Emerging Erie Fund Grant

The Emerging Erie Fund is a field of interest fund of The Erie Community Foundation that focuses on supporting impactful, community-driven initiatives within Erie County, Pennsylvania. The fund was established to champion local projects that create meaningful, lasting benefits for Erie residents, both in the present and for future generations. Through its annual grantmaking process, the Emerging Erie Fund seeks to identify and support a single nonprofit organization whose work aligns with its mission to strengthen the community. The program is structured as a Request for Proposals (RFP), encouraging organizations to submit innovative and ambitious project ideas that address pressing local needs. The primary purpose of this grant opportunity is to invest in projects that improve the lives of Erie residents through two core focus areas: People and Places. Under the People category, the fund prioritizes initiatives that provide training and career support aimed at helping community members access living wage employment opportunities. Under the Places category, the fund supports efforts to create safe, healthy, and connected neighborhoods, including improvements to housing, public spaces, and community infrastructure. These focus areas reflect a dual commitment to economic mobility and community development, ensuring that funded projects contribute to both individual advancement and broader neighborhood vitality. For the 2026 grant cycle, the Emerging Erie Fund has committed to awarding a single grant in the amount of 100,000 dollars. Applicants are required to request the full funding amount, and all awarded funds must be expended within an 18-month performance period following receipt of the grant. This requirement ensures that funded projects are both well-defined and capable of being implemented within a relatively short timeframe. While specific allowable cost categories are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on project-based funding tied to community outcomes suggests that funds must be used directly in support of the proposed initiative and its measurable impacts. Eligibility for this grant is limited to nonprofit organizations that are based in and serve Erie County. The program explicitly seeks Erie-based nonprofits, indicating that applicants must demonstrate both organizational presence and programmatic impact within the county. The fund’s historical grant recipients include organizations focused on food access, housing, workforce training, and community revitalization, further reinforcing the expectation that applicants operate within these or closely related domains. No information is provided regarding cost-sharing or matching requirements, suggesting that no formal match is required for this funding opportunity. The application process requires submission through an online grant portal, with a firm deadline of May 29, 2026. In addition to standard application materials, applicants must submit a short video presentation lasting between one and three minutes. This video component is a distinctive requirement of the Emerging Erie Fund and is likely intended to provide a compelling, concise overview of the proposed project and its anticipated impact. The inclusion of multimedia elements suggests that evaluators place value not only on written proposals but also on the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate their vision and engage stakeholders. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined, the emphasis on innovative and ambitious ideas implies that proposals will be assessed based on their potential for meaningful community impact, alignment with the fund’s focus areas, and feasibility within the 18-month implementation period. The fund’s annual structure indicates that this is a recurring opportunity, with new RFPs expected each year. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor updates in the spring for future cycles. For questions or additional information, applicants may contact designated representatives associated with the fund, including the Grants Chair and the Director of Collective Giving, via the provided email addresses.

Focus on clear, innovative community impact aligned with People or Places priorities