The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is pleased to announce the formal launch of the Cattaraugus Nonprofit Hub, a countywide initiative designed to increase collaboration and enhance the capacity and impact of civic organizations throughout Cattaraugus County.
Supported by key partners, including the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation and the United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, the Hub will provide a vital space for nonprofits and government agencies to come together to share resources, collaborate and strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem.
A $100,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation will be used to formalize and strengthen the Nonprofit Hub.
“This is an exciting step forward for nonprofits across the county,” stated Kirk Windus, CRCF executive director. “By formalizing the Cattaraugus County Nonprofit Hub, we aim to create a stronger foundation for collaboration and innovation that will enrich the work of our partners.”
The Hub will be open to all nonprofits and government partners in the county. A goal of the Hub will be to hold bimonthly meetings that focus on identifying ways to build civic infrastructure and promote effective collaboration among nonprofits in Cattaraugus County. Between meetings, Nonprofit Hub leadership will also convene working groups of nonprofits working in similar service areas.
Another leading partner of this initiative will be Larry Sorokes, former Chief Develop Officer at Intandem and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and Olean Business Development.
As CEO, Larry led the efforts to purchase and renovate the former Olean Business Institute building. The building is now home to office spaces for the Chamber and OBD, as well as various nonprofit and business ventures.
Larry’s wealth of experience with nonprofits and civic organizations will be a guiding force in facilitating meetings and developing a curriculum to help participating organizations thrive.
A range of topics will be covered at these meetings, with a guest speaker to be announced beforehand. Topics of priority will include public-private partnerships, effective nonprofit structures and collaborative strategies for community development.
Some grant funds will be available to nonprofits who pursue capacity building or highly collaborative initiatives as well, said Windus.
With an initial commitment through 2026, the Hub will aim to secure additional funding to secure its long-term sustainability. Looking ahead, CRCF hopes that the Hub can serve as a catalyst for partnerships well beyond the initial 2-year grant period.
“We see value in building community and collaboration in our nonprofits,” said Windus. “We can always respond to the most pressing needs of our community better together than we can alone.”
Nonprofit staff, volunteers, or government officials who would like to be added to the Cattaraugus County Nonprofit Hub communications list can contact CRCF staff at 716-301-2723 or [email protected]
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 [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
