Acorn Grants
Acorn Grants support emerging nonprofits with organizational development that strengthens operations, builds leadership capacity, and lays sustainable foundations for long-term community impact.
Funder: Erie Community Foundation
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Application) | January 29, 2027 (Application) | May 1, 2027 (Application) | July 30, 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per grant
Summary: Acorn Grants help emerging nonprofits strengthen operations, develop leadership, and build sustainable foundations for long-term community impact.
Key Information: Applications are by invitation only.
Description
Acorn Grants are part of Erie Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grant Programs. The program supports emerging nonprofit organizations through organizational development, helping them strengthen operations, develop leadership capacity, and establish sustainable foundations for future impact. Its focus includes new 501(c)(3) organizations—generally less than five years old—and organizations with annual budgets under $150,000.
The Foundation’s broader Community Impact grantmaking supports programs, projects, and initiatives that respond to community-identified needs and advance its strategic goals, with a vision of a united, vibrant, and thriving region for all. Its general areas of support include health, education, economic growth, neighborhood and community development, and regional vitality. Acorn Grants emphasize the organizational capacity that enables nonprofits to sustain their community contributions over time.
