The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC FFW) is now accepting applications for its 2025 grant cycle. The application period opens on February 1, 2025, and will remain open until March 15, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified on or around April 30, 2025. These grants aim to provide financial assistance to women in the tri-county area of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua who demonstrate financial need and a clear plan for utilizing funds to achieve sustained self-sufficiency.

Grant amounts vary annually depending on available funds and the number of applicants, with a maximum award of $1,000 per recipient. Previous recipients have utilized these grants for business start-up costs, business development, or continued education for professional advancement. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to empower women by investing in their personal and professional growth, ultimately fostering long-term self-sufficiency.

Eligible applicants may apply online at https://www.accffw.org/grants beginning February 1, 2025. For those who require alternative application methods, such as a paper application or an individual interview, requests can be made via email at info@accffw.org.

The ACC FFW was established in 2017 as a nonprofit organization to combat poverty in the region by providing women with financial resources to support their long-term self-improvement. Additionally, the organization seeks to promote philanthropy by and for women, ensuring that financial support is reinvested into the local community. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to ACC FFW are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

The organization operates under the broader umbrella of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, which provides administrative support and fiscal oversight. Interested applicants or donors may contact the foundation for more information at foundation@cattfoundation.org or by calling (716) 301-CRCF (2723). Their office is located at 301 North Union Street, Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760.

This grant is intended to serve women residing in the Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties of New York State. While no specific restrictions are outlined beyond financial need and a viable plan for self-sufficiency, applicants should review the full guidelines on the ACC FFW website before applying.