BRIDGE BUILDERS
The Erie Women’s Fund is proud to launch Bridge Builders, a pilot grant program designed to be flexible and accessible, including for smaller and newer nonprofit organizations.
Funding may support programs, equipment, supplies or other charitable needs. The grant is intentionally open to any organization serving women and families in Erie County.
Eligibility
Criteria
Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Eligible applicants may request up to $5,000 in funding.
Eligible organizations must:
- Serve women and/or families in Erie County
- Use the requested funding for charitable work benefiting women and families in Erie County
- Have not received funding from the Erie Women’s Fund within the previous 12 months
Application
Process
Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply. Applications are due on October 30, 2026.
FAQs
What types of project will be funded?
Bridge Builders funding is designed to support organizations serving women and families in Erie County. Funding may support programs, projects, equipment, supplies or other charitable needs. Requests do not need to be large or complicated to make an impact.
How will the Erie Women’s Fund evaluate my application?
Applications will be reviewed by the Erie Women’s Fund Grants Committee based on the following areas:
- Alignment with the Erie Women’s Fund’s mission of empowering women and families
- Community need
- Proposed activities and expected outcomes
- Organizational health and capacity
- Project budget and sustainability
What does the application entail?
We’ve designed the application to be straightforward and accessible. The application will ask you to provide:
- A brief description of your organization and the people you serve
- A description of your project or request and why it matters
- What you hope to accomplish
- When the work will take place
- A simple budget outlining how you would use the funding
Can I apply for multi-year funding?
No. Bridge Builders is a pilot grant program and is not intended to provide multi-year funding.