Emerging Erie Fund
Emerging Erie Fund is a field of interest fund housed at The Erie Community Foundation and overseen by a volunteer advisory board.
Emerging Erie Fund is a group of young people working to empower emerging leaders to create a lasting impact in their community through collective giving. The Fund awards annual grants to support Erie's people and places -- working to create pathways to living wage jobs and invest in neighborhoods and public spaces -- and offers education, networking, and events to members.
Emerging Erie Fund Board Members:
- Nick Cianci, Chair---Hamot Health Foundation
- Jacob Bartko, Grants Chair---Jefferson Educational Society
- Jon Bly, Vice Chair of Fund Development---Accudyn
- Anne DiPillo, Co-Chair of Events---Red Letter Hospitality
- Katie Golombeski, Vice Chair---Marquette Savings Bank
- Courtney Olevnik, Chair of Membership---Faye Ventures
- Caroline Legin Patterson, Chair of Marketing---Privia Health
- Kyle Strayer, Treasurer---Erie Strayer Co.
- Emily Whiting, Vice Chair of Membership---Vannin Chief of Staff
- Beth McCormick Rajakovich, Co-Chair of Events---Erie Beer
- Mary Wassell, Chair of Engagement---Kate & Co.
- Aubry DeMarco, Vice Chair of Engagement--- Erie Insurance Group
- Alec Zaphiris, Chair of Fund Development---Great Lakes Insurance
Emerging Erie Fund Grant Recipients:
| Year | Nonprofit & Grant Name | Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Erie City Moms: H.O.M.E. Home Ownership for Moms in Erie | $75,000 |
| 2023 | Our West Bayfront: Community Home Rehabilitation Project | $40,000 |
| 2022 | Mother Teresa Academy: Full STEAM Ahead | $20,000 |
| 2022 | Erie Center for Arts & Technology: Expanding the Construction Trades in Erie County | $15,000 |
| 2021 | Erie Arts & Culture: Activate Through Art | $15,000 |
| 2021 | Youth Leadership Institute of Erie: Connected in 5 Project | $5,000 |
| 2020 | International Institute of Erie (URSCI): The New Erie Mavericks | $5,000 |
How to Get Involved:
Join us:
Becoming a member of the Emerging Erie Fund is simple and rewarding. By donating at least $100, you will become a member with the ability to join a committee, have access to all of our education and networking opportunities, and have a chance to vote on where our annual grant money goes!
Join a committee:
By becoming a part of our Fund Development or Engagement committees you can be a direct part of our impact.
Request or provide a corporate sponsorship:
Most of our grant making directly comes from our sponsorship partners. By making a request to your employer, or providing a sponsorship yourself, you are contributing to our mission.
Spread the word:
Sharing our story is a powerful way to support the Emerging Erie Fund.