LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation
LGBT Community Funds at The Erie Community Foundation, a donor advised fund of The Erie Community Foundation, was established in 2014 by a grant from the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality to address the unique challenges that LGBT people face every day.
The mission of the LGBT Community Funds is to provide financial support to organizations that address the community’s unique challenges and to create a positive, thriving environment.
Through the power of collective philanthropy, contributions to the Fund generate impactful grants to nonprofit organizations and projects throughout NWPA. These grants will address wide-ranging needs focused on key priorities, examples of which are:
- Creating safe schools for LGBT students
- Alleviating homelessness among our youth
- Addressing substance abuse and health challenges
- Promoting equality at work, in housing, and in all facets of community life
- Encouraging family support and recognition
- Supporting a more LGBT-inclusive, strong and vibrant home region
Join Us!
You can make a difference. By contributing to the LGBT Community Funds, you can maximize your philanthropic impact. Together, like-minded individuals who share this commitment will create real and dynamic change. We encourage you to make your tax-deductible contribution of cash or other assets now.
You may also choose to leave an estate gift, or to create your own individually named endowment fund. Both are meaningful ways to support this important work. Give us a call at 814-454-0843 and allow us to work with you and your professional advisors to determine the gift best for you and your personal goals and timeline.
The LGBT Community Funds at The Erie Community Foundation awarded a grant to NAMI of Erie County.
This grant has been awarded to NAMI of Erie County for the purpose of providing counseling services to Edinboro University students who identify as LGBTQIA+. This grant supports 20 sessions for over 100 students.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities provided by The LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation.
The Joseph Michael Kulka Jr. Scholarship
Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:
- This award, one of those offered by The LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation, will support Bachelor’s degree candidates who demonstrate & prove a strong commitment to improving awareness & understanding of all types of diversity in the Erie region
- Must have at least a 3.0 GPA
- Must participate in Community activities
- Must submit an original essay (one page minimum) describing the specific efforts he/she has made to promote, support & encourage diversity in the Erie area
The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund
Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:
- This award, one of those offered by The LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation, was established by the Estate, devoted friends, and former colleagues of Mary Kwiatkowski.
- The scholarship is designed to help remove financial barriers and open doors for diverse and underrepresented talent in Erie County’s social services sector.
- Scholarships will be awarded annually to female and/or LGBTQIA+ students seeking a major or minor in social sciences, and ultimately a public services career.
- Must submit an original essay (one page minimum) detailing why the student is pursuing a career in public service and must identify one public service challenge facing the Erie region.
- Students newly accepted to or currently attending any Erie County college, university or vocational training program are eligible to apply.