In 2025, a number of projects, including updates to the Westfield Village Green (pictured), received funding from the newly rebranded CCPEG EGF program. Up to $300,000 in funding will be made available to eligible projects again in 2026. Organizations and municipalities seeking funding are invited to submit a letter of interest, starting Monday, January 5, 2026. (Submitted photos)
The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth is making $300,000 available for qualifying economic development projects through its rebranded Economic Growth Fund.
Municipalities, nonprofits, academic institutions, economic development organizations, and community organizations in Chautauqua County are invited to apply for this leverage funding to be used toward a project that focuses on growing or strengthening the local economy.
In addition to a new name for the program, CCPEG is also adjusting the application process. Before interested applicants can apply for funding, they must first send a letter of interest that will be used to determine if their project is eligible. After initial review by CCPEG, any and all qualifying projects would then be invited to fill out an application for funding.
This is the fifth year that CCPEG has offered the funding program, which focuses on enhancing economic revitalization and long-term strategic investment throughout the County. Funding for the 2026 EGF program comes from a support grant provided by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation – awarded to CCPEG in late 2024.
Grant awards typically range between $10,000 and $20,000, and requests of up to $50,000 will be considered for high-priority projects. Some projects that have received funding previously include the Westfield Village Green updates, improvements to Hartley Park in Lakewood, and developing a Waterfront Activation Plan for Mayville. Over the past four years, CCPEG has awarded a total of $1,765,000 to more than 80 qualifying projects.
Grant seekers can apply in one of two categories for their projects: either for Planning and Technical Assistance Funds to plant the seeds for future projects; or for Implementation Funds to execute projects. Prioritization will be given to projects that need local match funding for state or federal grants, or are otherwise leveraging new resources for the County.
Letters of Interest submissions will start Monday, January 5, with a deadline of January 23. The application period for qualifying projects will run from February 2 through February 27. After a review of all applications, the 2026 Economic Growth Fund awards will be announced in late March of 2026.
More information about EGF, including what to include in a letter of interest, is available on the Economic Growth Fund page at CHQPartnership.org.
For questions or assistance, contact CCPEG Partner Engagement Coordinator Monica Simpson by calling (716) 363-3770 or emailing SimpsonM@chqgov.com.
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