Support for Economic Development Projects

In 2021, the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), the umbrella organization of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), accepted a three-year, $1.05 million grant award from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RWJF). This grant was designed to provide critical local-matching dollars for catalytic economic and community development projects. Matching dollars were provided for a wide vareity of projects in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

In 2024, CCPEG was awarded additional funding from RWJF, allowing this vital funding program to continue in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

CCPEG offers resources for select projects identified to have the potential for transformational county-wide impact. Support includes technical assistance, funding match requirements for local, state, or federal grants being used for projects that align with the Chautauqua County Economic Development Strategic Plan, and other projects that enhance or leverage previous investment in economic development within Chautauqua County.

About the Initiative

2025 Timeline

• Application Period: 6 weeks (January 6 – February 21, 2025)
• Review Process: 2-3 weeks
• Award Notifications: March 2025

Who Is Eligible?

• Municipalities
• Non Profits
• Community Organizations
• Academic Institutions
• Economic Development Organizations
• Excludes For-profit Businesses

Resources are available for projects designed to spur economic development within Chautauqua County.

• Technical Assistance
• Match Requirements
• High-priority Projects

FAQ’s

What is CCPEG?

CCPEG is an organization that brings together public and private community leaders to focus on county- wide and regional economic development. CCPEG is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life in Chautauqua County. We catalyze and broker resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts, provide leadership for businesses, develop our community, and facilitate entrepreneurial growth in the region.

How Does this Grant Opportunity Support Economic Development Projects?

As outlined earlier, in 2021, CREDC, the umbrella organization of CCPEG, accepted a three year, $1.05 million grant award from RWJF. This grant was designed to provide critical local-matching dollars for catalytic economic and community development projects. Some of the funding from this grant will be distributed through the CCPEG Support for Economic Development Projects program. Support can come in the form of financial support and/or technical assistance.

In 2024, CCPEG was awarded additional funding from RWJF, allowing this vital funding program to continue in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

How will Projects be assessed?

Projects that directly align with the Chautauqua County Economic Development Strategic Plan will be viewed favorably through the review process. Project readiness, feasibility, transformation potential, and economic impact will be used to guide decision making.

How do I apply?

Interested applicants should complete the online application. Application should include a project description, rationale and expected economic impact, total project cost and anticipated timeline, type of support being sought (technical assistance, grant-writing support, and/or financial assistance), and contact information.

How much can I apply for?

Grant awards typically range between $10,000 and $20,000. Requests of up to $50,000 will be considered.

When are applications due?

All applications should be submitted by  February 21, 2025. Late applications will not be considered, and only applications submitted online will be accepted.

When will the awards be made?

Following the submission and review of applications, award notifications will be made in March 2025.