Emerging Erie Fund

Emerging Erie Fund

Our membership window will open again on Erie Gives - Tuesday, August 13th!

To learn more about getting involved, check out the link below.

Learn More

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 people working to empower emerging leaders to create a lasting impact in their community through collective giving. The Fund awards annual grants to support Erie's people and places -- working to create pathways to living wage jobs and invest in neighborhoods and public spaces -- and offers 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, Vice Chair---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
  • Kyle Strayer, Treasurer---Erie Strayer Co.
  • 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



EEF

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:

YearNonprofit & Grant NameAmount Awarded
2023Our West Bayfront: Community Home Rehabilitation Project$40,000
2022Mother Teresa Academy: Full STEAM Ahead$20,000
2022Erie Center for Arts & Technology: Expanding the Construction Trades in Erie County$15,000
2021Erie Arts & Culture: Activate Through Art$15,000
2021Youth Leadership Institute of Erie: Connected in 5 Project$5,000
2020International 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.


If you're interested in learning more, contact Olivia Burgess.