Grant Review Process

Letter of Inquiry

Shaping Tomorrow proposals begin with an online Letter of Inquiry (LOI). The LOI indicates the problem/need you intend to address, outlines your proposal and project partners and identifies the amount of funding you will request from The Erie Community Foundation.

Once a LOI is received, a Director of Community Impact will review your request for eligibility and contact you. If your LOI is accepted, you will be invited to submit a full application. Directors of Community Impact are available to assist you in this process by calling 814-454-0843.

Shaping Tomorrow applications are reviewed using the following process:

Step 1: Internal Review

The internal grant review process consists of an analysis of the grant application materials by the program and finance departments. On occasion, a site visit is scheduled to get a better understanding of the project. Additional documents may be requested to help clarify potential issues that might come up during the discussions. Various analysis reports are created and presented to the independent Grant Review Panel.

Step 2: Grant Review Panel

A Grant Review Panel—comprised of trustees and community members—reviews all the grant applications independently, and then meet face-to-face to discuss the merits of each request. Proposals are reviewed using standardized Grant Review Criteria and recommendations for funding are made based on the quarterly distribution allocation.

Step 3: Trustee Review

Panel recommendations are then presented to the full The Erie Community Foundation Board of Trustees for their review and approval.

Notification of Results

Applications may be approved for full or partial funding, deferred or declined. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in writing and staff are available to provide helpful feedback.