Allegany County, NY, May 6, 2024 – The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC FFW) announced today its seventh annual Mother’s Day Campaign, which allows donors to make a contribution in honor or memory of women who have made a difference in their lives in order to support women seeking continued betterment.

The organization’s vision is to be a resource that will provide financial assistance and open doors for women who seek continued betterment. Upon witnessing the challenges in this tri-county area, and digging deeper into the statistics (this area surpasses state and national averages for poverty, according to the 2023 NYS Annual Poverty report), the ACC FFW remains committed to being involved: a record 60 applicants submitted grant requests this spring, indicating more need than ever. Applications are for a variety of needs, including start-up funds for small businesses, supplies to expand or enhance existing businesses, and continued education.

“Our region continues to navigate an ever-changing economy which seems to present a new challenge almost daily, but we’re also witnessing the remarkable resilience and creativity so characteristic of this tri-county area,” says president Melissa Jusianiec. “With a record number of applicants this spring, the need is more apparent than ever. We are dedicated to making an impact, but need the support of the region to do so.” 

For each donation, the ACC FFW will plant a daffodil bulb in a community garden. Gardens will eventually span communities across the tri-county area. The 2023 planting resulted in a garden on the Alfred State College campus in Alfred, NY, intended to create a butterfly garden in cooperation with the Science Society Club. Donations may be made online (https://www.accffw.org/donate-now) or by mail (ACC FFW c/o M. Jusianiec, 5926 State Route 21, Alfred Station, NY 14803).

The Fund for Women exists to invest in the lives of women in our communities in order to promote sustained self-sufficiency.  The goals of the Fund for Women are:

• To establish an endowed fund that will support the vision and mission of ACC FFW.
• To award individual and agency grants, on an annual basis, in direct proportion to our endowment, through a thorough review of applications.
• To promote philanthropy by and for women.

About ACC FFW:

The ACC FFW was established in 2017 to combat poverty in the tri-county area by providing women the opportunity to seek financial assistance for long-term self-improvement, and by promoting philanthropy by and for women. The ACC FFW is a component fund of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, a 501(c )(3) nonprofit organization.  Donations to this fund are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.