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LGBT FUND

OUR IMPACT

GRANTS

SCHOLARSHIPS

ABOUT US

SUPPORT THE FUND

Logo for the Erie LGBT Fund of the Erie Community Foundation, featuring bold purple text on a white background with a purple border.

Leveraging the collective gifts of many, the LGBT Fund advances a mission, vision, and values formulated by the Fund’s board of advisers.

The LGBT Fund began with the creation of the LGBT Community Endowment in 2014. Since then, the assets of the four funds managed by the LGBT Fund have grown to more than a half million dollars. This represents significant growth over just a decade, reflecting a recognized need by donors for funding that addresses LGBTQ+-focused areas of concern.

Mission, Vision, and Values

The mission of the LGBT Fund is to fund and partner in community-led initiatives that serve the local LGBTQ+ population.

The board, its supporters and donors share the vision of a united, vibrant, and thriving community for the LGBTQ+ population of the Erie region.

In making decisions about scholarships, grants, and projects, the board of advisers—on behalf of those who support the Fund—are guided by these core values:

  • Integrity
  • Dignity and worth of all people
  • Justice
  • Equity
  • Compassion

OUR BOARD

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Bill Gonda

Board Chair & Engagement Chair

“It’s really time for a resource in Erie such as the LGBT Fund to address the issues unique to the LGBTQ+ community. For all of the progress we have made in our society, there are still a lot of LGBTQ+ people who struggle to be recognized—to feel safe and accepted. The LGBT Fund exists to support those very people—and I like knowing that.”

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Chuck Scalise

Fund Development Chair

“It’s been an honor to help lead the LGBT Fund Advisory Board and I’m inspired by the commitment of our Board and humbled by the generosity of our donors. We are making an impact but, we have a long way to go to assure diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Erie Community.”

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Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggin

Grants & Scholarships Chair

“I am passionate about community impact, fostering knowledge, and making a meaningful difference in the world. I believe that being a member of the LGBT Fund Advisory Board will provide me the opportunity to support the LGBTQIA+ community through philanthropy and public education, as well as create opportunities for centering queer voices in shaping the growth of Erie and the surrounding communities.”

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Michael Tkach

General Board Member

“I dedicate a large part of my adult life to finding ways to improve the lives of LGBT people of all ages throughout Pennsylvania where I live. The Northwestern Pennsylvania LGBT Fund is a philanthropic way to better the lives of LGBT people in their schools, families, and work environment.”

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Kevin Bennett

General Board Member

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Erin Bastow

General Board Member

“I am pleased to work alongside fellow Advisory Board members to support and enrich our Erie LGBTQIA+ community.”

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Art Martinucci

General Board Member

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Bob Ploehn

General Board Member

“Diversity has been a major problem in Erie, and this Board can effectuate change.”

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Shari Gross

General Board Member

“I am grateful to the LGBT Fund for this opportunity to serve the Q+ community and solidify our community partnerships.”

Join Us

If you wish to be involved with the LGBT Fund, consider joining one of our committees! We have positions on our committees that include fund development, grants & scholarships, and engagement. Each committee is led by a member of our advisory board, serves a different purpose, and holds meetings based on its projects. To join a committee, contact Olivia Burgess.

STAY CONNECTED

INSTAGRAM

@erielgbtfund

LINKEDIN

Erie LGBT Fund

FACEBOOK

Erie LGBT Fund