Emerging Erie Fund

Who We Are

Emerging Erie Fund is a group of emerging leaders working to create a lasting impact in our community through collective giving. We award annual grants to support local people and places and offer education, networking, and events to members who care about our community.

In the last five years, we have grown our grantmaking from $5K in 2020 to $75K to our 2024 grant recipient. That growth - and the impact that we're able to have on Erie's People and Places - is made possible by generous, likeminded individual and corporate philanthropists.

Our work:

Substantial grants to drive local change

Experiences to develop and retain young professionals who care about our community

Connecting likeminded individual and corporate philanthropists 

Our past grantees: 

Year Awarded	Grantee	Amount Awarded
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.

How You Can Support EEF

There are a few ways you can support the Emerging Erie Fund on Erie Gives Day:

Make a Membership Gift:

Whether you're a longtime member or new to the Fund, Erie Gives is a great time to join EEF. 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 Day 2025 will provide a membership through Erie Gives of 2026 and include the opportunity to vote on our 2026 grant recipient.

General Support:

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 suggested amounts above, but any gift amount is welcome!

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!