Erie Women's Fund
Furchak-Ferko Annual Grant Program
Due to the generosity and foresight of a very special Legacy donor, the Erie Women’s Fund is delighted to introduce our “Furchak-Ferko Annual Grant Program”! You may recall that in past years, EWF has offered an annual “mini-grant” opportunity to our nonprofit partners and friends. This new, annual program will operate very similarly, but will instead offer at least FIVE grants of up to FIVE THOUSAND dollars each!
Margaret Ferko, the benefactor who made this possible, was a native of North East, PA. She held many positions during her long life – Daughter, Sister, Farmer, Teacher, Nurse, and Chaplain. Through it all, her passion for promoting and supporting women and their families was a constant. Margaret believed deeply in a woman’s power to change the world. By leaving part of her sizeable estate to the Erie Women’s Fund, she knew she was doing just that—helping Empower Women and Families for generations. EWF is thrilled and humbled to offer this grant opportunity that honors the legacy of Margaret Ferko and her parents.
We are seeking proposals for projects in the following areas that address varied community gaps that impact local women and children:
- Transportation
- Health
- Workforce Training/Education
- Housing
- Child Care
- Food
- Healthcare
Eligible Organizations: Applications may be submitted by any Erie County 501(c)3 organization.
Ineligible Organizations: For-profit, sectarian religious activities, fund-raising solely, or hospitality projects.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=Erie by October 31, 2021.
Other Important Dates: Finalists will be selected November 2021, and the grant recipients will be announced December 2021.
Questions: Contact Alex Sienerth at asienerth@eriecommunityfoundation.org
Mission
The mission of The Erie Women's Fund (EWF) is Empowering Women and Families. EWF educates and inspires its members to positively impact the lives of Erie County women through philanthropy and community engagement.
2020 Annual Report
WHO
In 2007, twelve altruistic women sought to combine their philanthropic efforts to make a difference in our community. Today, EWF has 200 like-minded members who have given more than $700,000 to local nonprofits that Empower Women and Families.
WHAT
Collectively, we Empower Women and Families! EWF provides financial grants, hosts enriching educational forums and engages members through informational meetings and social gatherings.
WHERE
Throughout the Erie community.
WHEN
All year long, we are involving members through in-person (large and small) events and online activities to fulfill our mission for philanthropy. The amount of participation by members is an individual choice; there is no requirement of time.
WHY
For a purposeful giving and collective impact!
To demonstrate our shared values.
To express the power in numbers.
To make a difference .
HOW
With women like YOU! Won’t you join us? Click here to learn more!
Please commit as you are able:
- Platinum ($2,500+ annually)
- Gold ($1,000 annually)
- Silver ($500 annually)
- Bronze ($250 annually)
- Group ($1,000 annual commitment, paid in full at one time, for up to 10 women)
Group membership available to individuals during their first year of membership.
Already a Member?
Are you already a member of The Erie Women's Fund and would like to be more involved? Click here for information on the Erie Women's Fund Membership Committees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for some frequently asked questions about the Erie Women's Fund.
You can find a copy of our bylaws here.
Education Corner
The Education Committee is responsible for hosting engaging, enriching and timely events for all of EWF membership. This year, we've had to pivot to host virtual education sessions, as the health and safety of our members is important to us. In order to provide timely and relevant education topics, we created the Three-Part Series on Systemic Racism to inform our membership of the local impact of this important issue. Through the three-part series, our members are able to hear from local psychologists, historians, educators and leadership of how it affects our community.
View Session 1 View Session 2 View Session 3