[Erie Community Foundation](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org)

May 1, 2026 | July 30, 2026 | October 15, 2026 | January 29, 2027

Up to $10,000 per grant; typically one-year awards; by invitation only.

Supports emerging Erie County nonprofits (under 5 years old, <$150,000 budget) to strengthen operations, leadership, and sustainability.

Application is by invitation only; must serve Erie County, PA or its sizable population.

--- ## Description The Acorn Grant program is designed to help emerging nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania, plant the seeds for long-term success. It focuses on supporting new 501(c)(3) organizations—generally less than five years old and with annual operating budgets under $150,000—by providing funding to strengthen their internal operations, develop leadership capacity, and build sustainable foundations for future impact. The program aims to empower these organizations to increase their effectiveness and community reach. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026 - July 30, 2026 - October 15, 2026 - January 29, 2027 *All dates are for invited applicants only.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant amount: **Up to $10,000** - Funding is typically for a one-year period. - Grants are awarded by invitation only and are intended for operational, leadership, and capacity-building needs in emerging organizations. --- ## Eligibility - **Organizational Status:** Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (generally less than five years old) or use a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. - **Budget:** Annual operating budget must be under $150,000. - **Service Area:** Must be located in Erie County, PA, or demonstrate service to a sizable Erie County population. - **Invitation:** Applications are accepted by invitation only. - **Exclusions:** Grants are not issued to individuals, for scholarship funds, fundraising events, deficit reduction, endowment campaigns, sectarian religious activities, or reimbursements for expenses already incurred. --- ## Application Process - **Invitation Required:** Organizations must be invited by the Erie Community Foundation to apply. - **Initial Contact:** Prospective applicants should contact the Foundation to discuss alignment and potential invitation. - **Submission:** Invited organizations must submit their application through the Foundation’s [online grant portal](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities#login) by 11:59 pm ET on the due date. - **Review:** Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grants Committee, with final approval from the Board of Trustees. - **Reporting:** Grantees are required to submit a final report detailing use of funds and project outcomes. --- ## Additional Information - The Acorn Grant program is specifically for emerging nonprofits aiming to build internal capacity and sustainability. - Organizations not fitting the criteria may consider other Erie Community Foundation grant programs. - Recent grantees include small, community-based nonprofits addressing a range of local needs. --- ## External Links - [Erie Community Foundation – Grant Opportunities](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities#login) - [Acorn Grants Program Details](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities#login) - [Community Impact Focus Areas](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/community-impact/) - [Online Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=eriecountycf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Main Phone | (814) 454-0843 | | Contact Form | [Contact Erie Community Foundation](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org/contact) | | General Inquiries | Use the contact form or phone above | ---

Acorn Grants

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