Basic Needs
The goal of Basic Needs funding is to respond to operating challenges our nonprofits face that limit their ability to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, or experience of their service delivery.
Examples of allowable requests include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
- Time limited program expansion or special event/activity;
- Timely capital, facility, communications, or technology needs;
- Program quality improvement or staff development.
Priority is given to the requests that demonstrate:
- A clearly identified need;
- A justifiable solution that has been fully researched;
- The impact to the operations of the organization, the efficiency and/or effectiveness of service delivery, or increase scope of services and/or number of clients served;
- The connection to a facility, communications, technology, or strategic plan; or agency has demonstrated the request is related to a new opportunity or unexpected need;
- And, a realistic and reasonable budget request that demonstrates the organization has contributed to the request through additional efforts, in kind support, partnership, or other funds.
Basic Needs grants are typically between $5,000-15,000.
Organizations can apply for awards once a year from both Basic Needs or Great Ideas funds.
| 2012 Application Deadlines | Announcements |
|---|---|
| January 16th | March 1st |
| March 1st | May 1st |
| May 1st | July 1st |
| July 2nd | September 1st |
| September 3rd | November 1st |
| November 1st | January 1st |
If you request is urgent in nature (meaning that you need funds to continue to provide services to clients at an optimal fashion), please contact us to request an expedited review.
Urgent funds are made available through our partnership with the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.
Contact Tiffanie Collazo, Program Associate at 814-454-0843 with questions regarding Basic Needs funding.
The Erie Community Foundation shares administrative, investment and program services with several affiliate organizations. Organizations located in Corry, Union City, North East or Findley Lake, NY are encouraged to engage our Regional Affiliates to discuss your Basic Needs funding request prior to applying to The Erie Community Foundation.
Click on the foundation name for more information.
- Corry Community Foundation
- Findley Lake Community Foundation
- North East Community Foundation
- Union City Community Foundation
