Ralph C Sheldon Foundation Inc
Accepts applications
Ralph C Sheldon Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Jamestown, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.3 million in 66 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $268,166. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.3 million
- Number of grants66
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$268,166
- Assets$17.1 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.4 million the year before.
14% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.0 million | 72 | $14.8 million |
| 2024 | $2.4 million | 68 | $15.4 million |
| 2025 | $2.3 million | 66 | $17.1 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Leigh J Rovegno 217 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (716) 664-9890 |
| What to submit, deadlines | See the following web address http://www.chautauquagrants.org/ |
| Restrictions | Geographical, southern chautauqua county, New York |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Ralph C Sheldon Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 65 | $2.3 million |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $850 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chaut Lake & Watershed Mgmt Alliance | 2025 lake & watershed projectsdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $268,166 |
| Chautauqua Institution | Bellinger hall renovation projectannual fund drivedirector/staff unrestricted grants | $215,750 |
| United Way of Southern Chaut Co | 2025 campaigndirector/staff unrestricted grants | $155,300 |
| YWCA | Operating supportrunaway slave statue replacementdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $125,900 |
| Mental Health Association in Chaut Co | Director/staff unrestricted grantsoperating support | $125,500 |
| National Comedy Center | Operating supportdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $102,000 |
| YMCA | Youth & adult access /onyahsa nurses cabindirector/staff unrestricted grants | $102,000 |
| Reg Lenna Center for the Arts | Operating supportdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $101,500 |
| Jamestown Community Learning Council | Program support | $100,500 |
| Jamestown Community College | Jcc/YMCA communitywellness center | $100,000 |
| Chautauqua Striders | Program supportdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $71,000 |
| Infinity Performing Arts Program Inc | Operating & program expensesdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $65,250 |
| Prevention Works | Programming in chautauqua co. Schoolsdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $50,750 |
| Jamestown Renaissance Corp | Operating support | $50,000 |
| Jamestown Boys & Girls Club | Program supportdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $47,250 |
| Saint Susan Center | Operating supportdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $47,250 |
| Centaur Stride | Improvements to indoor arena | $45,000 |
| Meals on Wheels of the Jamestown Area | Vehicle replacement projectdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $38,400 |
| James Prendergast Library Association | Security, service & access renovationsdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $37,245 |
| Community Helping Hands | Operating support director/staff unrestricted grants | $32,935 |
| United Christian Advocacy Network (Ucan) | City mission - operatingdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $31,000 |
| Chautauqua Home Rehab & Improvement Corp | Purchase of xrf lead gun machine/training | $30,000 |
| Fenton History Center | Operating supporte.d.disc. Grant - chadakoin valley projectdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $30,000 |
| Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua Co | South county literacy project | $30,000 |
| Robert H Jackson Center | Capa theatre renovationsdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $27,250 |
| Roger Tory Peterson Institute | Development capacity buildingdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $26,250 |
| Chautauqua Region Economic Dev Corp | Chautauqua co. Overland trails revitalization | $25,000 |
| Jamestown Public Schools | Summer learning program (leap) | $25,000 |
| Audubon Community Nature Center | Accessibility improvementse.d. Discretionary - computer/recruitmentdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $24,501 |
| The Relief Zone Inc | Operating/program expenses& elevator lift | $21,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Wnyinc | Programs in so. Chautauqua co. | $20,000 |
| Chautauqua Rails to Trails Inc | Rc sheldon, jr. Trail - culvert repair | $15,000 |
| Feedmore Wny | Capital supportoperating support for scc facility | $15,000 |
| First Presbyterian Church | Scholarship funding for a childrens place day care | $15,000 |
| American Red Cross of Wny | Chautauqua co. Disaster servicesdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $10,500 |
| Chautauqua Region Community Foundation | E.d. Disc. - capacity lab supportdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $8,450 |
| The Heritage Group | Director/staff unrestricted grants | $7,500 |
| Chautauqua Youth Symphony | Operating supportdirector/staff unrestricted grants | $5,500 |
| Ny Funders Alliance | 2025 membership dues | $3,500 |
| First Luthern Church | E.d. Disc. Grant - first house (transitional housing)director/staff unrestricted grants | $2,675 |
Officers and trustees
- Alexis T Singleton
- Kelly A Dawson
- Raymond J Fashano
- Linda Swanson
- Thomas M Becker
- Tariq Khan MD
- Hans P Auer
- Ann Abdella
- Leigh J Rovegno
Questions people ask
Does Ralph C Sheldon Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: See the following web address http://www.chautauquagrants.org/.
How much does Ralph C Sheldon Foundation Inc give?
$2.3 million in tax year 2025, across 66 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Ralph C Sheldon Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Alexis T Singleton (President), Kelly A Dawson (Vice-President), Raymond J Fashano (Vice-President) and Linda Swanson (Former-Executive Director) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Ralph C Sheldon Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and arts and culture.