ECF STAFF MEMBERS CELEBRATING THE ERIE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S 90 ANNIVERSARY. MISSING FROM PHOTO: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY IMPACT, RACHEL CACCHIONE.
WE’RE TURNING NINETY! WE’RE TURNING NINETY!
This year, The Erie Community Foundation proudly celebrates 90 years of community impact Since 1935, we’ve served as a convener and connector bringing donors closer to the causes they care about, helping nonprofits access resources, and supporting students through scholarships
At the heart of our work is a single focus: our community Thanks to the support of donors like you, the Foundation has grown to steward nearly $447 million in total assets a powerful testament to what collective giving can achieve Throughout our history, we’ve championed innovation and inclusion through grantmaking and transformative solutions From initiatives like the “We Believe in Erie” Fund and The Susan Hirt Hagen Fund for Transformational Philanthropy, to the expansion of flexible programs like Acorn Grants and Urgent Grants, we’ve continued to evolve meeting the needs of today when Erie needs us most Thank you for being a part of our journey Here’s to the last 90 years and to 90 more!
The Siegel mansion before ECF.
“CONNECTING COMMUNITIES” “CONNECTING COMMUNITIES”
On June 17, we gathered at the historic Warner Theatre for our Annual Meeting While every year is a celebration, this year was extra special– we celebrated The Erie Community Foundation’s 90 anniversary The evening began with a reception honoring this year’s Edward C
Doll Award recipients, Deborah and Douglas Murphy, whose decades-long dedication and generosity have made a lasting impact on the Erie community
Surrounded by family and friends, the Murphys were celebrated for their remarkable work and commitment to service Guests gathered in the theatre for our presentation, where we debuted our brand-new website and announced our 100-year commitment We also recognized our Spirit of Philanthropy honorees, Lauren Bauer (Erie Women’s Fund), Beth McCormick Rajakovich (Emerging Erie Fund), Blane Dessy (LGBT Fund) and Silvia Kaur Kang (H.E.Y.!- Hear Erie’s Youth). These individuals exemplify the spirit of philanthropy, offering their time and talents to inspire giving by their peers in our region To see more photos from the event, p page Thank you to all who at
ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT
(From left) Award winners Lauren Bauer, Silvia Kang Kaur, Deborah & Douglas Murphy, Blane Dessy and Beth McCormick Rajacovich.
Click here to explore our 2024 Annual Report now live online! Inside, you’ll find our financial highlights, inspiring donor and grantee stories, updates from our Affinity Funds and Regional Affiliates, and ways to get involved in inclusive, community-driven philanthropy In honor of our commitment to honoring our past and embracing our future, we’ve also moved our donor lists and tribute gifts online Discover the power of collective giving and the impact we’re making together.
We’re aiming to inspire additional gifts of $100 million for our Community Impact Fund by our Centennial in 2035. Help us do more for our community through flexible, sustaining support— creating lasting impact.
(From left) Emmy Geiger, Kensley Semple, Amanda Heubel, Christine Snippert, Natalie Miller, Molly Wojcik, Sara Nesbitt and Erin Fessler.
Members of the Murphy Family.
DRUM ROLL PLEASE... INTRODUCING OUR NEW & IMPROVED WEBSITE
As you may have noticed in the last year, we have worked to rebrand and give The Erie Community Foundation a fresh, modern look It was time our website reflected the same! Last week at our Annual Meeting, we unveiled our new website The new site is easier to navigate, serves as a portal to
share our stories of generosity and impact, and reflects our commitment to inclusive philanthropy. Our homepage offers direct access on how you can get involved. Whether this is through our Affinity Funds, giving to our Community Impact Fund, or logging into your donor portal, it is all located front and center For students and nonprofits, scholarships and grants are provided for convenience and clarity Our goal with this site is to make your experience with The Erie Community Foundation easy and memorable We encourage you to check it out here
REGIONAL AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT: UCCF
The Union City Community Foundation honored Ron Jones with the “I Believe” Award at their annual meeting. Ron not only played a vital role in the establishment of UCCF but continues to be a strong advocate for Union City This award recognizes his decadeslong commitment to bettering the lives of those around him Congratulations, Ron! Thank you for believing in Union City and for turning that belief into meaningful action.
“I Believe” Awardee Ron Jones and his family.
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EEF 2024 GRANT RECIPIENT: ERIE CITY MOMS
“H.O.M.E.”
The Emerging Erie Fund is proud to support Erie City Moms in transforming one house into two fully updated apartments each with three to four bedrooms, in-home laundry, and a shared backyard space where families can thrive. This project is part of H.O.M.E. Home Ownership for Moms in Erie, a program creating a launchpad to homeownership and long-term financial stability To learn more about the Emerging Erie Fund, please visit their website.
PRIDE. PROGRESS. COMM
As Pride Month ends, we’re reflecting on our powerful June 4 education session with the Persad Center. The presentation honored the trailblazers of the LGBTQ+ movement those who sparked progress and helped pave the way for the freedoms we continue to fight for today A special shoutout to Brenda Howard, the “Mother of P the very first Pride March She chose the word Pride intentionally, reclaiming it from the shame too often placed on LGBTQ+ identities. Read more about key figures of the movement here
We were also proud to have a presence at Pride on the Bay this year (pictured above). It was energizing to connect with so many people interested in learning more about the Fund, our mission, and the importance of building safe, affirming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in Erie
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATI
HELPING TODAY GRANT
Applications are now open for the third quarter of t Helping Today grant cycle! If your organization is d great work to meet pressing needs in the Erie com we want to hear from you. Before getting started, a applicants must schedule a pre-application meetin a member of our Community Impact Team Be sure review the full program details, eligibility requireme application process, and FAQs on our website prio applying
Deadline to apply: August 1, 2025
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
We are grateful to our Board for 100% participation as Erie Gives sponsors.
The Erie Community Foundation 459 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814 454 0843
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C A L E N D A R O F E V E N
JULY
Friday, July 4 Offices closed Tuesday, July 8 “10-Minute Take”
Tuesday, July 22 “10-Minute Take”
Thursday, July 24 EWF Summer Gathering
Wednesday, July 30 EEF Grant Reception
AUG
Tuesday, August1 Helping Today Deadline
Tuesday, August 5
Erie Gives deadline: check drop-off & Stock/ IRA transfer
Tuesday, August 12 EEF Brews & Dues
Erie Gives
Tuesday, August 12 “10-Minute Take”
Tuesday, August 26