Chautauqua County > Dunkirk
Dunkirk has faced a severe economic crisis in recent years, with the state comptroller’s office citing crippling debt, fund deficits and sloppy accounting. Residents’ taxes nearly doubled in 2024. The state saved the city from default in 2025 with an emergency loan.
School districts: Dunkirk City School District
Libraries: Dunkirk Public Library
Hospitals: Brooks Memorial Hospital
Emergency services: Dunkirk Fire Department
Fraternal organizations: American Legion, Elks, Lions, VFW
Not-for-profit cemeteries: Willow Brook Park Cemetery
Change agents:
Grants to local organizations have funded a fatherhood program, summer camp, redevelopment of the Woolworth’s building, and transitional living.
Recent grants:
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
J L Blair for Tlc Health Network - Pittsburgh, PA - $7,299 (2024)
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
J L Blair for Tlc Health Network - Pittsburgh, PA - $7,601 (2023)
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
Livermore Memorial Fund - Chicago, IL - $107,776 (2023)
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
Tr Uw Dorotha E Wilber - Norwich, NY - $9,684 (2023)
Chautauqua Center
Mother Cabrini Health Foundation - New York, NY - $75,000 (2023)
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry
John R. Oishei Foundation - Buffalo, NY - $10,000 (2023)
Chautauqua Opportunities
R R & Clara J Gould Foundation - Milwaukee, WI - $1,340 (2023)
Chautauqua Opportunities
Zumiez Foundation - Lynnwood, WA - $3,165 (2023)
City of Dunkirk
Empire State Development - Albany, NY - $1,500,000 (2024)
City of Dunkirk
Federal Emergency Management Agency - Washington, DC - $76,007 (2023)
City of Dunkirk
NYS revenue sharing (Aid and Incentives for Municipalities) - Albany, NY - $1,575,527 (2023)
City of Dunkirk
Regional Economic Development Councils - Albany, NY - $1,600,000 (2024)
City of Dunkirk Police Department
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services - Albany, NY - $63,502 (2024)
Dunkirk
Downtown Revitalization Initiative - Albany, NY - $10,000,000 (2023)
Dunkirk Conference Center
J&S Laidig Family Foundation - Mishawaka, IN - $1,000 (2023)
Southern Tier Environments for Living
Regional Economic Development Councils - Albany, NY - $1,200,000 (2024)
Largest nonprofits in Dunkirk (by assets) include:
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
Chautauqua Center
Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation
Chautauqua Opportunities
Southern Tier Environments for Living
Dunkirk Conference Center
Shorewood Association
Dunkirk Humane Society
Chautauqua County Agricultural & Fair Association
East Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Company
Chautauqua Opportunities for Development
LSP Corporation
Southern Tier Foundation
United Way of Northern Chautauqua County
West Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Company
Historical Society of Dunkirk New York
Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club
Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum
Chautauqua County Rural Ministries
Friends of the New York State Liberty Partnerships
Dunkirk Memorial Post 62
United Steelworkers
Dunkirk Yacht Club
Dunkirk Local Development Corporation
Exempt Volunteer Firemens Association of the City of Dunkirk