A new endowment at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation is geared towards helping individuals with disabilities. On Friday, NCCF announced the formation of the Lyford-Gugino Endowment for Inclusive Classroom and Community Experiences. Established in January by Joe and Jessica Gugino, this Field of Interest Fund is dedicated to enhancing opportunities and fulfilling needs that directly benefit individuals with disabilities in northern Chautauqua County.
This new fund provides grant support to nonprofit organizations and both public and private schools. Eligible programs, organizations, and classrooms must be inclusive in nature, ensuring that at least 20% of participants, or a ratio of 1:5, are individuals with disabilities. Applications will be accepted and reviewed annually, with funding recommendations made by a designated committee. Preference will be given to funding requests that include matching funds.
Potential funding opportunities include support for unified sports teams, inclusive camp experiences, classroom equipment that enhances the education or experience of students with disabilities and is not otherwise funded, and specialized programming designed for individuals with disabilities…