The Emerging Erie Fund is a group of emerging leaders working to create a lasting impact in our community through collective giving. We award substantial annual grants that support local people and places, and we offer education, networking, and leadership opportunities to members who care deeply about Erie’s future.
A gift of $100 or more through Erie Gives can also serve as your annual Emerging Erie Fund membership gift, giving you the opportunity to engage more deeply with EEF throughout the year.
In just six years, our grantmaking has grown from $5,000 to $100,000. That growth reflects the power of collective philanthropy and the belief that young professionals can shape what comes next for our region.
The Emerging Erie Fund uses our collective networks to build an annual grant that supports a nonprofit benefiting the people and places in our community. Along the way, members have opportunities to engage with civic leaders, build strong networks, and learn about some of the region’s most impactful initiatives.
Your gift supports:
• Annual grants that drive meaningful local change
• Experiences that help develop and retain young professionals who care about Erie
• A growing network of individual and corporate philanthropists committed to community impact
Our 2026 grant, to be announced in September, will once again invest $100,000 in a deserving local nonprofit. With your support on Erie Gives, we can continue raising the bar.
Erie Gives Impact
Last year, supporters helped us raise over $16,000 on Erie Gives.
Every gift made today strengthens our ability to invest boldly in Erie’s future.
| Year Awarded | Grantee | Amount Awarded |
| 2025 |
Second Harvest of NWPA: Second Harvest Marketplace |
$100,000 |
| 2024 | Erie City Moms: Home Ownership for Mothers in Erie (H.O.M.E.) | $75,000 |
| 2023 | Our West Bayfront: Community Home Rehabilitation Project | $40,000 |
| 2022 | Mother Teresa Academy: Full STEAM Ahead |
$20,000 |
| 2022 | Erie Center for Arts & Technology: Expanding the Construction Trades in Erie County |
$15,000 |
| 2021 | Erie Arts & Culture: Activate Through Art |
$15,000 |
| 2021 | Youth Leadership Institute of Erie: Connected in 5 Project |
$5,000 |
| 2020 | International Institute of Erie (URSCI): The New Erie Mavericks |
$5,000 |
The Emerging Erie Fund is a field-of-interest fund housed at The Erie Community Foundation and overseen by a volunteer advisory board.
Whether you're a longtime member or new to the Fund, Erie Gives is a great time to join or renew your EEF membership. By donating at least $100 annually, you will become a member with the ability to join a committee, gain access to our education and networking opportunities, and have the opportunity to vote on our annual grant recipient!
Membership gifts made on Erie Gives 2026 will provide a membership through Erie Gives 2027 and include the opportunity to vote on our 2027 grant recipient. After Erie Gives, EEF will follow up by email with more information about your membership, upcoming opportunities, and how to get involved.
Our impact wouldn't be possible without the support of generous community partners and corporate sponsors who allow us to keep dues low while engaging young professionals and emerging leaders. We have included the suggested amount above, but any gift amount is welcome and appreciated!
Note: All gifts above $100 will be eligible for membership in the Emerging Erie Fund, though we welcome gifts of general support at or above this amount. If we have any questions about your gift, we will be in touch using the information provided with your donation. Thank you!
Please Note: As a Field of Interest Fund of The Erie Community Foundation, the Emerging Erie Fund operates under the Foundation’s charitable designation (EIN #25-6032032) and receives fiscal, administrative and investment oversight from The Erie Community Foundation.
Organization name
Emerging Erie Fund
Mission Category
Affordable Housing Development, Career Pathways, Community Benefit, Community Development, Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Economic Development, Economic Growth, Economic Mobility, Entrepreneurship, Home Ownership, Housing Stability, Leadership Development, Public Society Benefit, Underserved Populations
Address
459 West 6th Street