Wightman Wieber Foundation Grant

Wightman Wieber Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Michelle Wightman Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation
Amount: US $1,000 - US $20,000
Last Updated: January 19, 2026

Summary

The Wightman Wieber Foundation Grant, established in memory of Michelle Wightman and Karrie Wieber, supports various community needs in Erie County. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available to tax-exempt organizations that enhance collaboration, strengthen capacity, and deliver substantial community benefits. The foundation encourages projects that serve the underserved and demonstrate sustainability. Eligible applicants include churches, schools, and other entities serving Erie County residents.

Overview

NOTE: If the deadline falls on a weekend, the proposal must be postmarked by the deadline, OR, if hand delivered, must be in by the Friday before the deadline. About Friends, Michelle Wightman and Karrie Wieber, died in a car-train collision in 1989. With the help of attorney Tom Murray, Michelle’s mother, Darlene Lowery, created a foundation inspired to benefit Sandusky/Erie County. The Wightman/Wieber Charitable Foundation not only is a perpetual memorial to the two girls, but it has proven to be a generous resource to help the community, families, and children since conception in 2000. Wightman Wieber Foundation Grant The grant making program of the Wightman/Wieber 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. We encourage proposals for projects that: Enhance cooperation and collaboration among Erie County organizations, thereby eliminating duplication of services. Strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve the community. Have potential for leveraging other resources and demonstrate sustainability through additional funding from a broad base of supporters. Yield substantial community benefits and serve a broad segment of the community, particularly the underserved. Funding Minimum grant awards are $1,000, with a general range of $1,000-$20,000, Grants are typically awarded for one year only.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.Grant projects must serve Erie County residents.

Ineligibility

Generally, grants are not made for advertising or sponsorships; annual campaigns; debt reduction; individuals; medical or other research organizations; political purposes or lobbying activities; routine operating expenses for ongoing programs, salaries/benefits of organization staff; sectarian religious purposes; tickets or advertising for fundraising events.