The Leadership Cattaraugus Scholarship Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation will be accepting applications from local leaders interested in joining the 2025 Leadership Cattaraugus cohort.

Applications will be accepted until January 1.

This scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals who live or work in Cattaraugus County and are participating in the Leadership Cattaraugus program. The scholarship, which awards up to 30% of program tuition, aims to support emerging leaders committed to making a difference in their community.

Leadership Cattaraugus was founded to foster and enhance leadership skills among local professionals, inspiring them to take an active role in the county’s future growth and development. The program provides valuable opportunities for networking, education and collaboration.

Applicants must live in and/or work in Cattaraugus County and be employed by a small (fewer than 100 employees) government entity, nonprofit or small business independently owned and operated in Cattaraugus County.

Applicants are judged by criteria including, but not limited to, the following:

·         The individual is an existing or emerging leader

·         Holds a leadership position in his/her organization or expects to move into a leadership position within his/her organization in the next six to 12 months

·         Serves as a formal or informal leader in his/her community. Examples include:

o   Serving as an elected official

o   Leadership in a civic or faith-based activity outside of the workplace

o   Coaching a sport

o   Coordinating a community activity/fundraising effort, etc.

·         Has a vested interest in creating sustainable vibrant Cattaraugus County communities as demonstrated by community volunteerism and other similar activities

·         Engages in or expresses willingness to engage in community service activities (volunteerism, community campaigns, service on a board, etc.)

The application is available at cattfoundation.org/apply-for-scholarships.

“Supporting the development of strong leaders is critical to the future of our region,” said CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus. “The Leadership Cattaraugus Scholarship makes this exceptional program more accessible, empowering individuals to take a step forward in their leadership aspirations.”

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).