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

Rolling (applications accepted until funds are exhausted)

Up to $15,000 per grant; funds must be expended within 30 days of receipt.

Emergency funding for Erie County nonprofits facing unanticipated crises disrupting operations or programming.

Application is invite-only; prior Urgent Grant recipients must wait 12 months before reapplying.

--- ## Description The Urgent Grant program from the Erie Community Foundation provides rapid-response emergency funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania. These grants are designed to help organizations address unexpected, unbudgeted capital or facilities crises—such as failed equipment or urgent repairs—that disrupt current operations or significantly impede service delivery. The program ensures that essential community services can quickly resume following unforeseen disruptions. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will remain open until all grant funds are exhausted. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $15,000 per grant. - Grant funds must be used within 30 days of receiving the award. - The program operates with a limited budget; grants are made until funds are depleted. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit (or have a fiscal sponsor). - Be located in Erie County, PA, or serve a sizable population within Erie County. - Be experiencing an unanticipated, unbudgeted situation that interrupts or significantly impedes current operations or programming. - Have a crisis that cannot wait for the next regular grant cycle (Helping Today). - Not have received an Urgent Grant from the Foundation in the past 12 months. - Have completed all reporting requirements for any previous Urgent Grant. Not eligible: - Individuals or for-profit businesses. - Requests for budget shortfalls, gap funding, or issues caused by delayed maintenance, lack of planning, or foreseeable operational needs. - Projects involving improvements to property not owned by the nonprofit. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Eligibility:** Ensure your organization meets all eligibility criteria. 2. **Initial Contact:** Email a brief description of the urgent situation to [Rachel Cacchione](mailto:RCacchione@ErieCommunityFoundation.org) for review. 3. **Invitation & Application:** If your situation meets the criteria, you will receive an invite-only link to the application via the Foundation’s GoApply portal. 4. **Submit Application:** Provide all required documentation, including quotes or estimates for repairs or purchases. 5. **Review & Decision:** Applications are reviewed by Foundation staff and the Board of Trustees, with funding decisions typically issued within a few weeks. --- ## Additional Information - Most urgent grants are awarded for emergency facility repairs or replacement of failed equipment. - Grants are not intended for anticipated needs or preventive maintenance. - Grantees must participate in a brief post-grant conversation 30 days after receiving funds. --- ## External Links - [Urgent Grants Program Page](https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/grant-opportunities/urgent-grants) - [GoApply Portal (application by invitation only)](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/eriecommunityfoundation/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Feriecommunityfoundation) - [Erie Community Foundation Homepage](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org) - [Contact Page](https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------| | Rachel Cacchione | [RCacchione@ErieCommunityFoundation.org](mailto:RCacchione@ErieCommunityFoundation.org) | (814) 454-0843 |

Urgent Grants

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