ECF NEWS
For press inquiries, contact
Erin D. Fessler
814.413.7352
EFessler@ErieCommunityFoundation.org
Press Releases & Community News
Karen Bilowith on 814 Matters
Erie Community Foundation President and CEO Karen Bilowith recently joined 814 Matters, a podcast that spotlights the people, places, and events shaping Northwest Pennsylvania. Hosted by Tony Peyronel and Mike Ruzzi of Erie News Now, the conversation explores what...
From “Weedville” to Beautiful Meadville!
For years, Andy Walker, former City Manager, quietly bestowed downtown Meadville with an unfortunate nickname: “Weedville.” Unpruned trees, neglected flower beds, opportunistic weeds, and an aging landscaping dampened civic pride and made a less-than-positive first...
AHN Saint Vincent announces plans for new Star Center North medical simulation lab with $250,000 grant from The Erie Community Foundation
Simulation lab designed for teaching and medical research ERIE, PA (November 19, 2025) – AHN Saint Vincent announced today that the hospital will open a new Simulation, Teaching, and Academic Research (STAR) Center North, supported by a $250,000 grant from The Erie...
The Erie Community Foundation Announces over $2.7 Million in Grants During Third Quarter
After The Erie Community Foundation Board of Trustees met in September, the Foundation is pleased to announce the approval over $2.7 million in grant awards to address immediate community needs and long-term requests. Each year, the Foundation conducts four quarterly...
ERIE GIVES 2025 HITS GRAND SLAM, RAISING OVER $11.3 MILLION FOR 539 NONPROFITS!
For the 15th consecutive year, Erie Gives donors swung for the fences and hit a grand slam! With record-breaking donor participation and dollars raised, this community-wide day of giving exceeded last year’s total by more than $1.6 million. A grand slam total of...
Erie Women’s Fund Hosts Implicit Bias Training with elise michaux
The Erie Women’s Fund (EWF), an affinity fund of The Erie Community Foundation, welcomed members and community guests today for an implicit bias training led by elise michaux at the Meiser Place in downtown Erie. Designed to help participants move beyond awareness and...
New Erie Gives Nonprofits
We are excited to welcome 34 nonprofit organizations participating in Erie Gives for the first time! These dedicated groups provide vital services and support that strengthen our community in countless ways. From addressing food insecurity and promoting health to...
Emerging Erie Fund Awards $100,000 Grant to Second Harvest Food Bank
Contact: Olivia Burgess Director of Collective Giving The Erie Community Foundation 814-454-0843 OBurgess@ErieCommunityFoundation.org Largest Grant to Date Will Support Launch of New Healthy Pantry Model in Erie’s East Side Erie, PA — At today’s Emerging Erie...
The Erie Community Foundation Announces All That is NEW for ERIE GIVES 2025
Contact: Erin D. Fessler VP of Marketing & Comm/Gov Relations (w) 814.413.7512 (c) 814.873.2630 With the support of community partners, The Erie Community Foundation announced what’s new to the 15th Annual Erie Gives 2025, which will take place on Tuesday, August...
The Erie Women’s Fund Awards $100,000 Major Grant for Dafmark Dance Theater’s “Dafmark Creative Arts Center”
At today’s Erie Women’s Fund Grant Reception, Dafmark Dance Theatrer received a $100,000 grant from the Erie Women’s Fund in support of their Dafmark Creative Arts Center. The Dafmark Creative Arts Center provides educational programming for Erie youth who live in...