ECCF: Community Grants

ECCF: Community Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Erie County Community Foundation
Last Updated: March 25, 2026

Summary

The Erie County Community Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at addressing diverse needs in Erie County, including arts, education, and health. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring all community members can thrive. Priorities include breaking down barriers to access, supporting families, and improving mental health resources. Grants may cover operational costs and encourage collaboration among organizations, with a focus on addressing historical inequities and community needs during crises.

Overview

Community Grants Guidelines The grant making program of the Erie County Community Foundation covers a wide variety of needs throughout Erie County. These include, but are not limited to, Arts and Humanities, Community Development, Education, Environment, Health and Social Services and Youth Services. Mission Erie County Community Foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of the people of Erie County by addressing community needs, providing leadership, and cultivating resources for a lasting impact. Vision The Erie County Community Foundation envisions a community where all of our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geography, ethnicity or gender. We see an Erie County where: Barriers to meaningful employment are removed; All may seek treatment for their physical and mental health or addictions without stigma; All, but especially children, have access to healthy recreational activities; All, but especially children, may express or find themselves through and in the arts; A healthy nonprofit community that embraces collaboration and creativity to address local needs. We commit to working to ensure that our grantmaking considers and supports a broad diversity of organizations and helps to address historical inequities. The Foundation seeks to be responsive to community needs during times of crisis and reserves the right to amend these criteria and process at any time under the guidance of its Board of Directors. Priorities We will prioritize Community Grants that specifically address the following: Breaking Down Barriers: Initiatives that tackle transportation obstacles, ensuring everyone can access essential services and opportunities.Empowering the WorkforceCreating Pathways to EmploymentImproving access to high-quality childcare. Supporting FamiliesMental Health & WellnessEducational EnrichmentPreserving Our Natural ResourcesEnsuring Food AccessSupporting SeniorsBuilding Vibrant NeighborhoodsFighting Poverty

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Geographic Limitations - Grant projects must serve Erie County residents.Organizations must be determined to be tax exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3).Churches, schools, governmental or other entities covered by a group exemption are eligible for funding but must provide a copy of the group exemption letter and documentation of the organization’s inclusion within the group.

Ineligibility

Restrictions:Organizations must be determined to be a tax exempt non-profit by the IRS under section 501(c)3. Churches, schools, governmental or other entities covered by a group exemption are eligible for funding but must provide a copy of the group exemption letter and documentation of the organization’s inclusion within the group.Generally, grants are not made for advertising or sponsorships; annual campaigns; debt reduction; medical or other research organizations; political purposes or lobbying activities; sectarian religious purposes; tickets or advertising for fundraising events.Grants for the benefit of an individual are made only through Field of Interest Funds for education and health-related needs. Grants are made only to organizations determined to be tax exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)3, and also including churches, schools, universities, governmental or other entities covered by a group or exemption. Direct payment of a grant to an individual is prohibited; grants will be paid to the sponsoring non-profit organization on behalf of the individual.Projects must serve Erie County, Ohio residents.