and numerous volunteers, and regular donations-including those from the Allegany County Deputy Sheriffs’ Beards for Bucks program.

With Kmart’s closing ending the program as it had been functioning, Havey recalls, “The Shop With a Cop committee looked at the various options available to us to continue the mission and the Allegany County Area Foundation checked all our boxes. If we cannot physically run the program, this is a wonderful alternative.”
Through the Foundation, the committee has used its remaining resources to create the Wellsville Shop With a Cop Fund. This will provide at least one annual holiday season grant to an Allegany County organization for programing to help disadvantaged kids. The fund can continue to receive donations through ACAF, and as it grows grants will increase in number and/or in size.

The first grant will be made late this fall. Interested organizations should contact ACAF at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616.

The post Shop With a Cop Tradition to continue with ACAF appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Kelley Scholarship Supports Genesee Valley and Fillmore students

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 12:16:00 GMT

(Sept. 2019) The family of Leonard and Margaret Kelley has established a scholarship with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF). The award will go to a Fillmore or Genesee Valley central school graduate who will be attending St. Bonaventure University or a SUNY college or university. ACAF anticipates awarding the first scholarship in the spring of 2021.

The post Kelley Scholarship Supports Genesee Valley and Fillmore students appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Leonard Kelley owned and operated a dairy farm in West Almond. He attended St. Bonaventure University. Margaret Kelley was a SUNY Albany alumna and served for many years as English teacher and librarian at Angelica Central School. The Kelleys valued higher education, and their children and extended family are proud to honor them by creating the Leonard and Margaret Kelley Memorial Scholarship.

ACAF Aids in Historic Newspaper Preservation

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 22:13:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a grant to the Bolivar Library to assist with efforts to digitize its collection of Allegany County Democrat newspapers.

The library’s collection spans the years 1874-1963 (with the exception of 1909 – 1923). Digitization is underway; the ACAF grant will help finish the project. Once it’s complete, interested persons may access the papers via CD at the library.

‘This a really interesting project that can benefit a variety of persons and communities.’ Reports ACAF Executive Director Bruce Campbell. ‘The Foundation is really pleased to participate in it.’

In addition to the Democrats, the library has 70+ years’ worth (1892 – 1956) of another local paper, The Bolivar Breeze. These are indexed, and exist now in hard copy and on microfilm. The library would like to eventually have these digitized, too.

The post ACAF Aids in Historic Newspaper Preservation appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Published from 1867 – 1965 (initially as the Allegany Democrat) and with the tagline Fearless and Independent (see photo), the papers offer a look at happenings around the county and insight into local social and economic history. Library trustee Kelly Lounsberry notes that the papers will be a great resource for genealogists, teachers, town historians, and anyone researching the development of Allegany County.

Alfred Farmers Market Receives ACAF Grant

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 15:24:00 GMT

Earlier this summer, the Allegany County Area Foundation awarded the Alfred Farmers Market a grant of $500 to support the Market’s Family Activities Tent. This award came out of ACAF’s Allegany Fund, through which the Foundation assists non-profit organizations all around the county.

Founded in 2010 and open Sundays from 11am-3pm, the Farmer’s Market has quickly become a popular Alfred tradition. The Foundation grant allowed AFM board member/tent coordinator Allecia Brutsman to purchase new materials and supplies.

The Family Tent program features a variety of hands on, educational and nature-related activities. While kid-centered, the tent has proven to be of interest to adults and really serves entire families. Ten to fifteen visitors stop in on a typical Sunday – with many more on AFM festival days.

Ms. Brutsman reports that the expanded curriculum has been well received. “People look forward to it’, she notes, “it’s been good for the community.” Her engaging programming has also caught the attention of nearby communities – which have contacted her, expressing interest in creating a similar space for their events.

The post Alfred Farmers Market Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

ACAF Grant Boosts Belmont Library Project

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 02:52:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented the Belmont Free Library with a check for $750 for use in a project to renovate the library building’s second floor.

Founded with forty volumes in 1885 and at home in its distinctive ‘flatiron’ building since 1904, the library is a Belmont landmark. Local history suggests that the library construction was funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie. For decades the building’s spacious second floor served as a local gathering place – hosting dinners, meetings, dances, and celebrations.

This grant was provided through the Foundation’s Allegany Fund endowment, which assists local non-profit as they serve and build their communities.

With assets of $9.5M, ACAF manages over fifty scholarship and grant funds. If you would like to donate to one of these funds, or establish a fund to support students or your community contact the foundation’s executive director, Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org Donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

Pictured above: left to right: Library trustee/treasurer Barb Zlomek, Librarian Carrie Jefferds, Librarian, secretary/trustee Pat Schmelzer, and Library Assistant Caroline Mapes

The post ACAF Grant Boosts Belmont Library Project appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Over time, other uses took priority and communal use faded. This project is returning the second floor to a practical community gathering space, while also bringing back more of its original look. The ACAF grant will be used for the purchase of a refrigerator necessary for hosting large groups.

ACAF Helps to Fund Genesee Library’s Youth Enjoyment Spaces

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 02:39:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently awarded $1000 to the Genesee Library (Little Genesee) for the creation of dedicated Youth Enjoyment Spaces. These funds have already been put to good use, creating kid-friendly areas and activities through the purchase of furniture, a ‘Fishing for Literacy’ carpet (see photo) and storage units.

The library has recently been approved as a summer lunch distribution site, through which a greater number of area children and families will become aware of all the library offers, including the Youth Enjoyment Spaces.
Bruce Campbell, Executive Director of the Foundation notes that good things are happening at the library. “The Genesee Library is doing a lot to expand its service to the community; we’re really glad that we can contribute to that effort.’

For more information about the library, including the lunch program, call 585-928-1915.

The post ACAF Helps to Fund Genesee Library’s Youth Enjoyment Spaces appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Spaces, which are up and running, have been well-received. ‘The new sections in the library are wonderful and I can’t thank you enough for selecting us’ reports librarian Raeanne Smith. ‘We are so proud of what we are becoming.’

ACAF Helps Bring Professional Theater to Wellsville

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 01:53:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently provided a $900 grant to bring Shakespeare’s As You Like It to Allegany County. This free performance, by innovative professional theater company Shake on the Lake and tweaked slightly for a modern audience and casual outdoor venue, will be held on Monday, August 5th @ 6:30 p.m. on the Lawn of the David A. Howe Public Library.

Wellsville resident Kathryn Ross saw a SOTL production last year and worked to bring them to the county. “I sent letters to all the arts organizations and service clubs and several came through.” Along with ACAF, Ross notes, support came from The Wellsville Rotary, David A. Howe Library, the Lions Club, the Allegany Arts Association, and several individual donors

Shake on the Lake (www.skaeonthelake.org) is a Perry, NY-based organization that brings professional quality theater and arts education to rural communities and underserved populations, including the incarcerated, in a five county area. Check out the SOTL website for more information.

Performance information: Monday, August 5th @ 6:30 p.m. at the David A. Howe Library. Free to the public.
With assets of $9.5 million, ACAF manages over 50 scholarship and grant funds. If you would like to donate to one of these funds, or establish a fund to support students or your community, contact Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org Donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

The post ACAF Helps Bring Professional Theater to Wellsville appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

ACAF Grant Supports Cornell Cooperative Extension’s FLAVOR Project

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 01:39:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a $600 grant to the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Allegany County office, for the development of a 20-C (Commercial) kitchen. This new kitchen is part of the FLAVOR project, which promises to benefit Allegany County citizens in several ways.

In addition to serving students, the FLAVOR project will work with a variety of area non-profits and the agricultural community, including farmer’s markets. The upgraded facility will also offer Allegany County CCE the opportunity to host regional 4-H and ENFEP activities.

This grant was made through the Foundation’s Allegany Fund, which assists non-profit organizations that serve Allegany County residents. With assets of $9.2M, ACAF manages several dozen scholarship and grant funds.

If you would like to know how you can donate to or establish a fund that supports students or your community, contact the foundation’s executive director, Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org

Pictured above: CCE Executive Director Laura Hunsberger and ACAF Executive Director Bruce Campbell

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The post ACAF Grant Supports Cornell Cooperative Extension’s FLAVOR Project appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Expected to be in place by fall, the CCE’s commercial kitchen will allow for new and increased programing. CCE Executive Director Laura Hunsberger cites expansion of their Food and Nutrition Education program (EFNEP), which promotes healthy eating and nutritional literacy, as a primary benefit. Additional youth programs through 4-H and new classes in things like food science and safety, food processing, and cooking and canning will also be possible.

ACAF Contributes to Almond Park Project

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:38:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation has awarded $1000 to Alfred-Almond Community Sports Associates for the construction of the Greg Norton Memorial Park in the village of Almond.

The park project includes basketball and multi-purpose courts, a well-equipped playground area, seating, security features, and a pavilion. “At present” notes AACSA committee member Dan Hegarty, “there is no playground within the Almond Village. This will provide children with a safe place to play.” AACSA, which will look after and maintain the park, has managed local youth sports leagues for many years.

With assets of $9.5M, ACAF manages several dozen scholarship and grant funds. If you would like to know how you can establish a fund to support students or your community, contact the foundation’s executive director, Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616.

The post ACAF Contributes to Almond Park Project appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Grant Recipients 2018-2019

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:26:00 GMT

The following organizations received grants in the 2018 – 2019 year from ACAF’s Allegany Fund*. This endowment is unrestricted, allowing the ACAF Grant Committee to assist a variety of organizations and projects. The next grant application review will take place in mid-September.

Alfred-Almond Community Sports Associates
Alfred Farmer’s Market, Inc.
Allegany County Historical Society*
Allegany County Mental Health Assn (Compeer)
Belmont Free Library
Bolivar Free Library
Canaseraga Central School
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County
David A. Howe Public Library
Family Service Society (Formerly called the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program)
Genesee Library
Hart Comfort House
Shake on the Lake
Southern Tier Traveling Teacher
Wellsville Montessori School
Wide Awake Club (Fillmore Library)

*The historical society grant was from ACAF’s Bob Christian Fund. This supports local history and, like the Allegany Fund, gives ACAF discretion in the distribution of funds.

The post Grant Recipients 2018-2019 appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

New Fund will Support Andover Free Library

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:03:00 GMT

(Jan. 2019) Established by Andover native Robert Grossman, the Fund for The Andover Free Library will provide annual support for the library’s collections, operations and facility.

Bob’s appreciation for the library is derived in part from his friendship with Andover’s long-time librarian, Rema Baker. “I visited her weekly all during my college years”, he recalls. “Rema had me culling books in the library for many months and I became very knowledgeable of the library.”

Andover Library Director Linda Adams notes that private support like this is vital to small public libraries, and “always put to great use. It helps keep the collection up to date, and the doors open. It’s awesome when people from Andover who have relocated still remember the community.”

Donations to the Fund for The Andover Free Library are tax deductible and can be directed to the Allegany County Area Foundation at 6087 State RD 19N, Belmont NY 14813.

The post New Fund will Support Andover Free Library appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

A 1956 graduate of Andover Central School, Bob earned a degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University, while working part-time at Vars’ Pharmacy. He then entered the US Army (2LT Armor) where he served for 21 years, including two tours in Viet Nam and several years in Washington DC. Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Bob joined United Services Life Insurance Company, from which he retired as Vice-President of Marketing. Along the way, he earned a master’s degree and CLU and ChFC credentials.

New Scholarship will help Friendship, Genesee Valley students

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 18:41:00 GMT

(Nov. 2018) Family, friends and coworkers of the late Penny Jo Hooker-Cavanaugh have established the Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship with the Allegany County Area Foundation. Honoring Penny’s memory, the award will go to a Friendship and/or Genesee Valley Central School senior who has overcome adversity and is planning to pursue college or a trade or technical school course of study. ACAF anticipates awarding the first Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship in the spring of 2020.

Donations to the Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship can be directed to the Allegany County Area Foundation at 6087 State RD 19N, Belmont NY 14813.

The post New Scholarship will help Friendship, Genesee Valley students appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Raised in Angelica and graduated from the former Angelica Central School, Penny lived a life of service to others, both in her work and in the community. Many came to know her through her involvement the Friendship House Community Center. She also participated in FCS’s Merry Little Christmas and was a founding organizer for the Allegany County Breakfast with Santa activities through Literacy West, NY Inc. A single mother of four, Penny was familiar with challenge and perseverance, and used her experience and insight to support others.

ACAF Grant Supports Youth Mentoring Programs

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:23:00 GMT

Programs serve Whitesville and Genesee Valley students

According to FSS Youth Services Director Mike Foster, the grant will be used for a mural project at Genesee Valley, and also to fund pottery classes at Whitesville. “Genesee Valley used last year’s funding for pottery classes, and the children loved it” Foster noted. “We wanted to give Whitesville students that same opportunity. Both programs,” he added “will use the funding for yoga classes. This is a brand new opportunity for our youth to learn important coping skills and relaxation techniques.”

The GVCS and WCS mentoring programs are expected to serve 20 and 40 students, respectively. Participants and high school student mentors are identified through GVS/WCS faculty and staff recommendations. Ms. Erica Grantier serves as coordinator for both sites.

Family Service Society is now affiliated with the New York State Mentoring Program (formerly affiliation with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program). Research has demonstrated that students involved in a mentoring program are more confident and caring, and significantly less likely to fight, skip school, or abuse drugs or alcohol.

Pictured (L to R): Bruce Campbell and Erica Grantier (Allegany County Program Coordinator).

The post ACAF Grant Supports Youth Mentoring Programs appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) recently presented a grant of $850 to Family Service Society to support the agency’s youth mentoring programs at Genesee Valley and Whitesville Central Schools. This award came about through the foundation’s Allegany Fund – an endowment that supports a variety of local projects each year.

Andover and Scio Libraries Benefit from ACAF Grants

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 18:02:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented grants to the Andover and Scio Free Libraries. Both organizations benefit from funds established with the foundation for their benefit; the Hydramec Fund (Scio) and the Doris O. Church Fund (Andover). The Foundation holds and invests these endowments, with the earnings providing annual support.

The Andover and Scio libraries, founded in 1898 and 1906, respectively, continue a long tradition of vital service to the public, embracing new technologies to support a variety of programs for children, families and the broader community.

Both libraries are open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. See their web sites for hours. The Scio Library is directed by Sue Moyer, while Linda Adams heads up the Andover Library. Interestingly, the current Andover Library building was funded by a 1911 gift from industrialist Andrew Carnegie.

The post Andover and Scio Libraries Benefit from ACAF Grants appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Andover will use its grant for programing, while Scio board member Carolyn Miller noted that its grant funds will likely be devoted to a floor replacement project. Donations to the Church and Hydramec funds are tax deductible.

New Scholarship Supports Wellsville’s Aspiring Teachers

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 17:05:00 GMT

(Nov. 2018) Thanks to the generosity of retired teacher Anne McAndrew, Wellsville’s future educators will get some extra financial support as they prepare for the teaching profession. Working with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF), Anne has established the Anne McAndrew Teaching Scholarship. Recipients will be selected on the basis of academics, recommendations and overall potential to become an outstanding teacher, with priority for those planning to teach at the elementary level. The award may be renewed for up to four years, and through ACAF’s membership in Dollars for Scholars will be matched by some colleges.

For Anne, the scholarship is an acknowledgement of the teachers that inspired her interest in the field, and a way for her to encourage and assist a WCS graduate with an interest in the career she so enjoyed. “As a teacher” she notes, “I experienced the satisfaction, joys and challenges of being part of the learning of and growth of students. I wanted to create a scholarship that would assist a Wellsville graduate in pursuit of a teaching degree.”

Anne devoted almost thirty-five years to Wellsville Schools, twenty-four and a half of those teaching grades 3-6 – spending the most years in 5th grade; she also served for ten years as district wide reading supervisor

A graduate of Andover Central School, Anne earned her bachelor’s degree at Buffalo State College, and her master’s degree at SUNY Geneseo. She completed her school administrator credential through St. Bonaventure.

Wellsville seniors take note – you may apply for this award through the ACAF scholarship application found here on this web site.

The post New Scholarship Supports Wellsville’s Aspiring Teachers appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Scholarship Application ACAF Dollars for Scholars

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 14:17:00 GMT

Scholarship Application Opens November 1

The application to the Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars scholarship program will go live on November 1. The deadline for application submission is January 31, 2019. The application can be found at the link below. Click on the Students & Parents tab and then on the CLICK to LOGIN in the center of the page to start the application. Contact ACAF if you have questions about the process.

Scholarship Application

The post Scholarship Application ACAF Dollars for Scholars appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Scholarship Application Opens November 1.

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:17:00 GMT

The application for the Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars scholarship program opens on November 1. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2019. The application can be found at the link below. Click on the Students & Parents tab and then on the CLICK to LOGIN in the center of the page to start the application. Contact ACAF if you have questions about the process.

Scholarship Application

The post Scholarship Application Opens November 1. appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

ACAF Grant supports Friendship Free Library

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 18:36:00 GMT

Friendship – The Allegany County Area Foundation recently awarded a $266.86 grant to the Friendship Free Library. Founded in 1897, the library serves 5000-6000 individuals annually. Library Director Michelle Hill reports that the money will be used to update the library’s collection of holiday themed books and DVDs.

With 9.4 million dollars in assets, the Allegany County Area Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that encourages education and social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County. The Foundation manages a variety of funds and welcomes gifts, which are tax-deductible, including memorials for friends and loved ones. For more information please contact Bruce Campbell at: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org or call 585-296-5616.

The post ACAF Grant supports Friendship Free Library appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

This grant was made possible from the earnings of the Susan Foster Myers Memorial Endowment Fund, which was established in 2014 by Alan W. Myers as a memorial to his late wife. Susan was a devoted community volunteer, serving the Cub Scouts, town and county government and devoting ten years as library board president. The endowment provides annual support for the library’s operations and programs.

The Allegany County Area Foundation Names New Director

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 18:47:00 GMT

Bruce Campbell of Houghton, NY has accepted the position as the new Executive Director of the Allegany County Area Foundation. Campbell replaces Denis Dahlgren who has moved to the Syracuse area to be closer to his family.

For the last 10 years Bruce has served as the director of graduate admissions at St. Bonaventure University. He obtained a Master of Arts degree in Behavior Science at Kean College in Union, NJ and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Houghton College.

His community involvement includes working with the Fillmore Little League at different times since 1993. He has also been involved with the Genesee Rapids Summer Collegiate Baseball League since 2014.

Bruce Campbell’s ACAF phone number will be 585-296-5616 . His e-mail address is: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 9.5 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact Bruce Campbell.

In the picture: Lori Dzielski, ACAF Board President and Bruce Campbell, new ACAF Executive Director

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The post The Allegany County Area Foundation Names New Director appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Bruce has been a resident of the area for 27 years. His wife Denise works as a pre-k teacher at the Fillmore Central School. They have three children: Rob, Ryan and Joshua.

Shirley J. Weatherly Memorial Grant Fund

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:44:00 GMT

(Sept. 2018) Trudy Capitani was instrumental in creating the

Shirley J. Weatherly Memorial Grant Fund

This fund will provide financial support for students with a physical disability graduating from the Cuba-Rushford High School.

Shirley J. Weatherly passed away in 2017 in Horseheads, NY. Born on November 22, 1954 in Cuba, NY she was the daughter of Kenneth and Neva Benham Weatherly. Shirley worked for Chemung County BOCES in the accounting Department. She enjoyed reading, going to plays and especially enjoyed her family and her cats. Her family and friends will remember her as a hard worker, and how she never let her physical disability stop her from achieving her goals.

The post Shirley J. Weatherly Memorial Grant Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Shirley J. Weatherly Memorial Grant Application is available online or applicants may contact: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

Scio Central School Receives ACAF Grant for Swim Program

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:59:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation, recently presented a check for $1,500 to the Scio Central School. This grant money will help support a summer swim program for the students attending the Scio Central School.

Cristy McKinley, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, has been working closely with the YMCA and district personnel to set up the Scio summer swim program. This program will promote the development of swimming as a life skill. More information on this program will be provided by the school once the details have been finalized.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 9.4 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will here in our county, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or visit their web site at https://alleganycountyareafoundation.org/ .

The post Scio Central School Receives ACAF Grant for Swim Program appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

In the attached picture (L to R):

Cristy McKinley, Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Scio and Leslie Haggstrom, ACAF board member.

Leadership Allegany Receives ACAF Grant

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 13:17:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently awarded a $600 grant to Leadership Allegany. This money will be used to sponsor a participant in the Leadership Allegany Program. On hand to accept the award was Laura Hunsberger, a participant in the current Leadership Allegany cohort. Laura is the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County.

Leadership Allegany is a joint initiative of Houghton College, The Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, and Alfred State College. The program, established in 2009, provides a dynamic learning environment where adult professionals who live, work or have a vested interest in Allegany County grow their leadership abilities, create connections, and impact their communities. Participants meet two times a month for ten months, including a full-day opening retreat.

Industry days provide participants with an in-depth, insider’s view of Allegany County industries through the professionals who lead them – including government, the judicial system, manufacturing, agriculture, and many more. They engage in site tours, hear from speakers, and enjoy panel discussions.
Curriculum sessions challenge participants to dig deep into their leadership values using the Social Model for Leadership, developed by the Higher Education Research Institute of UCLA. They begin by exploring their own personal strengths, moving gradually from the self to small group engagement to community impact.

Participants work in small groups throughout the year to plan an industry day and conduct a community service project that supports individuals or service organizations in the county. Participants also write a personal leadership development plan.
For more information about Leadership Allegany please visit their web site at: http://www.leadershipalleganyny.org . They can also be reached at: 585-567-9621.

For more information about the Allegany County Area Foundation, please send an email to director@acafny.org or call 585-296-5616. Their next grant deadline is on August 30th, and their grant application is available online.

The post Leadership Allegany Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

In the picture (L to R):

Laura Hunsberger, a participant in the current Leadership Allegany cohort and Denis Dahlgren, executive director of the Allegany County Area Foundation.

Cuba Circulating Library Receives ACAF Grant

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 23:35:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently awarded a $340 grant from the  Thomas F. and Laura L. Moogan Family Fund to the Cuba Circulating Library. The grant money will be used to help fund an early literacy program to benefit the Cuba community.

The kits will provide information about the library and the services that it offers along with best practices for building literacy skills in their children. The early literacy kits will also contain a re-usable bag, literacy information, and a book for their personal library.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets over 9.4 million dollars and continues to add new funds each year. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of our Allegany County citizens. If you would like more information on how you can provide a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444.

The Foundation’s next grant deadline is August 30, 2018. The online application can be found at: www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org.

In the attached Cuba Library picture (L to R): Trisia Young, Cuba Circulating Library Board Member, and Denis Dahlgren, ACAF Executive Director.

The post Cuba Circulating Library Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Marsha Long, a trustee on the Cuba Circulating Library Board, said that their library will coordinate with a local pediatrician to distribute early literacy kits to 75 newborns and 75 kits to one year olds. This program will allow them to reach out to parents and juvenile readers long before preschool age. It will also encourage the families to attend the library and participate in library services.

Alfred Montessori School Receives ACAF Grant

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 19:32:00 GMT

The Alfred Montessori School recently received $800.00 to help them improve the security of their building. This grant money will be used to help them purchase a new lockset and key fobs for their front entrance. Back in 2016 the school had made an investment for the health and safety of their children, staff and families by securing their rear entrance. Now both entrances will have a secure access.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 9.4 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or send an e-mail to: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org

In the attached check presentation picture (L to R): Denis Dahlgren, Executive Director of the Allegany County Area Foundation and Judith Rose, director of the Alfred Montessori School.

The post Alfred Montessori School Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Alfred Montessori School is located on South Main Street in Alfred. They offer programs for: infants (6 weeks – 18 months), toddlers (18 – 36 months), preschool (3 – 6 years) and after school (5-12 years). For more information about the Alfred Montessori School please visit their web site at: www.alfredmontessori.com

The Allegany County Historical Society Receives ACAF Grant

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 14:05:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a $1,000 grant to the Allegany County Historical Society. This grant money will be used to help support their Allegany County History Awareness Week Program scheduled for the last week in September of 2018.   The money came from the Bob Christian Fund and the Allegany Fund.

Tentatively, the activities will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 24 ^th at the David A. Howe Library in Wellsville. Exhibits will be open at the library Tuesday through Saturday. To complement the exhibits and explain their significance, there will also be guest speakers at the library Tuesday – Friday in the evenings.

The week will conclude on Sunday, September 30 ^th at the Palmer Opera House in Cuba with first person enactments of local historical personalities related to this year’s themes.

More details and definite times will be announced as the even gets closer.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 9 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or e-mail Denis Dahlgren at: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org.

In the attached picture (L to R): William Heaney, Chairman-Allegany History Awareness Committee (ACHS); Lee Gridley, Vice President of ACHS; Ronald G. Taylor, President of ACHS; David Haggstrom, Member of ACHS Committee; and Denis Dahlgren ACAF Executive Director.

The post The Allegany County Historical Society Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

This year the Allegany County History Awareness week will have three themes: the End of World War I, World War II and Women’s Workforce and the Homefront. This year’s activities are being organized in collaboration with local historical societies, town historians, veterans’ organizations and others.

Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:21:00 GMT

(Feb. 2018) The Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of the Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund. This fund becomes one of 34 scholarship funds managed by the Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars Program.

Leslie Newland Thomas was born in 1962 in Rochester, New York; but grew up in Wellsville, New York. Leslie attended Wellsville Central School, graduating in 1981. She played bass in the Wellsville High School orchestra and her love of music became firmly grounded within those walls. She attended SUNY Potsdam, then graduated from Bowie State College.

Leslie began teaching at Thomas G Pullen School for the Creative Arts Maryland, inheriting a strings program that had seen five teachers in 10 years. During her time there, she elevated Pullen’s musical profile and student involvement, even adding a second orchestra. Leslie inspired hundreds of Prince George’s County students into a love of classical music. Under her guidance, Pullen’s young musicians regularly took top awards at local, state and regional music competitions. In addition to her teaching, Leslie volunteered for many organizations and was on a board at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

Leslie loved music, reading, gardening and spending time with her family including her husband Brian and two daughters, Cassidy and Jamie. She was talented, creative, and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. She had a great passion for her work and family.

If you would like to support this fund, please visit https://www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org/donate to make a donation. If you would like more information on how you can create a scholarship fund or a community grant fund to honor a loved one, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-296-5616 or send an email to director@acafny.org .

The post Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship has been established by the family and friends of Leslie Newland Thomas who passed away in 2006. This scholarship fund will benefit students/graduates of Wellsville High School, with preference given to those pursuing a degree in Music Education and/or Teaching. Commitment to community, volunteering; and involvement in musical activities are additional award criteria.

YEAR-END-GIVING…..Remember Us!

Tue, 26 Dec 2017 20:07:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation is a non-profit organization that manages donations and their earnings totaling more than $9 million and uses the proceeds from those funds to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County. The Foundation awards scholarships to individuals and grants to community organizations. It also helps organizations secure their futures by managing endowment funds and ensures that individuals’ desires for a legacy come to fruition by administering funds to benefit the areas or organizations they specify. Donate online at: http://alleganycountyareafoundation.org/make-a-donation/

The post YEAR-END-GIVING…..Remember Us! appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

A Bridge to the Future….

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:03:00 GMT

A Bridge to the Future—What does that mean to you? For me it means the Allegany County Area Foundation. The Foundation is that bridge between those who have the means and those who have a need.

In the case of the Foundation, sometimes it’s a bridge to get a student a much needed scholarship. Sometimes it’s an organization trying to implement a program getting them to the right grant. And sometimes it is the bridge that helps a family find a perfect way to remember someone they lost. We have many bridges and any of our staff and Board of Directors will be happy to show you where to look.

So whether you are the one with the means or the one with the need, please come check us out. You can visit our office at Crossroads, 6087 State Route 19N, Belmont, NY or our website WWW.ALLEGANYCOUNTYAREAFOUNDATION.ORG to learn about our grants and scholarships. You may just find the Bridge to the future you’re looking for.

With deepest regards, Lori Dzielski ACAF Board President

For more information e-mail: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org or call 585-808-8444.

Support the Allegany County Area Foundation with your year end giving!

The post A Bridge to the Future…. appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Bridges come in all shapes and sizes. Some bridges you barely notice and yet others are large works of art. They help you get across crevices you may not be able to cross otherwise. There beautiful bridges throughout our County, you just need to know where to look.

Fund Created by the Friends of the Allegany Arc

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:58:00 GMT

(Dec. 2017) The Friends of the Allegany Arc have created a new endowment fund at the Allegany County Area Foundation. The annual earnings from this fund will be used to fund the new Joseph Damiano Memorial Direct Support Professional of the Year Award.

To nominate an individual for the Joseph Damiano Memorial Direct Support Professional of the Year Award the nominee must provide direct support, supervision and assistance to a person with an intellectual or other developmental disability living in Allegany County, New York, and served by Allegany Arc. The nominee must also be a current member of Allegany Arc. Nomination forms will be available on the Allegany Arc web site at: https://alleganyarc.org . The first recipient of this award will be recognized at the Allegany Arc’s Annual Membership Dinner in May of 2018.

Those who would like to contrbute to this new fund may donate online ( by selecting the Joseph Damiano Memorial Direct Support Professional of the Year Award Fund on the pull down menu) or make a check payable to: The Allegany County Area Foundation, 6087 State Route 19N, Ste. 180, Belmont. NY 14813. Please write : The Joseph Damiano Fund on the memo line.

If you would like more information on how you can create a scholarship fund or a community grant fund to honor a loved one in our county, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or send an e-mail to: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

In the picture: Joseph Damiano

The post Fund Created by the Friends of the Allegany Arc appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

This new award has been created in memory of Joseph Damiano, whose Direct Support Professionals enriched both his life, as well as his family’s, by demonstrating an exemplary level of performance over the course of their relationship and consistently demonstrating commitment to improving the quality of Joseph’s life. When Joseph passed away in 1984, Direct Support and Community Resources for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities were still in their infancy. He would be gratified by the professionalism and support that are available today. Through this award the Friends of the Arc will acknowledge the invaluable work of a direct support professional who provides services within Allegany County, New York, and consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment in providing supports to people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Art for Rural America Receives ACAF Grant for GreenSpace Project

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 18:43:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently awarded a $720 grant to Art for Rural America. This non-profit organization plans to build a new green space in an empty lot in Wellsville where the old Fassett hotel was located which is next to the former Pizza Hut building. They are calling this project the, “The Fassett GreenSpace”.

The plans are to transform the vacant lot into a sculpture park for the public to explore as urban meditation. It will include a large-scale concrete meditation labyrinth created with 3 foot wide by 16 inch tall rounded garden beds. There will be a 3 foot wide path between the garden beds.

Art for Rural America envisions that The Fassett GreenSpace will become more than just a set of raised vegetable beds. It will be an outdoor classroom for local schools and adult programs, a tool to combat food insecurity for local residents, and a showcase of resilience, creativity, and collaboration within Allegany
County.

The plans for this project are to start construction in April with a completion date some time in May. If you would like to support this project, you can mail a check to: Art for Rural America, 130 Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

In the attached check presentation picture (L to R): Denis Dahlgren, ACAF Executive Director; Elaine Hardman, Art for Rural America Board Member; Cassandra Bull, President of Art for Rural America and Andrew Harris, Art for Rural America Board Member.

The post Art for Rural America Receives ACAF Grant for GreenSpace Project appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The National Eczema Association Receives ACAF Grant

Sun, 20 Aug 2017 22:43:00 GMT

This year the NEA focus continues to be:

For more information about the National Eczema Association please visit their web site at: https://nationaleczema.org .

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 8 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or visit their web site at: www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

The post The National Eczema Association Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Richburg-Wirt Historical Society Receives Bartoo Grant

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 14:04:00 GMT

Beatrice Bartoo was born in Olean in 1919, and graduated from the Richburg Central School. She graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo with a degree in library science and a master’s degree in education. She went on to become a school librarian for Bolivar until her retirement in 1976.

The Richburg-Wirt Historical Society Museum is located at 243 Main Street in Richburg, NY. For more information about the museum please call 585-928-9478. The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 8.5 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will here in our county, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or e-mail: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

In the picture (L to R): Lori Dzielski, ACAF Board President; Lee Johnston, RWHS Trustee, Melanie Johnston, RWHS President; Laura Manners, RWHS Trustee; Dick Baker, RWHS Museum and Denis Dahlgren, ACAF Executive Director.

The post Richburg-Wirt Historical Society Receives Bartoo Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Alfred Montessori School Receives Grant

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 17:47:00 GMT

AMS was founded in 1983 by two Alfred University professors who wanted to create a rich educational pre-school program for their own young children. Since its inception, the school has provided a strong foundation of learning and care for our community’s children. We are more than a daycare. When you chose us, you chose to invest in your child’s education and development.

The success of any Montessori School, but especially AMS, is very dependent on parents’ involvement. We are a non-profit organization, and the school’s operation relies on family and community support. We encourage you to become involved with your child’s program, supporting the educational and social experiences, and sharing in the joys and satisfactions the child experiences in his or her own learning. Plan to attend parent-teacher conferences, fund-raising activities, and any other events. We have always maintained an open door policy and invite you to come to observe your child often. You will discover much more about what your child is learning by observing.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 8.5 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or send an e-mail to: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

In the attached check presentation picture (L to R): Judith Rose, director of the Alfred Montessori School and Dawn Wildrick-Cole, ACAF Board Member.

The post The Alfred Montessori School Receives Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Mikayla Rix Receives Scholarship America® Dollars for Scholars’ Student Volunteer Award

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 16:00:00 GMT

During the past four years in high school, Mikayla has also participated in many community service activities including: teaching Karate, helping with St. Mary’s Church Events, Cuba Little League Events, Cuba Youth Football Events, Blue Devils Basketball, Single Tree Ranch, United Way Drives, Cuba Rod & Gun Club Events, School Lock-Ins, Karen Landcastle Cancer Corner, New Hudson Fire Department Events, Youth Court, CRCS Outdoors Fisheries and Wildlife Events and Cub Scouts.

Denis Dahlgren, Executive Director of the Allegany County Area Foundation, stated, “Mikayla Rix plans to attend Hibert College in the fall and is planning to pursue a degree in criminal justice. We wish her much success!”

“On behalf of Scholarship America, we are honored to be able to award such a talented and giving young woman with this scholarship,” said Robert C. Ballard, president and CEO of Scholarship America. Mikayla Rix embodies exactly what Scholarship America and our Dollars for Scholars program is about—serving communities at a grassroots level to improve the lives of local citizens from the ground up.”

The Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars Program
The Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars Program recently awarded a total of $247,500 to 124 recipients from across Allegany County. The recipients were chosen through a blind selection process from a pool of 248 applicants including both high school seniors and current college students. The online application process will open up again on this November 1, 2017 for the 2018-2019 academic year at: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org . Call 585-808-8444 for more information.

About Scholarship America
For 60 years, Scholarship America has worked directly with students, parents, donors, colleges, businesses and communities to empower people to achieve their educational goals. As the nation’s largest private education support organization, having distributed over $3.7 billion to more than 2.3 million students, Scholarship America is now working to further engage the private sector to support programs and policies that advance equity in postsecondary education and help students overcome barriers to access, persistence and attainment. More information is available at www.scholarshipamerica.org .

The post Mikayla Rix Receives Scholarship America® Dollars for Scholars’ Student Volunteer Award appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Next Generation Youth Center Receives ACAF Grant

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 19:16:00 GMT

The mission of The Next Generation Youth Center (TNGYC) is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where teens can come learn and be afforded the opportunity for personal development through the provisions that enhance life skills, self-motivation and self-image. The center offers free homework help to Teen Center members. Additionally, the Teen Center hosts a variety of social, academic, and recreational activities, such as tournaments, movie nights, tutoring, and more. They also have a number of amenities that will keep their visitors busy including: computers, foosball, large flat screen TV’s, a ping pong table, a pool table, air hockey, and video games.

In the check presentationpicture (L to R): Carlos Barksdale – executive director; Heidi Barksdale, secretary; Hannah Burch, youth board member; TayLee Grimes, student advisor and Denis Dahlgren, ACAF Executive Director.

The post The Next Generation Youth Center Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Next Generation Youth Center in Cuba, NY recently received a grant check for $500.00 from the Allegany Endowment Fund which is managed by the Allegany County Area Foundation. Carlos Barksdale (executive director of the center) said, “This grant money will be used to help purchase a computer to be used by the youth who attend.”

he youth center is located at 24 East Main Street in Cuba. Please visit their web site at

http://www.thenextgenerationyouthcenter.com to learn more about the youth center.

The Whitesville Library Receives ACAF Moogan Grant

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 14:18:00 GMT

Karen M. Smith, library director, stated, “This grant money will be used to bring Moreland the Magician to their summer reading program to perform for children of all ages on July 24 ^th . Moreland will share the importance of reading and the library using magic and stories.”

The Whitesville Public Library will be hosting summer programming for all ages, preschool through adult. Some of our Build A Better World programs include making clay glasses taught by Marsha VanVlack, jewelry fun with Kristin Vossler-Wigent and building a quilt with Ruth Benson. They will also have weekly programs throughout the summer.

The Whitesville Public Library first opened in 1923 on Main Street in Lincoln Hall. After several relocations over the years the library moved to its current location in 1996. To learn more about this library please visit their web site at: www.whitesvillelibrary.org .

In the attached check presentation picture (L to R): Karen M. Smith, library director and Denis Dahlgren, ACAF Executive Director.

The post The Whitesville Library Receives ACAF Moogan Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Ardent Solutions Receives ACAF Grant Money

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 21:55:00 GMT

The Allegany County Heroin and Opioid Abuse Ad-Hoc has worked diligently to identify community needs, current resources, and opportunities for advancing local efforts. This grant award will engage one of the most important allies in the war against opioid abuse, pharmacists.

“Evidence-based teaching and training for medical professionals on opioid addiction prevention can help bridge the gap in knowledge and practice for those in the medical field; including pharmacists,” explained Carrie Whitwood, Executive Director at Ardent Solutions, Inc. “According to the National Safety Council, nearly half of opioid painkiller users are unaware that these drugs are as addictive as heroin and may be a gateway to illicit drug use and abuse.”

Collaborating with the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, this funding will assist in providing the most up-to-date knowledge and skills training to area pharmacists around the topics of the increased use of prescription opioids, strategies to minimize abuse and misuse, and the pharmacist’s role in preventing misuse and abuse.

“The Allegany County Heroin and Opioid Abuse Ad-Hoc Committee will be inviting pharmacists to the training scheduled for late summer. If pharmacists are interested in registering now, they may contact Helen Evans at 585-593-5223, ext. 1011,” continued Whitwood.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 8.5 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or visit their web site at: www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

In the picture: Carrie Whitwood, Executive Director at Ardent Solutions, Inc. & Denis Dahlgren, Executive Director of the Allegany County Area Foundation.

The post Ardent Solutions Receives ACAF Grant Money appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a $1,000 check to Ardent Solutions to help combat the opioid and heroin crisis in Allegany County. This grant will support the efforts of the Allegany County Heroin and Opioid Abuse Ad-Hoc Committee whose mission is to influence, support and secure resources for communities, organizations, and individuals impacted by addiction. The purpose is to ensure that appropriate prevention, treatment, and recovery assets are available to all Allegany County residents while advancing policy and enforcement efforts at the local, state and federal level.

The Cuba Circulating Library Receives ACAF Grant

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:14:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets over 8.5 million dollars and continues to add new funds each year. The endowed fund continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of our Allegany County citizens. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444.

In the picture (L to R): Denis Dahlgren, ACAF Executive Director; Leah Weber, Cuba Library Director; Tina Dalton, Children’s Coordinator and Karen Williams ACAF Board Member.

The post The Cuba Circulating Library Receives ACAF Grant appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently awarded a $500 grant to the Cuba Circulating Library to help them improve their “Tween” seating area. The grant money will be used to help purchase a new area rug, some floor rocker chairs, and a few throw pillows. This will help provide a new seating area for the children ages 9 – 12.

Tina Dalton, Youth Services Coordinator at the library said, “The library will be more well suited to serve the recreational needs of students, while providing a welcoming place that supports students’ interests and appreciation of reading and learning. The new seating space will also allow the library to bring people and information together in a comfortable atmosphere.”

The Cuba Circulating Library has served the Cuba community since 1872. It is open:

Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 pm; and on Saturday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. For more information please visit their web site at: www.cubalibrary.org

Scholarships Awarded from The ACAF Dollars for Scholars Program

Tue, 23 May 2017 17:48:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars manages thirty different scholarships. This year two different scholarships were awarded for the first time. They were the Ann Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship and the Betty Embser Wattenberg Community Service Scholarship.

Heather Haas, a current senior at the Cuba Rushford Central School, received the first Ann Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship. She recognized Mr. Josh Tompkins for having a great influence on her high school career.

Sydney Sisson, a current senior at the Wellsville High School, recieved the first Betty Embser Wattenberg Community Service Scholarship. She recognized Mrs. Bev Sweet for having a great influence on her high school career.

The Foundation wishes to thank all of its donors who make this event possible each year! Your are welcome to view our complete list of our 2017 scholarship recipients .

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 8.5 million dollars. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can provided a legacy of hope and good will in our community, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or send an e-mail to: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

The post Scholarships Awarded from The ACAF Dollars for Scholars Program appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

On May 21st 124 recipients from across Allegany County were awarded a total of $247,500 from the Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars Program. These recipients were chosen from a total of 248 applicants who plan to attend college in the fall. Of the total number of recipients 54% were current high school seniors while the other 46% were already attending college.

ACAF Scholarship Program on May 21, 2017

Sat, 20 May 2017 18:35:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars Program will host its annual Scholarship Program on Sunday, May 21st. This program will be held at the Genesee Valley Central School at 3:00pm. All recipients should report to the gymnasium at 2:40pm for a group picture. The public is invited to attend this program. There will be dessert reception immediately following the program.

The post ACAF Scholarship Program on May 21, 2017 appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

This year 124 recipients will be awarded a total of $247,500.00. We greatly appreciate all of our donors who make this event possible each year! (The picture shows our 2016 recipients.)

Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program

Sun, 08 Jan 2017 19:31:00 GMT

Visit their web site to learn more!

The post Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Betty Embser Wattenberg Scholarship Recognizes Service

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 22:42:00 GMT

WELLSVILLE – A Wellsville High School senior will have the opportunity to be awarded a scholarship created in memory of the WHS Class of 1966 student voted as “Most Admired.”

The “Betty Embser Wattenberg Community Service Scholarship Fund” honors Elizabeth “Betty” Embser Wattenberg, of Wellsville, who passed away in March. The Scholarship Fund has been established through the Allegany County Area Foundation, Inc. by Betty’s husband, Mark, and son, Brendan, WHS Class of ’02. It will be awarded to a senior aspiring to become a social worker or in pursuit of a career in community service or healthcare related fields.

“This is going to create a legacy for Betty. Each year, when the scholarship is awarded, people will be reminded of who she was and what she did for people,” said Denis Dahlgren, executive director of the Allegany County Area Foundation, Inc.

The WHS Class of 1966 graduate earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY at Buffalo, a master’s degree in community service administration from Alfred University, and a certificate in health care development from Cornell University. Her career in social work spanned the next four decades, dedicated to improving the quality of life of the elderly and advocating for better emergency medical services and health care for rural populations. Initially employed in the 1970s as an aging specialist staff member of the Allegany County Department of Special Services, Betty was appointed director of the Office for the Aging in 1981.

“I can’t think of Betty without thinking of her vision, passion, and quick wit,” said former OFA Director Kim Toot, Wattenberg’s good friend. “She was always inspiring us to think about the big picture, not just the small details, and how we could develop better programs to serve more people. She was a small person with a heart so big she filled the room. For me, she was a great boss, a good teacher. I learned from her actions, her sense of mission, not just her words.”

Betty Wattenberg also worked as an instructor, organizer and advocate beyond Allegany County, as a clinical instructor at UB School of Medicine, coordinator of the Community Oriented Primary Care project at Cuba Memorial Hospital and as founder and president of Rural Health Services, focusing on programs for volunteer personnel of EMS teams. She worked across the Southern Tier and with the New York State Department of Health, developing partnerships and grant initiatives.

Additionally, she served on the boards of both Jones Memorial Hospital and Wellsville Central School.

The idea for the scholarship to honor Betty and her career of service came from Clara Kim, whom Betty had met through the OFA, said Mark Wattenberg. While a medical student at SUNY Buffalo, Kim served a summer internship in Allegany County at the OFA.

“I consider Betty to have had the strongest influence of anyone I have ever known on the doctor I am today,” said Kim. “She just had her finger on the pulse of everything. Her care for people was unparalleled. She could find a way to get even the quietest person to speak volumes, and never stopped thinking about what could be done, and then what more could be done. She always kept it really human.”

While a high school student, Betty participated in numerous activities, including yearbook, the school newspaper, student government, the speech and debate team, dramatics and won first prizes at both the local and county level in the American Legion Speaking Contest. Classmates remember her as “always having a smile on her face” and having “a spirit that just made people feel good about themselves.” Dahlgren added, “We’d like to see more scholarships like this. Hopefully this will also inspire more people to do the same.”

The post Betty Embser Wattenberg Scholarship Recognizes Service appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

(Dec. 2016) By Sandy Rigas – Special to The Daily Reporter

The Ann Barwick Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship Created for Lenoir High School

Sun, 11 Sep 2016 23:09:00 GMT

The recipients of the Ann Swift Memorial Scholarship must show solid grades and pursuing enroll a nursing degree and be of good character.

Ann was born June 15, 1931 in Honolulu, Hawaii and died September 17, 2014 in Cuba, NY. She was the daughter of Captain Robert Clifton Sarratt, U.S.C.G. and Ann Elizabeth Ruff Sarratt. Ann graduated in 1953 from Duke University.

Two husbands predeceased her: Paul A Barwick of La Grange, N.C. And Paul Goodman of Kinston, N.C. In 2001 she married Ellsworth Swift of Cuba, N.Y. where they resided until her death.

Ann worked for the State of North Carolina at Caswell Developmental Center in Kinston nursing handicapped patients. She loved raising orchids and was a member of the Orchid Society of Kinston. Ann and Paul Barwick owned and operated the La Grange Gazette newspaper for many years.

She was a member of and financial supporter of many conservation organizations including the Nature Conservancy, the Bat Conservation Society, Save the Manatee Society, and the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter.

Ann was a long-time member of the Community Baptist church of La Grange. She was also a prolific blood and platelet donor. In retirement she enjoyed traveling to Europe, the South Pacific, and domestically.

The post The Ann Barwick Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship Created for Lenoir High School appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

(Sept. 2016) Ellsworth Swift of Cuba, NY has recently created a scholarship endowment fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation to honor his wife, Ann Swift, who passed away in 2014. This scholarship will be available graduates of Cuba-Rushford Central School and to graduates of the Lenoir (NC) High School.

Fund Helps People with Eczema

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 14:26:00 GMT

(July 2016) The Jonathan A. Dahlgren Eczema Fund has been established at the Allegany County Area Foundation by the family of Denis and Colleen Dahlgren. The earnings from this endowment fund will benefit the National Eczema Association (NEA) to help them carry out their mission. This organization is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 to improve the health and quality of life for individuals with eczema through research, support, and education.

“We were looking for a way to remember our son that would help people who suffer from severe eczema as Jon did. Being able to help others with this disease year after year seemed like a perfect way to honor our son,” Denis Dahlgren said. “We encourage other families who face the constant challenges of eczema to seek help from the National Eczema Association.” More information about the NEA can be found on their web site at: www.nationaleczema.org.

Throughout his whole life, Jon had suffered from very severe eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that is suffered by 10% to 20% of the world’s population. Jon lived with the challenges of constant, unbearable itching, scabbing, visible rashes on his body and even bleeding. There is currently no cure for this condition, although there are treatments that may help to alleviate the itchy symptoms.

Jonathan A. Dahlgren will be remembered by his family and friends as a very kind and caring young man. At the age of 26, Jon died on October 5, 2011 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle/pedestrian accident. At the time, he was living in Syracuse while searching for his career job.

Many will remember Jon as an avid sports fan, forever loyal to the St. Bonaventure Bonnies and the Buffalo Bills. He played volleyball and tennis while in high school and enjoyed many wonderful vacations with his family on the water in Northern New York. Jon was also a member of the National Honor Society in high school. After Jon graduated from Wellsville High School, he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University.

For more information on how you can create a legacy for a loved one through the Allegany County Area Foundation, please call 585-808-8444 or email director@acafny.org . Please visit our Donate page if you would like to support one of our funds.

The post Fund Helps People with Eczema appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Ann Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship Serves CRCS Grads

Sat, 21 May 2016 17:59:00 GMT

(May 2016) Ellsworth Swift of Cuba, NY created an endowed scholarship fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation to honor his wife, Ann Swift, who passed away in 2014. This scholarship is available to the graduates of the Cuba-Rushford High School and was first awarded in 2017. Mr. Swift set up a similar fund for graduates of Lenoir High School (NC), also administered by the Foundation.

The recipients of the Ann Swift Memorial Scholarship must have at least a 2.5 GPA, enroll in an accredited LVN/LPN or RN Degree program, and show good character, honesty, and motivation.

Ann worked for the State of North Carolina at Caswell Developmental Center in Kinston, NC for several years nursing mentally handicapped patients. She loved raising orchids and was a member of the Orchid Society of Kinston.
In retirement she enjoyed traveling to Europe and to the South Pacific area as well as within the United States. She was active in the First Baptist Church of Cuba and supported of many conservation organizations including the Nature Conservancy, the Bat Conservation Society, Save the Manatee Society, and the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter.

If you would like more information on how you can create a scholarship fund to honor a loved one in our county, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-296-5616 or send an e-mail to: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org.

The post Ann Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship Serves CRCS Grads appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Wellsville Rotary Service Above Self Scholarship

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 13:17:00 GMT

(March 2016) The Wellsville Rotary Service Above Self Scholarship Fund has been managed by the Allegany County Area Foundation since 2016. The program provides college scholarships to WCS graduates who show an exemplary record of community service along with a solid academic record.

This fund was originally created by the Wellsville Rotary back in the 1930’s, and was set up to award scholarships as loans to graduating seniors going on to college. The first such scholarship grant was awarded in 1941. For about the next 25 years the policy was to award a mixture of loans and outright grants. During that period the Rotary Student Loan Committee dispersed about $22,000 to about 50 students. In the 1960’s a policy of grants only was adopted and that continues until the present day – with about $116,000 being awarded to 233 students. In recent years three annual recipients have been selected.

Various Rotarians have administered the fund over the years. Mr. Frank Jensen was chairman of the Scholarship Committee from 1970 until 1990 and was succeeded in the position for 25 years to date by Art Van Tyne.
Current seniors from the Wellsville High School who are planning to attend either a two- or four-year college are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Applicants may apply online for the Wellsville Rotary Club Scholarships through the Allegany County Area Foundation at: www.alleganycountyareafoundation.dollars for scholars.org.

The post Wellsville Rotary Service Above Self Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Wellsville Rotary Club Scholarships to be Managed by ACAF

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 13:34:00 GMT

The Wellsville Rotary Club’s scholarship fund was originally created back in the 1930’s. It was set up to award scholarships as loans to graduating seniors going on to college. The first such scholarship grant, of which there is a record for, was awarded in 1941. For about the next 25 years the policy was to award a mixture of loans and outright grants. During that period the Rotary Student Loan Committee dispersed about $22,000 to about 50 students. Then in the 1960’s a policy of scholarship grants only was adopted and continued until the present day with about $116,000 being awarded to 233 students.

Various Rotarians have administered the fund over the years. Mr. Frank Jensen was chairman of the Scholarship Committee from 1970 until 1990 and was succeeded in the position for 25 years to date by Art Van Tyne.

Current seniors from the Wellsville High School who are planning to attend either a two or four year college are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Applicants may now apply online for the Wellsville Rotary Club Scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year through the Allegany County Area Foundation at: www.alleganycountyareafoundation.dollars for scholars.org . The deadline for all ACAF applications is April 1, 2016. For more information about this scholarship or others managed by the ACAF, please call Denis Dahlgren at 585-808-8444.

In the attached picture (L to R): Marc Woltag, President of the Wellsville Rotary Club and Denis Dahlgren, Executive Director of the Allegany County Area Foundation.

The post Wellsville Rotary Club Scholarships to be Managed by ACAF appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

With the creation of a new endowment fund the Wellsville Rotary Club Scholarships will now be managed by the Allegany County Area Foundation to take advantage of the services that a community foundation can offer. Since 1990 the Allegany County Area Foundation has awarded over 2.6 million in scholarship awards to Allegany County area students.

Kane Family Fund Assists Genesee Valley Graduates

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 20:24:00 GMT

(FEB. 2016) James M. Kane, a longtime teacher at the Belmont/Genesee Valley Central School, created the Kane Family Scholarship, which will benefit the graduates of the Genesee Valley Central High School.

For this scholarship, preference will be given to students who are pursuing a career in finance or education. The recipients must have a high school GPA of at least 2.7 (80%) or a college GPA of 2.5. Also, the recipients must demonstrate a strong work ethic. Applicants may apply online through the ACAF website.

Mr. James M. Kane is a graduate of Belmont Central. After high school he attended the State University of New York at Brockport and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Education from Elmira College. In 1970 James began his teaching career with a year at Corning/Painted Post and then taught for 29 years at the Belmont Central/Genesee Valley Central School. He retired from teaching in 2000. Mr. Kane currently resides in Belmont, NY.

James T. Kane was a graduate of the Belmont Central School. He attended the Bryant and Stratton Business School and the New York State School of Agriculture at Cornell. He then started a 45 year banking career, and he retired from the State Bank of Belmont as Vice-President. Mr. Kane died in 1998.

The post Kane Family Fund Assists Genesee Valley Graduates appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

When asked about the purpose of this new scholarship Mr. Kane stated, “My parents knew, demonstrated, and stressed the value of a good college education. When they were young, not everyone had the opportunity to attend college. They worked long and hard to achieve their goals of earning a college degree. Then they each enjoyed long and fulling careers as a teacher and a banker. When I was to finish high school, my parents encouraged me to find a college that would offer me the best opportunity to achieve my dream. They were always there to encourage, motivate and support me in all my endeavors. Therefore, I am establishing the Kane Family Scholarship in honor of my parents. I hope this scholarship will make it a little easier for a highly-motivated, hard-working graduate to achieve the college degree and job of their dreams.”

Helen B. Kane and James T. Kane were the parents of James M. Kane. Helen graduated from the Addison High School. She earned her teaching certificate from the State University College at Cortland. She taught elementary school at Addison, Scio, and Belmont for 27 Years. She died in 1985.

LETTER FROM FORMER ACAF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 13:54:00 GMT

I graduated from Belfast Central in 2006 as salutatorian of my class. I was able to get a great scholarship to attend SUNY Brockport for nursing. It was through scholarships like the one I received from the Allegany County Area Foundation that I was able to avoid taking out any student loans, as well as cover additional fees such as books, nursing lab fees, etc.

I graduated from SUNY Brockport in 2010 Summa Cum Laude with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Since then I have been working at Strong Memorial Hospital as a nurse, now in the High Risk Labor and Delivery Unit. I am currently continuing my education at St. John Fisher College. I will graduate in December 2015 with my Master’s as a Clinical Nurse Specialist with a Women and Children’s focus.

I currently still reside in Brockport, where I live with my husband Joe Histed (also a native of Allegany County) and our golden retriever Jack! Both of our families still live in Belfast so we visit often and still consider it to be home! We are both very appreciative of where we grew up and the opportunities we were given!

Sincerely,
Tara Histed

The post LETTER FROM FORMER ACAF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Dear Allegany County Area Foundation,

The Angelica Free Library Creates Endowment Fund

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 21:09:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Angelica Free library Endowment Fund. The Board of Trustees of the library has established this fund to accept and generate monies to insure and enhance the growth of library programs and services for the betterment of the Angelica community. This endowment fund provides the opportunity for friends of the library to contribute to the support and renewal of its activities and facilities.

The Angelica Free Library was dedicated in 1900, built with funds given by Clara Higgins Smith in memory of her mother. The library reading and children’s rooms share the main floor space with the Colonial Rooms museum of local artifacts. Upstairs is an assembly hall used for plays and public gatherings.

The Allegany County Area Foundation is a guardian to many local endowment funds. The foundation administers a community grant program where nonprofits can turn to find funding for special projects and programs. It also administers a scholarship program that will award over $250,000 in scholarships this year. The foundation’s funding does not come from a single source, but rather through individual donors who all have one thing in common – they all care about the quality of life in Allegany County.

The Angelica Free Library Board of Trustees encourages people to remember the Library in their wills, trusts, or when they make a charitable donation. If you would like to support the Angelica Free Library Endowment Fund, please visit: www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org and select the donate page or call 585-808-8444 for more information.

The post The Angelica Free Library Creates Endowment Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Lori Dzielski Becomes New ACAF President

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 21:21:00 GMT

Carolyn Miller, out-going president of the Foundation, stated, “ I have had the privilege of serving on the board of this foundation for upwards of twenty years, and what a dedicated and upbeat group it is! It’s my opinion that an exceptional board of directors is made up of long-time members who remember an organization’s history and enthusiastic new members with lots of energy and ideas. I hope to be a part of that former group for a while yet. It has been an honor to serve as president, and I am sure that Lori will find it as fulfilling an experience as I have. ”

Mrs. Dzielski has been a member of the ACAF Board of Directors since 2008. She has served on the foundation’s Investment and Grants committees.

“Serving on the board has been a great experience. I get to interact with so many wonderful people, both on this board and the people we get to help,” said Dzielski. “I am proud to work for an organization that does so much good for so many people throughout Allegany County and surrounding communities. With the two primary goals of grants and scholarships we have a positive influence on a lot of lives. I want to help make sure that continues.”

For the last twenty-five years Dzielski has worked for the Community Bank, NA in Olean, Cuba, Houghton and the Wellsville Branch. Lori is currently the branch manager of the Community Bank on the Bolivar Road in Wellsville. One of her first jobs was with WMNS/WBJZ in Olean.

Dzielski is a graduate of the Leadership Allegany Class of 2014. She also serves on the Allegany/Cattaraugus Legal Services Board. In her spare time she enjoys photography, scrap booking, spending time with her family and traveling with her husband .

“I look forward to many more years with this wonderful organization and I hope I can do as well as my predecessors,” Dzielski said. Her term as President officially began on January 1, 2015.

Dzielski has lived in the town of Genesee for the last twenty-five years with her husband Kevin. They have two grown children: Victoria (Bruce) Gayton of Olean and Brittany (Jay) Williams of Portville. They also have seven grandchildren.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 8 million dollars and continues to add new funds each year. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of our citizens here in Allegany County. If you would like more information on how you can create a scholarship or create a legacy for a loved one, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444.

In the picture (L to R): Lori Dzielski and Carolyn Miller.

The post Lori Dzielski Becomes New ACAF President appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Allegany County Area Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Dzielski as their new president. Dzielski will replace Carolyn Miller, who is stepping down after serving as president of the foundation for more than five years. Miller, a member of the foundation for more than thirty years, will now serve as the vice president of the Foundation and chair of the development committee.

The Mary A. Bishop Scholarship Fund

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 19:36:00 GMT

NOTE: If you have more information about the life of Mary A. Bishop that you would like to share with the Allegany County Area Foundation, please call us at 585-296-5616. We’d like to know more about this generous donor.

The post The Mary A. Bishop Scholarship Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

(Dec. 2014) Mary A Bishop was born in Andrews settlement, PA on December 29, 1890. She was the daughter of Ira and Elizabeth Coats Bishop. She was a bookkeeper for the Empire Gas Company for more than thirty years. She died in June of 1975 in Wellsville.

The Mary A. Bishop Scholarship Fund was created in October of 1989.

Dresser-Rand Increases Scholarship Fund

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:05:00 GMT

The Dresser-Rand Scholarships are designated for the Dresser-Rand employees and their families in Wellsville. These scholarships are available for children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and spouses of employees or retirees who are enrolled in a course of study at a college or trade school at the post high school level. The Dresser-Rand scholarships will be awarded on the basis of financial need and academic performance and selected by the scholarship committee of the Allegany County Area Foundation. Preference will be given to those students who are pursuing a course of study in one of the following fields: Business, Manufacturing, and Engineering, Welding Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Project Management, Human Resource Management, Drafting/CAD, Supply Chain Management, Accounting and IT.

This year students must apply online for the Dresser-Rand Scholarship by visiting the ACAF Scholarship Application link . Applications will be accepted beginning January 5, 2015.

The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of over 8 million dollars and continues to add new funds each year. The endowed funds continue to grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of Allegany County people. If you would like more information on how you can create a scholarship or create a legacy for a loved one, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444 or e-mail: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

The post Dresser-Rand Increases Scholarship Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Back in 2006 Dresser-Rand of Wellsville created a scholarship endowment fund with the Allegany County Area Foundation. Recently the company added another $25,000 to the endowment bringing their fund total to over $225,000.  In June of 2015 another round of scholarships will be awarded from the earnings of their endowment.

Flanagan-Watson and Alessi Join ACAF Board

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:12:00 GMT

Carrie grew up in Hornellsville on a dairy farm. She attended the following colleges after high school: Alfred State College (associates), New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, SUNY Cortland (bachelors), Alfred University (Masters) and SUNY Brockport (CAS).

Carrie has lived in Allegany County for 17 years. She and her husband, Dean Watson, built the home they have lived in for the last five years. They have four children: Morgan, Darnell, Alexis and Grant.

Carrie is both a science teacher at the Belfast Central School and the Assistant to the Principal. She also serves as a board member for the Town of Ward. Before becoming a teacher, Carrie had worked as a chemist and a waitress. In her spare time, she loves reading, canning, gardening, and baking desserts.

When asked why she was interested in serving on the Allegany County Area Foundation Board Carrie stated, “I want to become part of a great charitable organization and meet interesting people.”

Evelyn Alessi has been a teacher at the Belfast Central School since 1988. She has filled different roles while at Belfast. There include: class advisor, soccer scorekeeper and basketball scorekeeper. She has also been a member of various committees.

Evelyn grew up on a small dairy farm outside of Rushford. After attending Houghton College she married her husband, Mark, and they moved to Summit, NJ for a year before returning to Allegany County. They have lived in Belfast since 1986. Evelyn and Mark have four children: Luke, Drew, Noah and Lacy.

“Since I was born in Allegany County and have lived most of my life here, I was interested in the goals of the ACAF. My children were recipients of scholarships from the ACAF, and when I was approached to help on the scholarship committee, I was happy to do so. It is wonderful to see people devoted to improving the lives of local people.” Evelyn stated.

Evelyn is involved in church and community activities in Belfast. She enjoys reading, cooking, and attending sporting events in her spare time.
For more information on the Allegany County Area Foundation please call 585-808-8444 or e-mail: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org.

In the picture (L to R): Evelyn Alessi and Carrie E. Flanagan-Watson.

The post Flanagan-Watson and Alessi Join ACAF Board appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

The Alle gany County Area Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the addition of two new board members. They are Carrie E. Flanagan-Watson of Belmont and Evelyn Alessi of Belfast.

PAST RECIPIENTS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 18:31:00 GMT

I graduated from Scio Central School in 2008 and received the Belva A. Waite scholarship. I used this scholarship to study art at SUNY New Paltz. After completing my foundations courses in the art department, I declared my concentration in ceramics and spent the next couple of years working toward my thesis. I was able to take courses in many different mediums while focusing on developing my technical skills in clay. During this time, I was also awarded the Marion Green Scholarship. In December 2011, I completed my thesis, which culminates in a group exhibition at the college’s museum, and graduated with honors from New Paltz with a BFA in ceramics.

After graduating, I was hired by one of my professors as a large-scale production assistant. She had received a commission to make over 600 large sculptural tiles to be installed in Singapore and needed extra hands to complete the project. My time spent working with my professor was very helpful, as I was able to see how a successful artist manages her studio practice on a daily basis.

In the fall of 2012, I was accepted to an Artist-in-Residence program in Rochester, NY at Genesee Pottery, which is part of the Genesee Center for Arts and Education. As a resident, I am given a studio space in exchange for a designated amount of work per week. I spend most of my time in my studio making work for various shows and experimenting with new processes. I also teach classes, assist with installing shows at the Firehouse Gallery, and play a role in the daily running of the studio by loading and firing kilns, making clay and glazes, and keeping the space clean and organized. The residency position is usually a one-year position, but I enjoyed my time here so much that I was able to renew it for a second year. It has provided me with the time, space, facilities, and support to advance my work in an independent, yet supportive setting.

The aspect that I enjoy most about Genesee Pottery is the fact that it is a large community studio, so I am surrounded by lots of passionate artists everyday. All levels of makers are welcome, which allows for a dynamic learning environment for all involved. In addition to the ceramics studio, there is also a photography studio and a printing and book arts studio. I have had the opportunity to work in these mediums as well and have incorporated them into my most recent work. (If you are interested in seeing my work, please check out my website at www.hannahthompsett.com )

I just completed my second solo show in the Firehouse Gallery, which signifies the near end of my time here. I have decided that the next step for me is graduate school, to receive my MFA. After a long process of applying, waiting, and decision making, I have decided to attend Alfred University. I am excited to move back to the area for a while, and see what graduate school has in store for me!

I am grateful to the Allegany County Area Foundation for providing me with funding to attend college. My degree helped pave the way for my future and I am pursuing the career of my dreams.

Sincerely,
Hannah Thompsett

NOTE: Other past recipients who are interested in sharing their stories may e-mail them to: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

The post PAST RECIPIENTS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

From: Hannah Thompsett (Class of 2008)

PAST RECIPIENTS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:08:00 GMT

I received a scholarship from the Allegany County Area Foundation in 2009 when I graduated from Bolivar-Richburg Central School. In the fall of 2009, I started classes at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY where I majored in biology. When I was in high school, my grandma suffered from cancer which she eventually passed away from. This was a very difficult time for my family during which we often consulted our local pharmacist regarding her very extensive medication regimen. The pharmacist provided my grandma and family with the best care and was always so patient and kind. Due to those great experiences my family had with that pharmacist, I knew that I wanted to become a pharmacist someday so I could do the same for others in need.

After completing two years of undergraduate classes and all of the pharmacy school prerequisites, I was accepted into the St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy. I am currently in my third year of the pharmacy school program and have one more year to go. I will be finishing up my fourth year of the pharmacy program after completing various pharmacy rotations in many different pharmacy areas including: community pharmacy (chain and independent settings), hospital pharmacy, ambulatory pharmacy, pharmacy management, and acute care/inpatient pharmacy. In May 2015, I am expected to graduate from the Wegmans School of Pharmacy with my Doctorate of Pharmacy degree.

In September 2015, I will marry Tyler Smith, another BRCS graduate, and we hope to settle down somewhere either in the Rochester or the Allegany County areas. I currently work for CVS pharmacy and I love the community pharmacy setting. I get to interact with all kinds of people when I am working and help them in ways varying from recommending an over-the-counter product to calling their prescribers to discuss their medication regimens. I plan to stay in the community pharmacy setting so that I am able to interact with my patients on a daily basis and be very involved in their health care management and experiences.

The scholarships that the Allegany County Area Foundation provides to students graduating from high school are so helpful for providing students with the means to attend college and pursue their dreams. College is very expensive and students are often discouraged by this fact. I have personally seen people change their education plans and decide not to pursue their dreams for the fear of the debt that they will assume from attending college. The assistance that these scholarships provide to students is one of the many important motivating factors for encouraging students to work hard and pursue their career goals. I am so thankful to the Allegany County Area Foundation and its supporters for the scholarship that I was awarded. This scholarship helped motivate me to work hard and pursue my long time goal of becoming a community pharmacist.

NOTE: Other past recipients who are interested in sharing their stories may e-mail them to: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org .

YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR FOUNDATION, YOUR LEGACY

The Foundation is a non-profit organization that manages donations totaling more than $7 million and uses the proceeds from those funds to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County. The Foundation awards scholarships to individuals and grants to community organizations. It also helps organizations secure their futures by managing endowment funds and ensures that individuals’ desires for a legacy come to fruition by administering funds to benefit the areas or organizations they specify.

The post PAST RECIPIENTS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

From: Brittany Gould (Class of 2009)

Dresser-Rand Scholarship Fund Increased

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 16:10:00 GMT

The Dresser-Rand scholarships are available for children, stepchildren, grandchildren and spouses of employees or retirees of Dresser-Rand in Wellsville. They are awarded on the basis of financial need and academic performance and selected by the Scholarship Committee of the Allegany County Area Foundation. Preference is given to those applicants who are pursuing a technical, business or manufacturing-related course of study. The scholarships are awarded on a one-year basis, but may be renewed by re-applying each year. While not guaranteed, preference will be given to awardees that show continued positive progress towards completion of their course of study.

Eligible students may apply for the Dresser-Rand scholarships online beginning in January at : www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org . The deadline for the applications will soon be posted on the same web site. The award winners will be announced in May/June at the Allegany County Area Foundation’s annual Scholarship Reception.

“We are very pleased to support the Allegany County Area Foundation scholarship endowment fund. This gift is consistent with Dresser-Rand’s objectives to foster education in the communities in which we work, live, and operate.” said David Scarr of Dresser-Rand. ‘We hope that those individuals who are eligible to apply will take full advantage of this opportunity to enhance their education.”

The post Dresser-Rand Scholarship Fund Increased appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

In May o f 2007 Dresser-Rand of Wellsville established the Dresser-Rand Scholarship Fund through the Allegany County Area Foundation. Since its inception two or more $2,000 scholarships have been awarded each year from this fund. On Monday David Scarr, Human Resources Manager of Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, presented a check to the Allegany County Area Foundation for an additional $25,000 to support their scholarship endowment fund.

The Marie Miller Gleason Scholarship Fund

Sat, 09 Nov 2013 23:59:00 GMT

(Nov. 2013) Allegany County Area Foundation has received a gift from David Scholes in honor of his mother, Marie Miller Gleason formerly of Belfast, NY. The scholarship will benefit Belfast Central School graduating seniors.

The scholarship established in her name will assist graduates of Belfast Central, who are in the first generation of their families to attend a four-year college, and pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics also commonly known as STEM skills.

Mrs. Gleason graduated from Belfast Central in 1938. Her son, David Scholes of Austin, TX, and daughter, Vicki Gleason Scholes Fox, of Wellsboro, are both Belfast alumni.

David shared that his mother has always believed in the transformative power of education–particularly for first generation college graduates–and encouraged family and friends to do all that was possible to help create that opportunity for young people. Her vision has become even more relevant in current times as vocations requiring higher education continue to expand while opportunities available to those without education beyond high school have decreased.
Mrs. Gleason and her family are grateful for the guidance and support of teachers and staff at Belfast Central and are pleased to have the opportunity to assist future graduates.

The post The Marie Miller Gleason Scholarship Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Allegany County Area Foundation Announces Donor Designated Gift to the Cuba Historical Society

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:21:00 GMT

The Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce a non-endowed donor designated gift to the Cuba Historical Society. This grant is made possible due to Ruth and John Doyle’s generosity who requested their donation be designated for the Cuba Historical Society.

The “biggest little museum in Allegany County”, says Mary and Jack Nease, curators, of the Historical Society, will use the grant for their general operating expenses. These include operating a museum and information center and offering help to the extended community in genealogy research and other historical matters. This grant will enable the Historical Society to further its contribution to the community and to promote education and historical research here in Allegany County. The Foundation is pleased to support this organization.

If you would like to make a difference in your community by making a gift to a non-profit agency or leaving a legacy by establishing your own endowment fund, contact the Allegany County Area Foundation today. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible gifts in any amount, including memorials to friends and loved ones. County residents are encouraged to remember the Foundation in their wills by making a specific bequest. In the 2013-14 fiscal year the Foundation will disburse monies in the form of scholarships to county students and grants to local not-for-profit agencies that benefit all residents of Allegany County.

The post Allegany County Area Foundation Announces Donor Designated Gift to the Cuba Historical Society appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Houghton College Students Help the Allegany County Area Foundation

Sat, 26 Oct 2013 16:59:00 GMT

Eleven students from Houghton College participated in the 2 ^nd annual Celebrate Service Celebrate Allegany day of service on Saturday, October 26 ^th . The celebration of Make a Difference Day is the largest single day of service in the nation. The Houghton students helped the Allegany County Area Foundation clean-up an office building on Schuyler Street in Belmont. The ACAF greatly appreciated the outstanding service these students provided.

The post Houghton College Students Help the Allegany County Area Foundation appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Cuba Chamber Legacy Fund

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:23:00 GMT

Cuba Chamber Legacy Fund

Allegany County Area Foundation

Steven V. Ambroselli Scholarship Created

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:11:00 GMT

Steven V. Ambroselli Scholarship Created

Allegany County Area Foundation

Judge Peter Sprague recognized as Founder of ACAF in 1983

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:09:00 GMT

Judge Peter Sprague accepts painting donated and created by Theresa Heinz.

The post Judge Peter Sprague recognized as Founder of ACAF in 1983 appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Keren Rohe and Anthony Nichols

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 14:24:00 GMT

Keren Rohe and Anthony Nichols

Allegany County Area Foundation

Warren Emerson and Mason Kelley Carry ACAF Banner in Fillmore Parade

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 13:31:00 GMT

The post Warren Emerson and Mason Kelley Carry ACAF Banner in Fillmore Parade appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Cuba Chamber of Commerce Establishes Cuba Legacy Fund and Toys for Kids Fund

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 14:20:00 GMT

The post Cuba Chamber of Commerce Establishes Cuba Legacy Fund and Toys for Kids Fund appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Stephen V. Ambroselli Scholar Incentive Award

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:07:00 GMT

(May 2013) Stephen Ambroselli grew up in Belmont, New York and has fond memories of those years and especially of the dedicated teachers in the community. After high school Mr. Ambroselli attended St. Bonaventure University, where he was commissioned through ROTC, graduating in 1964. He served as an artillery officer with the 11 ^th Armored Calvary Regiment in Vietnam as a ground and air forward observer and a fire direction officer. Since 1969 he has worked as a financial advisor in Buffalo, NY. Stephen and his wife Jean live in Snyder, NY. Mr. Ambroselli enjoys golf, tennis and fly fishing and frequently returns to fish on the Genesee River in Allegany County.

This new endowed fund will provide an annual, $5,000.00 award (one-time per student) to a senior or graduate from Genesee Valley Central School who is enrolled at St. Bonaventure University. In the event there is not a qualifying student from the Genesee Valley school district; a student may be chosen from Allegany County at large. The agreement further identifies Cattaraugus County students as potential candidates if there are no students who meet the initial geographic requirements.

Mr. Ambroselli offered this scholarship with the hope that a deserving student will benefit from his dual objective of providing some financial aid to a Genesee Valley High School student who is serious about pursuing higher education at St. Bonaventure, and encouraging that student to be a contributing member of society. In addition, he wishes to encourage others to consider creating philanthropic gifts for the same purpose. Mr. Ambroselli was on hand to present the first ever Scholar Incentive Award on June 4, 2013 at the Education Reception hosted by the Allegany County Area Foundation.

The post Stephen V. Ambroselli Scholar Incentive Award appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

John C. Robertson and Flora S. Whiteman Scholarship

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:10:00 GMT

(Jan. 2013) Loretta Whiteman Robertson lived in Cuba, NY and worked as a marching band teacher at Hinsdale Central School. Her life was devoted to her students, her family and her community.

She passed away in 1972 and in her will provided a scholarship fund. Local attorney Wesley J. Serra was the trustee of that will until his death, and for a time thereafter his wife Anne served as voluntary administrator of the will. She had enjoyed a long friendship with Loretta Whiteman Robertson.

In 2012, Allegany County Treasurer Terri Ross was assigned the role of trustee. In December of that year, she advised Carolyn Miller, president Board of Directors of the ACAF, that the Foundation would be receiving custody of the scholarship trust. Terri presented Carolyn Miller and ACAF development chair Warren Emerson a check for $44,000.00 on December 18, 2012.

The scholarship fund provides for students from the Cuba-Rushford School District who are pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and are enrolled beyond their freshmen year in a college or university.

The post John C. Robertson and Flora S. Whiteman Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

John C. Robertson and Flora S. Whiteman Scholarship

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:10:00 GMT

(Jan. 2013) Loretta Whiteman Robertson lived in Cuba, NY and worked as a marching band teacher at Hinsdale Central School. Her life was devoted to her students, her family and her community.

The scholarship fund provides for students from the Cuba-Rushford School District who are pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and are enrolled beyond their freshmen year in a college or university.

The post John C. Robertson and Flora S. Whiteman Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Executive Director Appointed

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:12:00 GMT

Allegany County Area Foundation Announces New Executive Director

The Allegany County Area Foundation Board of Directors President, Carolyn Miller announces the appointment of Donna J. Sweet as Executive Director for the ACAF. Mrs. Sweet replaces Douglas Roorbach who resigned to take a new position out of state.

Mrs. Sweet lives in Cuba, NY with her husband, Lynnford Sweet. She is a former school administrator for both public and private education. Her previous experience in administration, project management and volunteer service have provided a broad based background in Allegany County and surrounding communities which she brings to the Foundation. Mrs Sweet commences her new position on September 4, 2012. Mrs. Sweet is looking forward to working with the Foundation Board of Directors and will strive to continue the excellent work of the Foundation.

The ACAF is a non for profit foundation which awards scholarships to individuals and grants to community organizations. It also helps organizations secure their futures by managing endowment funds and ensures that an individuals’ desires for a legacy come to fruition by administering funds to benefit areas which they specify. Community foundations provide a method for turning gifts or bequests into endowed funds, with favorable tax benefits. Some see the Foundation as a community savings account, leveraging the pooled resources of many in order to accomplish greater things for the entire community.

The Allegany County Area Foundation invites you to show your support for the students and organizations in our community by becoming a Friend of the Foundation. It’s simple: Just make a donation of any amount to the Foundation. Your gift will help fund educational, social, cultural and civic projects and activities in our area through grants and scholarships. Contact: alleganycountyareafoundation.org.

The post Executive Director Appointed appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Community Bank, N.A….providing banking services to Allegany County since 1936.

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:02:00 GMT

“It’s all in the name…Community .”– Branch Manager Lori Dzielski ( second from right in picture above )

According to Branch Manager Lori Dzielski, “The biggest reason we support the Foundation is that we are alike, we are both community-based. With eight branches in Allegany County we meet the needs of customers staff and their families, much as the Foundation does. Personally, I have seen how difficult the cost of higher education is and, by working with the Foundation, we can make it easier for families in Allegany County. Many of our young people will someday become leaders of our community.”

The post Community Bank, N.A….providing banking services to Allegany County since 1936. appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Scholarship Winners… Past and Present -Paul Ronan

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:03:00 GMT

Paul Ronan is seen shaking hands with President Obama in the Oval Office after the signing of the Lord’s Resistance Northern Uganda Recovery Act.

On May 24th, 2010 Paul Ronan, a 2002 graduate of Cuba-Rushford Central School and a Belva A. Waite Scholarship recipient who graduated from Syracuse University, was thanked by President Obama for his efforts in bringing about the Lord’s Resistance Northern Uganda Recovery Act. Paul is the Director of Advocacy for Resolve Uganda, a non-profit group that was instrumental for the development and passage of the bill. Paul has spent the last four years in New York, Washington, Central Africa working towards change in US policy toward Central Africa.

Paul was honored to be in attendance when President Obama signed the bill into law. Paul was speaker at the May 2006 Educator of the Year Banquet.

The post Scholarship Winners… Past and Present -Paul Ronan appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Scholarship Winners… Past and Present – Zech Mientkiewicz

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:52:00 GMT

Steve & Joy’s son Zech is a Walter F. & Louisa A. Sibley Scholarship winner planning to attend Houghton College in September 2010. His brother Zekial and sister Charlean were previous Foundation scholarship winners.

Steve & Joy are very thankful for the three scholarships that have enabled their children to go to the school of their choice. They feel this will give them the best education to accomplish what they feel called to do in life.

“We’re amazed,” says Steve, “that this opportunity exists here in Allegany County, especially for such a poor county. These scholarships are a blessing, an inspiration and an encouragement to the families in this county.”

Joy felt touched by all this and says, “It makes us want to become a part of it and help others. It helps me to understand that God doesn’t have favorites and helps everyone.”

The post Scholarship Winners… Past and Present – Zech Mientkiewicz appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation .

Allegany County Area Foundation - News and Events

ACAF February Grants Support Students, Library Programs, and Leadership Allegany

Eight local organizations receive ACAF funding for educational programs, youth initiatives, and community enrichment.

Battling Mind Striders Establishes Overcoming Challenges Scholarship

New scholarship will support local students who demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and community involvement

ACAF partners with Undue to abolish over $1.4 million in medical debt for Allegany County families

Historic partnership makes ACAF the first community foundation in WNY to erase medical debt with Undue

Alyssa Bump Joins Allegany County Area Foundation Staff

Cuba-Rushford and SUNY Fredonia alumna will serve as Communications Fellow

Leadership & Innovation Fund Boosts Cuba Greenway Extension

Photograph by Jules Hoepting ﻿

December 2025 ACAF Grants

Grants Assist Several Organizations

Fall 2025 Grants Update

Grants Support Good Work Throughout Allegany County

Paul H. Vienna Scholarship Moves to ACAF

Scholarship Created over 50 Years Ago

ACAF Spring 2025 Grants

Grants Support Various Projects and Programs

Fillmore Central School Alumni Scholarship

Award Recognizes Importance of Students Building Lives Locally

Chantel Cline Memorial Scholarship

New Scholarship Will Aid Genesee Valley Graduates

Leadership and Innovation Fund

New Fund will Boost ACAF Grantmaking

ACAF Grants Boost Libraries, Arts, and Wellness Programs

Celeste Wuersig Remembered with Scholarship

Forty & Eight Scholarship Helps Aspiring Nurses

Carter – Windus Family Fund

Allegany County Area Foundation June Grants Support Archery Program, Scouting, Libraries

Foundation’s June Grants Support Archery Program, Scouting, Libraries

Amanda Nicole Curcio Scholarship

Bequest Establishes Allegany County Historical Society Fund

Larry Dye Remembered with Scholarship Fund

Foundation’s June Grants Support Education, Theater, Public Health

ACAF Grants Made to Leadership Allegany, Cuba community, Salvation Army

March Grants Support RAM Clinic, Oil Museum, libraries.

Clair and Mildred Almeter Scholarship Established

County Historical Society to Benefit from Endowed Fund

Tim Rohe Scholarship

Rose Fleming Scholarship

Retired Nurses and Andover Natives Honored with Scholarship

December Grants Support NTHS, Book Program, Holiday Assistance

Wide Awake Club Library Fund

Hillside and Valley Brook Cemeteries

June ACAF Grants Support Students, Libraries, Friendship Historians

New Scholarships Will Serve Allegany County Students

Cuba and Genesee libraries, GVCS, Wellsville Cemetery Project Benefit from ACAF’s March Grants

Barbie Ludden Scholarship

Next Grant Application Deadline is December 10

Scholarship Update

December 2020 Grants Boost Food Program, Local Agencies

New Fund Supports Pioneer Oil Museum, Honors Allegany County Judge James Euken

ACAF Announces September Grants

Mentoring Programs, Emergency Squad Benefit From ACAF Grants

Update on United Way, ACAF Community Relief Effort

March ACAF Grants

CARES Act and Charitable Giving

Where can I send a donation or request additional information?

Should I give to this Fund instead of making other donations?

I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a specific grantee?

A Message from the Foundation

Scholarship Update March 27

ACAF Announces December Grants

Shop With A Cop Grant Supports Foster Care Christmas Party

Deputy Sheriffs Support Shop With A Cop Program

Scholarship Will Help Wellsville Area Homeschoolers

New Scholarship Honors Carl Atwell, Serves Andover Students

ACAF Scholarship Timeline

Deputy Sheriffs Entrust Scholarship Program to ACAF

ACAF Grant Benefits Pioneer Oil Museum

Grant Supports Friendship Library’s Virtual Reality Program

Van Dines Honored through Grant Fund

Foundation Funds Support Local Libraries

March 2020 Grant Deadline

Scholarship Application is Now Open

New Fund Will Support Whitesville Cemetery

Shop With a Cop Tradition to continue with ACAF

Kelley Scholarship Supports Genesee Valley and Fillmore students

ACAF Aids in Historic Newspaper Preservation

Photograph by Jules Hoepting