SHAPING TOMORROW
GRANTS
The Shaping Tomorrow Program is strategically focused to support nonprofits in Erie County through projects that foster inclusive, equitable, and collective impact approaches. The goal is to enhance organizational capacity, align with other funders, and drive data-driven change in areas such as health, education, economic growth, and community development. Shaping Tomorrow grants are cross sector and collaborative. They support Infinite Erie and other initiatives with shared goals and objectives.
- Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 for projects typically lasting 12-18 months.
- Projects should demonstrate clear community need, employ data-driven strategies, and have the potential for long-term, equitable impact.
Eligibility
Requirements
Projects should focus on creating measurable change impacting systems and reflect community engagement. The Foundation’s Shaping Tomorrow grant program is intended to help nonprofits build program, organizational, and systems capacity.
- Organizations must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or have a fiscal sponsor.
- The applicant organization must be located in or serve residents of Erie County, PA.
- Organizations cannot have received a Shaping Tomorrow grant within the past 12 months.
- Organizations must be current with post-grant reporting requirements from previous grants.
Applicants will be evaluated on their alignment with ECF priority areas, partnerships, planning, community engagement and should demonstrate a coordinated effort to address community needs. Proposals should provide comprehensive details about the project, including goals, objectives, and output (which show how the people served will be impacted), budget, timelines, and evaluation methods with clearly defined outcomes.
Application Process
1
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Briefly outlines the project’s goals and outcomes.
Please send LOI’s to:
Patrick Herr
Vice President of
Community Impact
and
Kelly Patterson
Community Impact
Associate
2
Pre-Application Meeting
Ensures the project aligns with community needs.
3
Full Proposal
Provides comprehensive project details, including budget and evaluation plans.
4
Review and Decision
The Foundation staff and an Advisory Committee evaluate proposals, with final approval by the Board of Trustees.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for a Shaping Tomorrow Grant?
Eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be tax-exempt charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code (or have a fiscal sponsor).
- Applicants must be located in or serve residents of Erie County.
- Applicants may not have received a Shaping Tomorrow grant within the past 12 months.
- Applicants must be current in meeting post-grant reporting requirements.
How much funding is available through the Shaping Tomorrow program?
Shaping Tomorrow awards range between $50,000 and $250,000. Projects are typically 12 to 18 months in duration but may be multi-year.
What types of projects are considered for a Shaping Tomorrow grant?
The Shaping Tomorrow program supports collaborative initiatives with cross-sector approaches that address systemic challenges while strengthening nonprofit capacity. Eligible projects should:
- Feature a collective impact approach involving partnerships with multiple nonprofits, public institutions, and other stakeholders.
- Define input from the community to shape project methods and approaches.
- Demonstrate best-practice solutions that engage different sectors such as government, businesses, and nonprofits.
- Focus on long-term impact, equity, and reducing disparities within the community.
- Clearly define objectives, activities, outputs, and outcomes, demonstrating alignment with the organization’s mission.
Are there certain expenses or projects not funded through Shaping Tomorrow?
Yes, funding is not awarded for:
- Organizational start-up costs or seed funding.
- Fundraising events or campaigns.
- Religious activities.
- Deficit reduction.
- Property/real estate acquisition.
- Reimbursement for expenses already incurred.
What is the application process for Shaping Tomorrow grants?
The process consists of:
- Letter of Intent (LOI) – Prospective grantees must submit an LOI providing an overview of the proposed project, goals, and anticipated outcomes. If approved, the organization will be invited to submit a full proposal.
- Pre-application meeting(s) – Applicants will meet with Pat Herr and the  Community Impact staff to discuss the project’s history, importance, and impact on community needs.
- Full Proposal Submission – Applicants will submit a detailed proposal, including objectives, budget, timeline, evaluation methods, and community engagement strategies.
What is the review and decision-making process for Shaping Tomorrow grants?
Applications are reviewed as follows:
- The Community Impact Team evaluates applications and conducts due diligence.
- A committee composed of Erie Community Foundation Board members reviews staff assessments and provides funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
- The Erie Community Foundation Board of Trustees makes final grant decisions.
- Applicants are notified of funding decisions, and successful applicants enter into a grant agreement with the Foundation.
What are the reporting requirements for a Shaping Tomorrow grant?
Grantees are required to submit:
- Progress reports and financial updates as specified in the grant agreement.
- Â At the end of the 12-month grant period AND at the end of the grant period, each grantee will schedule a time for a post-grant conversation. An email reminder will be sent out several weeks prior to the end of the grant period, along with the opportunity to schedule the wrap-up meeting.
How do I schedule a pre-application meeting?
- Please contact the Community Impact Team for an appointment on Calendly or contact Kelly Patterson, our Community Impact Associate, directly to arrange a pre-application meeting.
Who should I contact with technical questions about the grant portal or application process?
Please consult GoApply’s User Guide on our website or contact Patrick Herr or Kelly Patterson for assistance.
Can I reapply for the same project every year?
While we value the programs we support, the Shaping Tomorrow program emphasizes broad community impact. We encourage applicants to develop sustainable funding strategies rather than relying on ongoing or annual funding from this program.
If I receive a Shaping Tomorrow grant, can I still apply for other grants?
Yes! Receiving a Shaping Tomorrow grant does not prevent an organization from applying for other Erie Community Foundation funding opportunities, such as Helping Today, Urgent Needs, or affinity funds.
What should I do if I haven’t spent all my grant funds by the end of the project period?
If an extension is needed, a written request must be submitted to Pat Herr, Vice President of Community Impact.