Erie Women’s Fund Awards Record-Breaking $64,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits
December 10, 2024
The Erie Women’s Fund (EWF), a field of interest fund housed at The Erie Community Foundation, is dedicated to empowering women and families. Since its founding in 2007, EWF has granted more than $1,200,000 to local nonprofits that align with its mission. EWF members also participate in educational forums, informational meetings, and social gatherings to deepen their engagement with the community.
“The Erie Women’s Fund reached an incredible milestone this year,” said EWF Chair Lauren Bauer. “Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our members, we were able to supplement the Furchak Ferko Fund disbursement with funds raised through Women Driving Philanthropy and the Erie Women’s Fund endowment. As a result, we awarded $64,000 in grants—our largest grantmaking total to date—to two exceptional local nonprofit organizations.”
Grants made through the Furchak Ferko Field of Interest Fund, made possible by the estate of Margaret Furchak Ferko, are administered by the Erie Women’s Fund. This year’s funding was distributed as follows:
- $40,000 to Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA for their Project Journey, which provides transitional housing and support services to female veterans.
- $24,000 to United Way of Erie County for their Focused Vision, Focused Future: Vision Services for Erie County Students project, ensuring students in community schools have access to essential vision care.
In addition to these impactful grants, the Erie Women’s Fund welcomed Ashley Lawson, from USCRI Erie, at their annual celebration to provide an update on the Strong Women – Stronger Erie Families initiative. This project was funded through EWF’s major grant program in 2023.
“This is a significant moment for EWF and the Erie community,” said Bauer. “Not only are we meeting urgent community needs, but we are also deepening our long-term impact through innovative projects and partnerships.”
EWF’s contributions this year bring the total funding granted in 2024 to $164,000 and total funding since inception in 2007 to over $1.2 million — more record-breaking milestones for the organization.
For more information about The Erie Women’s Fund or to learn how you can become a member, please contact Olivia Burgess at 814-413-7358 or by email at oburgess@eriecommunityfoundation.org.
About the Erie Women’s Fund: The Erie Women’s Fund (EWF) is a group of community-minded women dedicated to creating positive change in the lives of women and families in Erie County. Through philanthropy, education, and advocacy, EWF works to address the root causes of issues affecting women and families and strives to create a more equitable and thriving community for all.
The Erie Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow. We envision a united, vibrant, and thriving region for all.