Young Erie Philanthropists

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Young Erie Philanthropists is a field of interest fund housed at The Erie Community Foundation and overseen by a volunteer advisory board.

Young Erie Philanthropists is a group of young professionals working to elevate Erie. Young Erie Philanthropists awards annual grants to support economic, workforce, and community development and offer education, networking, and events to members.

Young Erie Philanthropists Board Members:

  • T.J. Richter, Chair
    • Loesel Schaaf Insurance
  • Nick Cianci, Vice Chair & Chair of Education
    • Hamot Health Foundation
  • Katie Golombeski, Treasurer
    • Marquette Savings Bank
  • Caroline Legin Patterson, Marketing
    • Privia Health
  • Anne Lewis, Co-Chair of Events
    • Red Letter Hospitality
  • Beth McCormick Rajakovich, Co-Chair of Events
    • Erie Beer
  • Alec Zaphiris, Chair of Fund Development
    • Great Lakes Insurance
  • Jon Bly, Vice Chair of Fund Development
    • Accudyn

YEP

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

Young Erie Philanthropists 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 Young Erie Philanthropists 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, Events, 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 Young Erie Philanthropists.


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