Types of Funds

Types of Funds Held by ACAF

Designated Fund: Established to benefit a specific organization (e.g., library, cemetery).


Donor-advised Fund: Donor may establish general criteria for awards and make recipient recommendations, which are non-binding, to ACAF.


Field-of Interest Fund: Support a general type of endeavor (e.g., local history, public health).


Non-endowed Fund: These are funded annually by donors.



Scholarship Fund: Donor may specify general criteria (e.g., high school, college, academic program) but not select recipient.

Unrestricted Fund: Grant funds with broad or non-specific criteria, giving ACAF flexibility to devote support to where it is most needed.

We generally suggest a minimum of $10,000 to establish an endowed fund but will start at a lower figure if the donor(s) show a solid commitment to build the fund over time.

News and Events

Fillmore Powerhouse Program Director Matthew Brooks holds fresh vegetables from the Youth Community
By Alyssa Bump • September 28, 2026
The Fillmore Youth Powerhouse provides free meals, recreation, tutoring, and hands-on activities for local youth with ACAF grant support.
Hannah Bennett, Ardent Solutions’ First Step Family Resource Center Specialist, placing Dolly Parton
By Alyssa Bump • September 23, 2026
First Leverage Fund Award provides local match to expand early literacy opportunities for children across Allegany County.
Cuba Circulating Library in Cuba, NY.
By Alyssa Bump • August 31, 2026
Five grants will expand access to career training, educational programs, and community resources across Allegany County.
Chloe Smith paints new outdoor mural in Alfred, NY
By Alyssa Bump • July 21, 2026
A $2,500 grant from ACAF's Allegany Fund helped bring the Alfred 21st Century Group's vision for public art to life.