Economic Growth Fund

In 2021, the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), the umbrella organization of CCPEG, received a grant from Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to launch the Economic Growth Fund (EGF). These matching dollars supported a wide range of catalytic economic and community development projects from 2022–2024. In 2024, CCPEG received additional funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, extending this important program through 2025–2027.

CCPEG offers resources for select projects identified to have the potential for transformational county-wide impact. Funding is designed to support either technical assistance/planning activities for future project development or funding to implement projects that align with the Chautauqua County Economic Development Strategic Plan.

About EGF

2026 Timeline

• Letter of Interest Submissions: Starts January 5, 2026
• Deadline for Letters of Interest: January 23, 2026
• Application Period: 4 weeks (February 2 – February 27, 2026)
• Review Process: 2-3 weeks
• Award Notifications: Late March 2026

Who Is Eligible?

• Municipalities
• Non Profits
• Community Organizations
• Academic Institutions
• Economic Development Organizations

What Organizations or Projects are Ineligible?

• For-profit Businesses
• Housing Projects 
• Events

Project Categories

• Planning and Technical Assistance 
• Implementation Funds

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 serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is a central coordinating entity for improving the quality of life in our communities, thereby attracting people and businesses to Chautauqua County.

How Does EGF Support Economic Development Projects?

As outlined earlier, In 2021, the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), the umbrella organization of CCPEG, received a grant from Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to launch the Economic Growth Fund (EGF). These matching dollars supported a wide range of catalytic economic and community development projects from 2022–2024.In 2024, CCPEG received additional funding from the Foundation, extending this important program through 2025–2027.

What is the Application Process?

New in 2026, there is a two step process. The first is a letter of interest to determine if submitted projects are eligible for a full application. 

Letters of interest need to be submitted to ccpartnership1@gmail.com with the subject line “Economic Growth Fund Letter of Interest”. In your letter of interest, please be sure to include Project Description, Fund Request, Total Project Request and explain how the project  aligns with the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Projects that are determined to be eligible will be invited to apply through the full application process. A link will be provided to the online application portal.

How is the Project Scored?

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

Preferences for Scoring:

• Projects with higher leverage ratios 
• Projects that are securing local match for upcoming or already awarded grant funding 
• Projects that align with Economic Development Strategic Plan 

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 applications are due?

Letters of interest should be submitted by January 23, 2026. Qualified applications will be invited to submit a full application . Late letters of interest will not be considered. 

Full applications should be submitted by February 27, 2026. 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 2026.

For questions or assistance, please contact Monica Simpson, CCPEG Partner Engagement Coordinator, by calling (716) 363-3770 or emailing SimpsonM@chqgov.com.