Pictured, from left, are Jane Fuller, Brenda Rickard, Dawn Swanson, Rose Mary Carver, Tory Irgang, Cindy Wragge, Peter Fuller and Liz Jones. Falconer Region Community Fund Committee members not pictured include Robb Jones, Cathy Kimball, Brian Nelson and Jim Roach. Submitted photo

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation recently awarded grants to 12 organizations in the Falconer region thanks to funding from the Falconer Region Community Fund and Donald R. Swanson Memorial Fund.

In just over 10 years, the Falconer Fund has become an important nonprofit community resource, closing fundings gaps for projects impacting the region’s residents. The Donald R. Swanson Memorial Fund celebrates its fifth year causes within the Falconer Central School District boundaries as well.

In 2023, nearly $14,000 was awarded for equipment purchases that support outdoor learning and STEM at the school buildings, and upgrades for area church facilities, key equipment for three fire departments, and support for local libraries.

One grant recipient, the Audubon Community Nature Center, will partner with Falconer Central School District in reconstructing outdoor learning spaces at both Fenner and Temple Elementary Schools.

“Outdoor, hands-on education that involves the application of concepts learned in the classroom is becoming a key piece of elementary education,” said Leigh Rovegno, executive director at the Audubon Community Nature Center.

Additionally, Ellington Farman Library received funding to bring three community educational events to the area. “We recognize how important it is to make programs available right in our community and to offer them at no cost,” said Judy Whittaker, Ellington Farman Library Director.

The Falconer Region Community Fund was created in 2012 under the leadership of lifelong Falconer residents Maurice and Doris Roach, who brought community members and local stakeholders together to support charitable activities in their community. For the 2023 application year, funding requests exceeded that of the Falconer Region Community Fund and the Donald R. Swanson Memorial Fund’s annual grant allocation, signaling the growing need in the region for support. Contributions to assist their growth can be made by visiting crcfonline.org/give, or by check at Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

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