Leadership and Innovation Fund

March 18, 2025

 New Fund will Boost ACAF Grantmaking

(Dec. 2024) Over the past three years, the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) has benefited from substantial donations that are providing increased funds to distribute and great flexibility in doing so. With more funds to work with, the foundation has begun adjusting its grant making approach from one that’s been primarily reactive, to a proactive approach, engaging with community leaders and organizations.


The Foundation’s newest Fund, the Leadership and Innovation Fund, will support both efforts. Established by Jack Carter, this generous fund will allow ACAF to work with organizations on projects that enhance the quality of life in Allegany County and encourages ACAF in its efforts to see broad community involvement in identifying and bringing forth potential projects.  


Mr. Carter’s involvement with ACAF goes back to its very beginning. He and the late Peter Sprague recognized the good that a community foundation could do for Allegany County and their efforts led to ACAF’s founding in 1983. Mr. Carter served as the organization’s treasurer for its first twenty years.


The Foundation will be discussing grant programs at a public information session this spring (date TBD). In the meantime, organizations with potential projects are encouraged to contact the foundation at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org

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By ACAF • January 8, 2024
(Dec 2023) Alfred and Whitesville libraries, Fountain Arts Center, Allegany County Blind Association, Andover Central School, and Pioneer Oil Museum were awarded grants at the Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) December meeting. All grants were made through ACAF’s Allegany Fund unless otherwise noted. The Allegany County Blind Association received $500 to provide pre-school amblyopia screenings […] The post ACAF Grants Boost Libraries, Arts, and Wellness Programs appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation.

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(April 2023) The family of Celeste Wuersig has established a scholarship in her honor and memory with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF). The Belfast native and long-time Cuba resident passed away on March 6, 2022. Born in 1949 to parents Dominic P. and Dorothy Curcio, Celeste’s youth in Belfast, NY included a large, loving […] The post Celeste Wuersig Remembered with Scholarship appeared first on Allegany County Area Foundation.
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