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

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

Up to $50,000 per grant; 12-month grant period; requests above $35,000 typically for larger, established organizations

Quarterly grant supporting Erie County nonprofits with projects that build capacity, improve infrastructure, and strengthen organizational impact.

Pre-application meeting required to access the application portal.

--- ## Description The Helping Today grant program, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, is a quarterly funding opportunity designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations serving Erie County, Pennsylvania. The program supports a broad range of projects, including organizational capacity building, capital purchases, facility improvements, program development, and advocacy or public policy initiatives. Helping Today emphasizes expanding reach and access for underserved or marginalized communities, community-informed proposals, and the demonstration of measurable outputs and short-term outcomes within a 12-month period. Grants are intended to enhance a nonprofit’s ability to deliver and scale programming and services, while building long-term organizational health. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Helping Today application submission deadline (quarterly) - July 30, 2026: Helping Today application submission deadline (quarterly) - October 15, 2026: Helping Today application submission deadline (quarterly) - January 29, 2027: Helping Today application submission deadline (quarterly; next occurrence) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: **$50,000** per grant - Typical grant period: **12 months** - Guidance: - Organizations with annual budgets under $100,000: up to $15,000 recommended - Budgets $100,000–$250,000: up to $25,000 recommended - Requests above $35,000 are generally reserved for larger, well-established organizations with a demonstrated track record - **Matching requirements:** Technology hardware and vehicle purchases require a 1:1 match (Helping Today will fund up to 50% of these costs) - All grant funds must be expended within 12 months of award --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be IRS-designated **501(c)(3) nonprofits**, or use a fiscal sponsor with this status - Must be located in or serve residents of **Erie County, Pennsylvania** - Organizations must **not have received a Helping Today grant within the past 12 months** - All reporting requirements from previous Helping Today grants must be completed before reapplying - Strongly recommended: Organizations have held 501(c)(3) status for at least three years - Not eligible: Individuals, for-profit businesses, start-up/seed funding, single events, endowment campaigns, religious activities, deficit reduction, improvements on property not owned by the nonprofit, or reimbursement for past expenses --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Check:** Confirm your organization meets all requirements. 2. **Pre-Application Meeting:** Schedule a required meeting with the Community Impact Team ([schedule here](https://calendly.com/ecf-community-impact/helping-today-pre-application-meeting)). You must complete this step to receive access to the application portal. 3. **Application Access:** After the meeting and eligibility confirmation, you will receive a personalized link to the online application via the GoApply portal. 4. **Prepare Application Materials:** Required documents include: - Most recent audited or board-approved financial statements - Current operating budget - Board of directors roster - Project budget and supporting documentation (e.g., bids, quotes, contractor estimates) - Fiscal sponsor letter (if applicable) 5. **Submit Application:** Complete and submit all materials by the quarterly deadline. 6. **Review Process:** Applications are reviewed by staff and the Community Advisory Committee, with final decisions made by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees at quarterly meetings. 7. **Notification:** Decision notifications are typically issued within two months of the deadline. 8. **Reporting:** A post-grant discussion and final budget report are required at the end of the grant period. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should demonstrate community need, use data or community input, and have clear, measurable outputs and outcomes achievable within 12 months. - Capital purchases and facility improvements must include bids, estimates, or price quotes. - Technology and vehicle purchases require a 1:1 match. - Projects may include operational expenses or personnel if sustainability is addressed. - Only one Helping Today application may be submitted per cycle per organization. - Organizations may apply for other Erie Community Foundation grants concurrently. --- ## External Links - [Helping Today Grant Program Page](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities/helping-today-grants) - [Helping Today Applicant Guide (PDF)](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Helping-Today-Applicant-Guide.pdf) - [Pre-Application Meeting Scheduling](https://calendly.com/ecf-community-impact/helping-today-pre-application-meeting) - [GoApply Grant Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/eriecommunityfoundation/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Feriecommunityfoundation) - [General Grant Opportunities](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities/#grantchart) --- ## Contact Information | Department/Role | Contact Details | |---------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Community Impact Team | [ci@eriecommunityfoundation.org](mailto:ci@eriecommunityfoundation.org) | | Pre-application meeting support | [Pre-application scheduling](https://calendly.com/ecf-community-impact/helping-today-pre-application-meeting) | | General inquiries | (814) 454-0843 | | Mailing address | 459 West 6th St. Erie, PA 16507 |

Helping Today

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