Our Funds

A donor-advised fund allows for the donor or his/her designee to make recommendations as to the specific projects the fund will support. These recommendations are non-binding. 

A designated fund is set up for the benefit of a specific organization.

Conrad and Kathryn Church Landscaping Fund (2007):

Fund for the Andover Free Library (2018):

Lester and Dorotha Harris Whitesville Cemetery Fund (2019):

Pioneer Oil Museum Fund (2020):

Cuba Memorial Hospital Endowment Fund (2005):

Established by the hospital to provide financial support for the Cuba Memorial Hospital.

Allegany Senior Foundation (2018):

Established by a gift from Kathryn Church to support in perpetuity the upkeep of trees in the Village of Andover.

Established in 2018 by Bob Grossman, this fund will provide annual support for the Andover Free Library’s collection, programing, and facility.

This fund provides annual support for the maintenance of the Whitesville Cemetery.

Established in memory of Judge James Euken, this endowment provides annual support for the programs and facilities of the Pioneer Oil Museum in Bolivar, NY.

This endowment, established by ASF, will provide support for the organization’s activities and programs that serve local seniors.

Allegany County Cancer Services Fund (2011):

This fund provides annual support of the Allegany County Cancer Services, Inc.

Jonathan A. Dahlgren Eczema Fund (2011):

Established by Denis and Colleen Dahlgren to honor their son Jonathan, this fund provides a yearly grant to the National Eczema Association. The funds are used to improve the health and quality of life for individuals with eczema through research, support, and education.

Susan Foster Myers Memorial Fund for the Friendship Free Library (2014):

This fund was established by Alan Myers as a memorial to his wife, Susan. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support to the Friendship Free Library so it may continue to thrive and serve the community.

WNY Public Health Alliance Fund (2018):

Established by the WNY Public Health Alliance, this fund provides annual financial assistance to support community health efforts throughout Western New York.

Cuba Council of Churches Food Pantry Fund (2025):

The purpose of this fund is to support the Food Pantry housed in Cuba's First Baptist Church and operated by the Cuba Council of Churches.

A field-of-interest fund is one that is created to support a specific type of endeavor, though the recipients may vary.

Bob Christian Fund (2012):

This fund was created by the Allegany County Area Foundation to honor Robert Christian for his service as executive director. This fund will provide financial support for ongoing historical research, as well as the display and enjoyment of historical materials related to Allegany County, NY.



Walter Taber Memorial Trust Fund (2019):

Allegany County Shop with a Cop Fund (2019):

Kenneth and Judi Van Dine Christian Service Grant (2019):

This fund will assist individuals and community groups that are working on projects and activities that will benefit the residents of Friendship, NY, and generally improve the community.

This endowment will provide assistance to programs and activities that will make the holiday season more positive for disadvantaged kids. Priority will be given to projects that will help children and youth already receiving support from the Allegany County Department of Social Services.

This grant will support a high school student or adult going on a short-term mission trip. Priority will go to those planning to travel to Haiti.

Kendall Environmental Fund (2024):

This unique fund has a primary goal of preserving, protecting, and promoting the natural environment of Allegany County, NY. Projects that may be eligible for support from this fund include improving/creating outdoor recreation sites, planting trees in public areas, water quality monitoring, streambank stabilization, etc. This grant fund can also function as a scholarship to support students who are pursuing studies in fields related to environmental science or stewardship.

Emergency Fund for Allegany County (2024):

Established by the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties and the Allegany County Area Foundation, this permanent emergency fund is designed to provide swift financial assistance during times of crisis in Allegany County.

Allegany Fund (2003):

Carter-Windus Family Fund (2023):

Peter Sprague Founders' Fund (2024):

This fund was established by the Allegany County Area Foundation's Board of Directors. The Allegany Fund has received over 1,000 donations.

Established by a land donation of 293 acres by V Perry Carter, this fund is used to support public good and non-profit organizations in Allegany County. This fund marks the largest gift from a living donor in ACAF's history.

The Peter Sprague Fund was established by the Allegany County Area Foundation Board of Directors in memory of Peter Sprague and is used to support a range of Allegany County non-profit organizations.

A. Norbert Shear Memorial Fund (2001):

Joseph Bucher Fund (2023):

Thomas F. and Laura L. Moogan Family Fund (1993):

Created by the family of A. Norbert Shear to provide grants to groups serving Allegany County.

Established through Joseph Bucher's estate, this fund promotes and assists organizations in Allegany County (with preference towards Bolivar and Wellsville areas).

Endowed by long-time Wellsville residents Thomas F. and Laura L. Moogan for the purpose of promoting and assisting volunteer, charitable, and educational organizations in Wellsville and Allegany County.

Leadership and Innovation Fund (2024):

Established by co-founder of the Allegany County Area Foundation, Jack Carter, this fund provides resources for innovative projects or programs to advance the quality of life in Allegany County.

ACAF’s 60+ scholarship funds have generally been set up by donors to honor or memorialize a loved one. Donors may establish criteria for the fund, such as high school served, college attended, academic program etc., but may not select the recipient. 

Marion W. Green Commitment to Community Scholarship (2008):

Karen A. Kunz Memorial Scholarship (2012):

John C. Robertson and Flora S. Whitman Memorial Scholarship (2013):

Julianne Doyle Bentley Memorial Scholarship (2013):

Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship (2018):

Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship (2018):

Leonard and Margaret Kelley Scholarship (2019):

Allegany County Deputy Sheriff’s Scholarship* (2019):

Wellsville Area Homeschoolers* (2020):

Carl Atwell Memorial Scholarship (2020):

Barbie Ludden Scholarship (2021):

Catherine Schuyler NYSDAR Scholarship (2021):

Cuba Council of Churches Scholarship (2021):

Millicent Friendly Graduate Student Scholarship (2021):

Lee Gridley Memorial Scholarship (2021):

John and Ruth Doyle Scholarship (2021):

Janet Burger Appier/Phyllis Burger Wilson Scholarship (2022):

Rose Fleming Scholarship* (2022):

Tim Rohe Memorial Scholarship (2022):

Clair and Mildred Almeter Scholarship (2022):

Established to encourage students in the Scio Central School District to continue their education. Financial need is considered in making these grants to students that will complete a degree or certification within two years. Students must show maturity, a commitment to sharing their skills and resources, and an interest in community service.

Established to support a student who intends to pursue an associate degree in accounting and who has financial need. The scholarship will be renewable for the second year.

Established for the benefit of a Cuba-Rushford graduate.

Benefits a Cuba-Rushford or Wellsville student entering her or his sophomore, junior, or senior year in college.

Seniors at/graduates of Wellsville Central School may benefit from this scholarship. Priority is given to students pursuing music education or teaching, and who have shown a commitment to community service.

This scholarship will assist students from Friendship or Genesee Valley Central School.

This memorial scholarship will provide assistance to graduates of Genesee Valley or Fillmore central schools that are attending a SUNY college or St. Bonaventure University.

Supports high school seniors, with priority for those planning a career in a field related to criminal justice or law enforcement. This is a spring semester award. A 3.00 or higher GPA is required at the end of the fall semester.

Provides support for college students who’ve completed at least 50% of their high school program through the Wellsville Area Homeschoolers organization.

Honors Andover native Carl Atwell. This award goes to an Andover Central School senior showing a record of involvement in athletics and service to the Andover community.

This scholarship was established in memory of Barbie Ludden and will provide a scholarship to a Cuba-Rushford Central School senior pursuing college study in a health or medical field.

This scholarship program will help a student from Allegany, Steuben, or Cattaraugus County who is preparing for a history-related career (e.g., teaching history, museum work). Children and grandchildren of current or deceased members of this Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter may also apply (even if they live outside this three-county area).

The Cuba Council of Churches placed this scholarship fund with ACAF in 2021. The recipient will be a Cuba-Rushford Central School senior demonstrating solid academics and evidence of an active and growing Christian faith.

Created in recognition of the fact that graduate students have limited opportunity for scholarships, this fund will provide support to graduates of Allegany County high schools who are pursuing education at the post-bachelor’s level – including those in professional degree (e.g., MD, JD) programs.

Established to memorialize this long time Allegany County teacher and community leader. This award is open to a graduate of any county school, pursuing any program at the college of her or his choice.

This program aids a Cuba-Rushford Central School graduate who is in his/her first or second year of college and studying in a health-related field.

Established to memorialize these sister nurses from Andover, this scholarship will support aspiring nurses, with priority to graduates of Andover Central School.

Established by her family in her honor, the Rose Fleming Scholarship will support an aspiring teacher, with priority to graduates of Fillmore and Belfast central schools, and to a student attending St. Bonaventure University.

Established in Tim’s memory by his family, supports students pursuing trade or technical study, with priority to graduates of Fillmore Central School.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Almeter created this scholarship in memory of their parents. This award will benefit a student going into a trade-oriented program of two years duration or less, with priority to graduates of Alfred-Almond Central School and Genesee Valley Central School.

Wellsville Rotary Club Service Above Self Scholarship (2015):

The applicant must be a Wellsville High School senior who is planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college. This award requires a record of extracurricular activities and community service. Three scholarships are awarded each spring.

The Dennis J. Amore Memorial Scholarship (2014):

This scholarship assists graduates of the Friendship Central School. This scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior or a current college student. Applicants must have participated on a high school athletic team and in a community service project within the last twelve months.

Beverly Grantier Memorial Scholarship (2017):

This scholarship fund will benefit graduates of a high school/homeschool in Allegany County. Preference will be given to those applicants pursuing a nursing program at a two- or four-year college. Applicant community service activities and financial need will also be considered.

Ann Barwick Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship (2016):

The recipient must be a graduate of Cuba-Rushford Central School and plan to enroll in an accredited LVN/LPN or RN or BSN Degree Program. The recipient must have good character, and a good likelihood of success in a college nursing program.

Amanda Nicole Curcio Memorial Scholarship (2022):

The Amanda Nicole Curcio Scholarship will benefit one Belfast Central School student annually who reflects Amanda’s care and concern for others and displays 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. Current BCS seniors or graduates are encouraged to apply.

Lyn VanTassel Scholarship (2022):

This scholarship supports Genesee Valley Central School high school seniors and graduates who are pursuing post-secondary education in one of the following fields: sciences, math, education, medical/health-related programs, or vocational/trade/technical programs. Awards are determined based on merit, good character, and positive contributions to the school community.

Liederbach/Patterer Scholarship Fund (2025):

This scholarship supports graduates of Cuba-Rushford, Friendship, and Fillmore Central Schools pursing undergraduate or graduate studies in the following academic programs — listed in order of priority: speech pathology, occupational/physical therapy, special education, or elementary/secondary education. Recipients must possess upstanding leadership and character, along with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students demonstrating financial need shall receive priority consideration.

Anne McAndrew Teaching Scholarship (2018):

Established by retired teacher Anne McAndrews, who served over 35 years at Wellsville Schools, this scholarship supports a high school graduate of Wellsville Central School pursuing studies in education. Recipients shall be a full-time college student studying elementary education, with consideration also given to students studying to become a middle or high school teacher.

Warren and Connie Emerson Scholarship (2022):

This scholarship supports a high school senior or graduate of Fillmore Central School who is or will be enrolled full-time in post-secondary education.

Haggstrom Family Scholarship (2018):

Established by David and Leslie Haggstrom of Angelica, NY, this scholarship supports a Genesee Valley Central School graduate pursuing a nursing or trade program at Alfred State College. Priority is given to students with financial need.

Yadlosky Family Foundation Scholarship* (2023):

This scholarship supports graduates of Fillmore Central School as they pursue post-secondary education. This fund assists students preparing for a career in one of the helping professions, including but not limited to: human services, counseling, social work, teaching, or trade/vocational programs. Applicants with financial need will receive priority.

*These scholarships are funded annually by the donor. All others listed are endowed.

Kane Family Scholarship (2015):

Celeste Wuersig Scholarship (2022):

Peter Sprague Scholarship (2023):

Stephen V. Ambroselli Scholar Incentive Award (2013):

Mary A. Bishop Scholarship (1989):

Sgt. Ian Gregory Bole Memorial Scholarship (2013):

Dr. Robert G. Hutter Memorial Scholarship (2013):

Daniel R. McCarthy Memorial Scholarship (1991):

Lois M. Lilly Scholarship (1994):

George and Ella Shear Scholarship (1995):

Alfred Wood Scholarship (1997):

Highway Superintendents Scholarship* (2013):

Mary Lou Canessa Memorial Scholarship (2013):

William F. Farnsworth Memorial Scholarship (1998):

Belva A. Waite Memorial Scholarship (2000):

Joseph W. and Inez A. Hupp Scholarship (2002):

Walter F. and Louisa A. Sibley Scholarship (2005):

Fisk Non-Traditional Education Scholarship (2006):

Dresser-Rand Scholarship (2006):

Edward Brewster Memorial Scholarship (2007):

Joseph E. Presutti Memorial Scholarship (2008):

Established by James Kane, this scholarship supports graduates of Genesee Valley Central School, with priority to students preparing for careers in finance or education. Recipients will have a high school GPA of at least a 2.70 or a college GPA of 2.50 or better.

This scholarship was established in December of 2022, in memory of Celeste Wuersig by her family. This program will support an Allegany County student that demonstrates an interest in foreign language study, with priority to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 

Established by Peter Sprague's children in his memory, this scholarship supports an Allegany County resident pursuing any level of post-secondary study. Two $1000 awards are made annually. Mr. Sprague, a long-time attorney, founded the Allegany County Area Foundation in 1983.

This scholarship, established by Stephen and Jean Ambroselli, provides two (one-time per student) $5,000 scholarships for a Genesee Valley Central School graduate who is enrolled at St. Bonaventure University.

The estate of Mary A. Bishop established this fund to provide scholarships to needy and worthy students residing in Allegany County.

The family of Ian Gregory Bole created this scholarship in his memory. The recipient will be a graduate of the Belmont Career and Technical Center who will pursue a career in a manufacturing/engineering field. Preference given to a student planning to attend Alfred State College.

Established to provide a student from Allegany County a scholarship to study performing arts or finance at Alfred University.

This fund provides scholarships for students desiring to earn a degree in a business-related program at a college in either Allegany County or Cattaraugus County. Award based on all-around merit and financial need.

The will of Lois M. Lilly established this fund to provide college scholarships to worthy and residents of Allegany County. Preference is given to a Belfast Central School graduate. Financial need is considered.

Ella Shear set up this fund to provide scholarships to graduates of Scio Central School, with preference to students pursuing a career in elementary education.

Established by the will of Alfred Wood to provide scholarship support to worthy graduates of Cuba-Rushford Central School

This program provides two $1500 scholarships for students pursuing studies in heavy equipment or related fields at Alfred State College of Technology at Wellsville.

Established in memory of former Wellsville Central School counselor Mary Lou Canessa, provides $500 annually for a Wellsville student chosen in consultation with Wellsville Central School guidance counselors.

Established by friends and family of William F. Farnsworth for graduates of Genesee Valley Central School, with preference to students pursuing a career in education. Financial need is considered.

Set up by the will of Belva A. Waite for students residing in Allegany County. Award is based on all-around high school performance.

Created by a bequest from Inez A. Hupp to award scholarships to students graduating from Cuba-Rushford Central School.

Established by the will of Louisa A. Sibley for graduates of Cuba-Rushford Central School.

Established by a gift from a concerned citizen for residents of Allegany County covering up to 75% of the total cost for those seeking to improve their current skills. Financial need is considered. Must be a county resident but need not be a graduate of an Allegany County school.

Established by a gift from Dresser-Rand for the benefit of children and family of current and retired Dresser-Rand Wellsville employees. Preference is given to those pursuing a technical, manufacturing or business course of study. Financial need and academic performance are considered.

Created by the will of Pauline Brewster in honor of her husband Edward; provides scholarships for Whitesville Central School graduates who exhibit a strong work ethic and financial need.

Created by family and friends in honor of Joe Presutti. Preference for Genesee Valley Central School graduates and those in public service and/or veterans. Financial need is considered.

Hobart Rhinehart-Joseph Sweeny Memorial Scholarship (2014):

This award benefits one student from Allegany County and another from Cattaraugus County annually. The recipients will be high school seniors planning for a career in an education or a healthcare-related field and show a 2.5 GPA. 

M. Gretchen Probst Scholarship (2018):

Longtime Wellsville resident Gretchen Probst created this scholarship to assist current high school seniors or college students from Allegany County who plan to attend college or a trade school full-time for training in one of the following fields: electrician, carpentry, masonry, mechanic, plumbing and heating (HVAC), refrigeration, or the BOCES LPN Program. Financial need will be a consideration.

The Marie Miller Gleason Scholarship (2013):

This fund was established by David Scholes in honor of his mother. The scholarship will benefit a Belfast Central School graduating senior who is in the first generation of his or her family to attend a four-year college and is seeking a degree in a STEM field. The recipient must be a first-generation college student. The award is based upon merit.

Betty Embser Wattenberg Community Service Scholarship (2016):

The recipient must be a graduate of the Wellsville High School with preference given to a student entering their first year of college. The recipient must plan on becoming a social worker or pursuing a career in a mental health, community service or allied health related field. An additional application essay of around 500 words is required. ACAF staff will identify applicants pursuing the matching college programs and contact them with essay information.

Larry Dye Scholarship (2022):

One $500 scholarship award is given annually with preference towards Cuba-Rushford graduates. Recipients must be planning for a program of study leading to service with an EMT or VFD unit. Students who have been involved with local a EMT/VFD during their high school years may also be eligible.

Chantel Cline Memorial Scholarship* (2024):

This scholarship honors the life and legacy of Chantel Cline, who was a highly regarded Emergency Services Dispatcher with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office. Recipients must be a high school senior or graduate of Genesee Valley Central School and planning to enter a career in a criminal justice related field.

Paul H. Vienna Scholarship (2025):

This scholarship honors the legacy of Paul Vienna, who served 15 years as an educator, coach, and mentor at Belfast Central School before passing away at age 38 from a heart attack. Recipients must be a graduating student-athlete of Belfast Central School. Recipients must demonstrate leadership and good character through their athletic involvement and have outstanding work ethic.

Forty and Eight Scholarship (2023):

One scholarship award will be given annually to a senior or graduate of an Allegany County, NY high school pursuing post-secondary education in the nursing field. Students living in Allegany County are also eligible, even if they did not graduate from an Allegany County high school.

Fillmore Central School Alumni Scholarship (2024):

This scholarship supports graduates of Fillmore High School, with priority given to current graduating high school seniors. Preference is given to students who have at least one parent, guardian, or grandparent that is an alumnus of Fillmore Central School. Recipients must embody the Fillmore Central School moto: Enter to Learn; Go Forth and Serve. Recipients must also demonstrate upstanding leadership, scholarship, and character throughout their time at Fillmore Central School.

General Scholarship:

These scholarships will be awarded to students who have attended high school in Allegany County, New York. The awards will be based upon need and merit. The applicants must have at least a 2.5 high school GPA or at least a 2.5 college GPA. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.