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

May 29, 2026 (Emerging Erie Fund Grant application deadline; annual deadline listed as May 29)

Up to $75,000 per project; typically single-year funding

Supports innovative projects that invest in Erie’s people and places to build a thriving and inclusive community.

--- ## Description The Emerging Erie Fund Grant, offered through the Erie Community Foundation, is designed to support innovative and ambitious projects that make a meaningful investment in Erie’s people and places. The program seeks to foster a thriving and inclusive community by encouraging proposals that demonstrate clear innovation or ambition, with a strong connection to Erie’s neighborhoods, physical environment, or residents. Projects should align with one or more of the Foundation’s community impact areas, such as health, education, economic growth, community development, and regional vitality. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a united, vibrant, and thriving region for all. --- ## Due Dates - May 29, 2026: Emerging Erie Fund Grant application deadline (annual deadline listed as May 29; applicants should confirm current-year details) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: **Up to $75,000 per project** - Funding is typically for a single year; multi-year funding is not generally permitted --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a **501(c)(3) nonprofit organization** located within Erie County, PA, or demonstrate that their project serves a sizable population within Erie County. - Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply **using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor**. - The following are **not eligible**: individuals, scholarship funds, fundraising events, deficit reduction, endowment campaigns, sectarian religious activities, or reimbursement for expenses already incurred. --- ## Application Process 1. **Confirm Eligibility**: Ensure your organization is a 501(c)(3) or has a fiscal sponsor, and that your project is innovative, ambitious, and focused on Erie’s people and places. 2. **Develop Proposal**: Prepare a compelling application describing the project’s innovation, anticipated impact, alignment with community impact areas, and requested funding (up to $75,000). 3. **Submit Application**: Applications must be submitted by May 29 through the [Erie Community Foundation’s online grant portal](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities#login). Follow the steps outlined in the [Application Process Flow Chart](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ECF_website_charts_FLOW_CHART-updated.png). 4. **Review**: Applications are reviewed by Foundation staff and advisory committees. Final decisions are made by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. --- ## Additional Information - Recent grantees include Erie City Moms, Our West Bayfront, and Erie Center for Arts & Technology—demonstrating a focus on community engagement, neighborhood revitalization, and innovative education or workforce training. - Projects must demonstrate strong alignment with at least one of the Foundation’s impact areas: health, education, economic growth, neighborhood and community development, or regional vitality. - Grant funds may not be used for expenses incurred prior to the award, endowment, or religious activities. --- ## External Links - [Emerging Erie Fund Grant Program Page](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities#login) - [Erie Community Foundation Home](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org) - [Application Process Flow Chart](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ECF_website_charts_FLOW_CHART-updated.png) - [Contact Page](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org/contact) - [Community Impact Areas](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/community-impact/) --- ## Contact Information | Department/Person | Contact Method | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Erie Community Foundation | [Contact Form](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org/contact) | | Main Office | (814) 454-0843 | ---

Emerging Erie Fund Grant

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