Wolfinger Fund Awards Grants to Area Schools

More than $7,300 in grants support STEM learning, field trips, and classroom enhancements at regional schools.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:54pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the silhouettes of students exploring a natural setting, conveying a sense of wonder and discovery.The Wolfinger Fund's grants provide unique opportunities for students to engage with the natural world and deepen their understanding of science and conservation.Belvidere Today

The Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation has awarded over $7,300 in grants to support hands-on STEM learning, field trips, and classroom enhancements at several regional schools, including Ellicottville Central School and Belvidere Central School.

Why it matters

The grants provide unique educational opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to immersive, experiential learning about topics like space science, astronomy, and agricultural biology. The funding aims to foster a deeper respect for conservation efforts and turn abstract lessons into tangible, lifelong memories.

The details

Ellicottville Central School received $494 for 'Exploring the Cosmos: Hands-on STEM Learning About Outer Space,' which will equip the school's STEM lab with interactive materials to deepen students' understanding of the universe. Belvidere Central School in New Jersey received three grants totaling $3,160 for a life skills room, agricultural biology aquaculture test kits, and drama club organizations and consolidation/clothing closet. The Wolfinger family has a personal connection to Belvidere Central School, as Sandy's mother and sister were lifelong residents and alumnae, with Alice also teaching kindergarten there for many years.

  • The grants were awarded in April 2026.

The players

Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund

A donor advised fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation that has awarded over $7,300 in grants to regional schools.

Ellicottville Central School

A school that received a $494 grant for 'Exploring the Cosmos: Hands-on STEM Learning About Outer Space.'

Belvidere Central School

A school in Belvidere, New Jersey that received three grants totaling $3,160 for a life skills room, agricultural biology aquaculture test kits, and drama club organizations and consolidation/clothing closet.

Christine Lightner

A teacher at Smethport Central School who said the funding provides 'a unique window into the natural world for many students who would otherwise never have the opportunity to visit these local landmarks.'

Sandy

The person whose mother and sister were lifelong residents and alumnae of Belvidere Central School, with the sister also teaching kindergarten there for many years.

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What they’re saying

“This funding is more than just a travel budget – it provides a unique window into the natural world for many students who would otherwise never have the opportunity to visit these local landmarks”

— Christine Lightner, Smethport Central School teacher

The takeaway

The Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund's grants are making a meaningful impact on regional schools, providing hands-on STEM learning, field trip opportunities, and classroom enhancements that enrich the educational experiences of students who may not otherwise have access to such immersive, experiential learning.