Emerging Erie Fund
Our 2024 Request for Proposals is now open! Use the "Apply Now!" button below to submit your application by May 31, 2024.
Emerging Erie Fund, (formerly Young Erie Philanthropists), is a field of interest fund housed at The Erie Community Foundation and overseen by a volunteer advisory board.
Emerging Erie Fund is a group of young professionals working to elevate Erie. Emerging Erie Fund awards annual grants to support economic, workforce, and community development and offer education, networking, and events to members.
Emerging Erie Fund Board Members:
- Nick Cianci, Chair---Hamot Health Foundation
- Jacob Bartko, Grants Liaison---Jefferson Educational Society
- Jon Bly, Vice Chair of Fund Development---Accudyn
- Anne DiPillo, Co-Chair of Events---Red Letter Hospitality
- Katie Golombeski, Treasurer---Marquette Savings Bank
- Courtney Olevnik, Chair of Membership---Faye Ventures
- Caroline Legin Patterson, Chair of Marketing---Privia Health
- T.J. Richter, Past Chair--- Loesel Schaaf Insurance
- Emily Whiting, Vice Chair of Membership---Vannin Chief of Staff
- Beth McCormick Rajakovich, Co-Chair of Events---Erie Beer
- Mary Wassell, Chair of Education---Parker Phillips
- Alec Zaphiris, Chair of Fund Development---Great Lakes Insurance
Katie Golembeski, YEP Treasurer (Marquette Savings Bank), Nick Cianci, YEP Chair (Hamot Health Foundation), Anna Frantz, Executive Director, Our West Bayfront, Candace Battles, Board Chair, Our West Bayfront , T.J. Richter, YEP Former Chair
Emerging Erie Fund Grant Recipients:
| Year | Nonprofit & Grant Name | Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Our West Bayfront: Community Home Rehabilitation Project | $40,000 |
| 2022 | Mother Teresa Academy: Full STEAM Ahead | $20,000 |
| 2022 | Erie Center for Arts & Technology: Expanding the Construction Trades in Erie County | $15,000 |
| 2021 | Erie Arts & Culture: Activate Through Art | $15,000 |
| 2021 | Youth Leadership Institute of Erie: Connected in 5 Project | $5,000 |
| 2020 | International Institute of Erie (URSCI): The New Erie Mavericks | $5,000 |
How to Get Involved:
Join us:
Becoming a member of the Emerging Erie Fund is simple and rewarding. By donating at least $100, you will become a member with the ability to join a committee, have access to all of our education and networking opportunities, and have a chance to vote on where our annual grant money goes!
Join a committee:
By becoming a part of our Fund Development or Education committees you can be a direct part of our impact.
Request or provide a corporate sponsorship:
Most of our grant making directly comes from our sponsorship partners. By making a request to your employer, or providing a sponsorship yourself, you are contributing to our mission.
Spread the word:
Sharing our story is a powerful way to support the Emerging Erie Fund.