Fraser Grants Honor Local Legacy, Support Community Needs
Operation Warm Hearts volunteers recently helped more than 100 local children prepare to go back to school with personal hygiene and dental care supplies, backpacks, and other items.
United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties (UWCAC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Bill and Cathy Fraser Grants. This year, $4,000 in funding has been awarded to Cattaraugus County organizations working to meet essential needs and improve the quality of life in our communities.
“These grants carry on Bill and Cathy Fraser’s legacy of service by supporting programs that reach those in greatest need across our region,” said Sue McAuley, UWCAC executive director. “The Frasers dedicated their time, energy, and compassion to strengthening our community, and we are honored to continue that work in their memory.”
Organizations receiving funding include:
Connecting Communities in Action — Homeless Rapid Rehousing Program
Genesis House — Supplemental resident support items
Olean Food Pantry — Supplemental food purchases
Operation Warm Hearts — Children’s underwear
While each organization serves a different need, the grants share a common purpose: helping people overcome the small but significant barriers that can stand in the way of stability, health and independence.
For Connecting Communities in Action, Fraser Grant funding will help fill gaps in household essentials for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing.
Items such as shower curtains, laundry baskets, silverware, cookware, and cleaning supplies may seem simple, but having these necessities can help make a new home safe and livable.
During the 2024-2025 program year, the organization's combined programs served 83 people in 47 households, with 66% of individuals who exited the program moving into permanent housing.
At Genesis House, funding will provide practical resources to help residents navigate the transition from shelter to greater independence.
Utility wagons and grocery carts will make it easier to transport groceries, clothing, and personal belongings, while prepaid cell phones and phone cards will help residents stay connected to employers, landlords, healthcare providers, and support services. Approximately 75 to 100 residents are expected to benefit from these enhanced resources each year.
The Olean Food Pantry will use its grant to purchase additional food through FeedMore. Because FeedMore makes food available at heavily discounted prices, the grant will have an impact far beyond its face value.
The pantry estimates that the funding will provide approximately 7,607 pounds of food, worth roughly $14,486, including frequently requested items such as fresh produce and granola bars.
For Operation Warm Hearts, the grant will help provide new underwear to approximately 90 to 100 children through the organization's fall and winter clothing events. Underwear is a basic necessity that can affect children's comfort, hygiene and confidence.
By helping families obtain properly fitting clothing at no cost, the program helps remove another barrier for children who might otherwise go without.
Together, the four grants demonstrate how targeted investments can address immediate needs while helping individuals and families move toward greater stability and opportunity.
The Fraser Grants were created in 2020 to honor the memory of Bill and Cathy Fraser, who were longtime champions of the United Way. Mr. Fraser served for many years on the Board of Directors and Allocations Committee, while Mrs. Fraser was a vital member of the United Way staff. The memorial grant program ensures their commitment to helping neighbors in need lives on.
The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. They tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources.
