[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; funds must be spent within 12 months.

Supports Erie County nonprofits with projects that strengthen organizational capacity, purchase equipment, improve facilities, or enhance programs in key community impact areas.

Pre-application meeting required to access the application portal.

--- ## Description The Helping Today Grants program, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, is a quarterly funding opportunity designed to strengthen nonprofits serving Erie County, Pennsylvania. The program supports projects that address critical needs aligned with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, including health, education, economic growth, neighborhood and community development, and regional vitality. Funding can be used for organizational capacity building, capital purchases, facility improvements, and programmatic enhancements. The grant is intended to help nonprofits expand their reach, improve infrastructure, and build long-term sustainability. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026 - July 30, 2026 - October 15, 2026 - January 29, 2027 Applications are reviewed quarterly. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: **up to $50,000 per grant** - Grant period: **12 months** (all funds must be expended within one year of award) --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a **501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization** located in Erie County, PA, or serve a significant population within Erie County. - Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply using a qualified **fiscal sponsor**. - Organizations must **not have received a Helping Today grant within the past 12 months** and must have completed all reporting requirements from previous grants. - Highly recommended that applicants have held 501(c)(3) status for at least three years. - Not eligible: individuals, for-profit businesses, projects seeking start-up/seed funding, endowment campaigns, fundraising events, religious activities, deficit reduction, property not owned by the applicant, or reimbursement for expenses already incurred. --- ## Application Process 1. **Confirm Eligibility**: Ensure your organization meets all requirements. 2. **Pre-Application Meeting**: Schedule a required pre-application meeting with the Community Impact Team ([schedule here](https://calendly.com/ecf-community-impact/helping-today-pre-application-meeting)). 3. **Access Application**: After the meeting, you will receive a personalized link to the online application via the [GoApply portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/eriecommunityfoundation/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Feriecommunityfoundation). 4. **Prepare and Submit Application**: Complete all sections and upload required documents (including bids/estimates for capital purchases or contracted services). 5. **Review and Decision**: Applications are reviewed by staff and a Community Advisory Committee, with final decisions made by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. 6. **Notification and Reporting**: Awardees will participate in a post-grant discussion and must submit a final budget report at the end of the grant period. --- ## Additional Information - Only one application per organization per cycle. - If declined, organizations may reapply in the next quarter. - Operational expenses/personnel costs may be eligible, but applicants must explain sustainability beyond the grant period. - Projects must clearly demonstrate community need and alignment with Foundation priorities. - Use of the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool is encouraged for identifying organizational gaps. --- ## External Links - [Helping Today Grants Program Page](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities/helping-today-grants/) - [Erie Community Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities#login) - [Application Process Flow Chart](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ECF_website_charts_FLOW_CHART-updated.png) - [GoApply Grant Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/eriecommunityfoundation/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Feriecommunityfoundation) - [Schedule Pre-Application Meeting](https://calendly.com/ecf-community-impact/helping-today-pre-application-meeting) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |----------------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------| | Community Impact Team| [ci@eriecommunityfoundation.org](mailto:ci@eriecommunityfoundation.org) | (814) 454-0843 | | Kelly Patterson, Community Impact Associate | [kpatterson@eriecommunityfoundation.org](mailto:kpatterson@eriecommunityfoundation.org) | | | Rachel Cacchione, Director of Community Impact (extensions) | [RCacchione@ErieCommunityFoundation.org](mailto:RCacchione@ErieCommunityFoundation.org) | | | Contact Form | [Foundation Contact Page](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org/contact) | |

Helping Today Grants

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