Urgent Need Requests

Ongoing Application

The Urgent Needs Request Fund of The Erie Community Foundation allows it to be more flexible to the urgent needs of qualified 501© (3) organizations in Erie County. It enables The Foundation to provide a quick response to immediate and unexpected needs that interrupt the daily business of serving clients. Each organization would be eligible for funding only once in a 12-month period.

Such needs include, but are not limited to:

• Natural disasters or catastrophes
• Immediate repair to building or major equipment
• Other matters that threaten the core operations of the organization

The Urgent Needs Fund is not intended for:

• Budget shortfalls
• General Operations

Source of funding:

• Unrestricted pool of discretionary funds
• Other gifts/grants designated for this purpose

Application process:

Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Submit a typed one-page letter (on letterhead) signed by Executive Director and Board Chair.

The letter must include the following information:

1. the special or urgent need and how it occurred
2. evidence that the event occurred within the last 30 days
3. how grant will be used and timeline
4. amount requested and project total cost
5. how the unexpected need will impact your ability to serve clients

Submit the following attachments:

1. Invoice, estimate or bid establishing basis for cost
2. Current list of Board of Directors
3. 501©(3) Determination Letter from the IRS
4. Most recent Organization Audited Financial Statements

Eligible organizations may submit applications via:

• hard copy – The Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA, 16507
• electronic copy – David González, program officer

Review/Approval process:

Program Department Staff reviews request, performs due diligence and submits to the President for review and recommendation. Grants cannot be awarded unless the President and members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees approve the recommendation. All actions taken will be reported in full at the next meetings of the Helping Today Grant Review Panel and the Board of Trustees.

Reporting process:

Grant recipient will provide report on results and expenditures within 30 days of receiving funds. If need is met by another funding source or funds are not utilized within said timeline, the Foundation will request that funds be returned.

If you have questions, e-mail David González, program officer or call (814) 454-0843.