The Erie Community Foundation

FAQ

Questions

What is The Erie Community Foundation?

The Erie Community Foundation is a collection of over 500 charitable endowments operating under the administrative umbrella of a single public charity.

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When did The Erie Community Foundation begin?

The Erie Community Foundation traces its history back to 1935 when Elisha H. Mack, co-founder of the Boston Store, created a charitable endowment fund. After the tax reform act of 1969, Mr. Mack's fund was transformed into a public charity, The Erie Community Foundation, a process finalized in 1971.

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Are community foundations common?

There are only about 700 such foundations in the United States and the market value of our endowments is annually ranked within the top 10 percent of our peers.

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What is The Nonprofit Partnership?

The Nonprofit Partnership as a membership-based management support organization. There are nearly 200 dues-paying members and literally thousands of Erie County residents who have participated in Nonprofit Partnership programming. The end result is better service delivery and a stronger nonprofit sector.

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How can we contact you?

Go to our contact page or call The Erie Community Foundation at (814) 454-0843.

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How is The Erie Community Foundation governed?

Michael Batchelor is president of The Erie Community Foundation; he leads our foundation along with our Board of Trustees. Our trustees serve three-year terms, renewable to nine years. This process assures continuity of input and the presence of strong civic leaders guiding our foundation.

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What are the Community Advisory Panels?

In 2009, The Erie Community Foundation launched three Community Advisory Panels (CAPs) focusing on: Health Care, Workforce Solutions and Early Childhood Education....all of which are the antecedents to poverty. The CAPs are continuing the good work of the Council of Advisors, which first met in April 2005.

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How can I give a gift?

While our named funds normally begin with gifts of $10,000 or more, The Erie Community Foundation accepts gifts of any size. Gifts can be made to our general fund or to any of nearly 500 named funds. Additionally, we have significant experience facilitating gifts of appreciated securities, real estate, as well as with the creation of charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder and charitable lead trusts.

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What kind of fund can I create?

Named funds are typically established with a minimum gift of $10,000 or more. Exceptions can be negotiated; for example, younger donors who participate in our Fund for New Leadership may launch a named fund for as little as $1,000. Funds may be established during a donor's lifetime, or via bequest.

Click here for more on becoming a donor.

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What is the Elisha H. Mack Society?

The Elisha H. Mack Society is for those who include The Erie Community Foundation in their will or other estate-planning vehicle. We do not need to know amounts. We simply wish to compile a large list of local donors as we know it will encourage others to give and to consider The Erie Community Foundation when estate planning. By joining, members agree to be listed in our annual report and other publications.

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How do I apply for a grant?

Each quarter, our Board of Trustees reviews grant applications in order to provide funding from our unrestricted funds. Grants from unrestricted resources are typically between $5,000 and $30,000. Each grant application is part of our mission of "growing a brighter future."

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Is The Erie Community Foundation affiliated with other community funds?

The Erie Community Foundation shares administrative, investment and program services with several affiliate organizations. To take advantage of these opportunities, and to benefit from our broad-based public support, interlocking governance must exist.

Current affiliates include: The Corry Community Foundation, The Findley Lake Community Foundation, The North East Community Foundation, The Union City Community Foundation and The Nonprofit Partnership.

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