As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to introduce our bimonthly newsletter Our goal is to keep you connected to the impact of your generosity, the efforts of local nonprofits and the power of collective giving This year marks our 90th anniversary, honoring Elisha Mack’s vision for a charitable endowment that continues to support our community What began as the Erie Endowment turned into what we know today as The Erie Community Foundation, a charitable endowment that supports the community and will continue to in perpetuity, thanks
to the efforts of countless generous donors Decades later, the Foundation continues to evolve to meet our community’s changing needs We have much to celebrate, past and present For 90 years, thanks to the support of hundreds of individuals, families and corporations, ECF has contributed to regional growth and vitality As you read about the ways in which we connect generosity and impact, we hope you feel inspired, engaged and empowered to join our community philanthropy efforts
Karen Bilowith President & CEO
Scholarship Applications
We’re Hiring Summer
Interns
90 Years of ECF
Erie Gives 2025
New Team Members
Mission Empower
JES & ECF Fund
Corry’s 25th Anniversary
Erie Women’s Fund
H E Y ! Accepting Grant
Meet the Marketing &
Communications Team Applications
Board of Trustees
Calendar of Events
Group photo taken at the final numbers press conference for Erie Gives at UPMC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves, featuring The Erie Community Foundation staff, participating nonprofits’ staff, Erie Gives sponsors, Mayor Joe Schember and C. Wolf.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS!
Looking for Scholarships?
The wait is over our scholarship applications are officially open! This is your chance to secure financial aid for your (or your student’s) education Apply today! Applications due by April 15th.
Seeking a Summer Internship?
We are hiring summer interns! Join our Finance & Operations, Marketing & Communications or Philanthropic Services teams Ready to apply or learn more? Visit our website!
What’s Happening
Our Annual Meeting is on June 12, 2025, where we'll celebrate 90 years of convening, connecting and collaborating, as well as applaud the work of our local nonprofit sector All are welcome!
Then, mark your calendars for our 15th Annual Erie Gives on August 12, 2025 - a day to support local causes and make a big impact You won’t want ERIE GIVES NONPROFIT R Welcome Aboard!
Exciting news please welcome Christine Snippert, our new Staff Accountant, and Molly Wojcik, our new Philanthropic Services Assistant, to our team! Read more.
Summer 2024 philanthropic services interns Maria Knox and Morgan Stoddard.
ECF employees cheer on recipients of adaptive equipment from Variety, the Children’s Charity.
EMPOWERING YOUTH AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES
Founded in 2007, Mission Empower was created out of a simple but growing need: to help young people with disabilities integrate into their schools and communities and someday thrive as self-sufficient adults. Prior to their humble beginnings, while other organizations addressed aspects of support for families, none focused solely on empowering, educating, and advocating for individuals with disabilities and their
families. For parents, the journey often begins with a diagnosis and no clear direction Navigating the complex world of disability services can be overwhelming and isolating, and the support they need isn’t always a friendly face. That’s where Mission Empower steps in Interested in learning more about their impact? You can check out more of their story here.
AMPLIFYING IMPACT: THE JEFFERSON
EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY
Through the power of philanthropy, Bruce Raimy is setting the stage for lasting impact in Erie With a generous challenge grant, all donations to the Jefferson Educational Society (JES) Endowment Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, helping to secure the future of civic education and community progress for years to come
To learn more about this inspiring opportunity and how you can get involved, read the full story here.
The Jefferson Educational Society, located at 3207 State Street, Erie, P.A. 16508. Photo courtesy of The Jefferson Educational Society.
Students from the Youth Envision program through Mission Empower.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF THE CORRY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Erie Community Foundation isn’t the only one in town celebrating a milestone year! Happy 25th Anniversary to The Corry Community Foundation! To celebrate, they’re launching a monthly initiative where the community votes to determine which nonprofit will receive a $250 mini grant each month. Voting is open through November One vote per person via Facebook or by emailing Shelby Scouten at SScouten@CorryCommunityFoundation org They also aim to open five new funds in 2025, expanding opportunities for greater impact Interested in creating your own legacy? Call 814 664 3884 ext 6
ERIE WOMEN'S FUND HOSTS HUMAN TRAFFICKING EDUCATION SESSION
The Erie Women’s Fund hosted an eyeopening education session focused on the urgent and often unseen crisis of human trafficking This conversation aimed to educate and empower the community on the devastating impact of human trafficking, affecting women and girls in Erie and nationwide Trafficking is often misunderstood, with many people only associating it with kidnappings and “missing person” posters Survivors can be trafficked by people they know like family members, neighbors, or even friends Read more
The Erie Women’s Fund is one of three affinity funds at the Foundation Learn more at our website or check us out on Facebook
Jordan Pine, CEO & Founder of Greenlight Operation, was the keynote speaker at the education session.
BOOST YOUR YOUTH ORGANIZATION: APPLY FOR A H.E.Y.! GRANT TODAY
Exciting news from Hear Erie's Youth! (H E Y !), a dynamic, youth-led initiative of the Foundation! We're offering grants of up to $10,000 to support projects that tackle youth issues like substance abuse, mental health, bullying, and violence This is your chance to team up with young leaders making a real impact in our community Applications are now open! Apply through our grant portal by Wednesday, March 19 and help empower the next generation. Are you already making a difference? Don’t miss this opportunity to create positive change and shape our youth’s future
MEET THE FACES BEHIND THE ECF BIMONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
Erin Fessler
Kailey Pisani VP of Marketing & Community Relations Marketing & Communications Associate
Do you have a story to tell? Is there a community moment we missed? We want to hear from you! We’re always excited to feature fresh, inspiring stories from our community If you know someone doing good through the Foundation or an organization that’s received an ECF grant, email us today Let’s celebrate the stories that matter! Contact us:
Erin, EFessler@ErieCommunityFoundation.org
Kailey, KPisani@ErieCommunityFoundation.org
H.E.Y.! supports Young Artists Debut Orchestra with a $136 27 donation to purchase viola string sets.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
David M Tullio, Board Chair
Thomas A Tupitza, Esq., Vice Chair
James R Walczak, Esq , Secretary
Marcus S Atkinson
Lauren Bauer, CIMA®, CPFA™*
Kathleen Brugger, CPA*
Annē L. DiPillo
William M Hilbert Jr
Charles G Knight III, CPA
Sarah Hagen McWilliams
Timothy NeCastro
Robin Scheppner
Karinna Vernaza, Ph D
*Represents new Board Members
The Erie Community Foundation 459 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814.454.0843
www.ErieCommunityFoundation.org
S
C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T
FEB
Friday, February 21 Erie Women’s Fund Major Grant Opens
Friday, February 28 Karen Bilowith on ECF: Future Ahead Register
Friday, February 28 Hovis Grant Closes
Friday, February 21 Wed., March 19
MAR APR
Monday, April 14 EEF Grant Opens
Tuesday, April 15
Saturday, March 1 Internship Application Deadline Erie Gives Registration Opens H E Y ! Grant Closes Scholarship Applications Due
