Pictured are members of the Women’s Giving Circle of Chautauqua County Grants Committee. Front row, from left, are Breeanne Agett, Jane Cleaver Becker, Judith Claire and Lisa Goodell. Back row, from left, are Tory Irgang, Lindsey Goold, Sue McNamara, Karen Galbado and Maria Kindberg, Not pictured are Tina Downey, Karen Goodell and Megan Sorenson.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Chautauqua County, a collective of women dedicated to impacting the lives of women and children through pooled resources and collaborative grantmaking, is holding its first grant opportunity.

The money is to support the development of innovative childcare solutions that meet the diverse needs of Chautauqua County families, with an overall goal of improving the stability and earning potential for women.

With up to $50,000 in funding available, the initiative seeks projects that address the growing need for quality childcare in Chautauqua County. The Women’s Giving Circle will support projects that expand the availability and accessibility of childcare across diverse settings, improve the quality of existing childcare programs, and develop unique collaborations or strategic partnerships that address the ongoing challenge.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and partnerships or fiscally sponsored entities.

Organizations interested in applying must first submit a letter of interest by April 25. Funding decisions will be made at the WGC Annual Meeting in July, where members will vote to determine the final grant recipient.

“This grant marks an exciting milestone for the Women’s Giving Circle and demonstrates the power of collective giving,” said Jane Cleaver Becker, founder of the Women’s Giving Circle. “We never imagined over 100 members and $50,000 to distribute in our inaugural year. We are thrilled to see the generosity of our members come to life in the form of this grant, which will directly benefit families in our community.”

The selected grant recipient will be invited to share the impact of their project at the July 2026 annual meeting, providing insight into how the funding has supported childcare quality, access and opportunities in Chautauqua County.

For more information on eligibility, guidelines, and the application process, visit www.chautauquagrants.org or contact Lindsey Goold, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation donor services officer, at lgoold@crcfonline.org or 716-661-3390.