Emerging Erie Fund
The Emerging Erie Fund has committed up to $100,000 for this 2025 grant cycle, which will open on April 14. Grant requests should be between $75K and $100K, with all grant monies expensed within 18 months of receiving the award.
You can preview our RFP below.
Preview our RFP View Our RFP Join Now! Learn MoreEmerging 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 Golembeski, 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.