Erie Community Foundation President and CEO Karen Bilowith recently joined 814 Matters, a podcast that spotlights the people, places, and events shaping Northwest Pennsylvania.
Hosted by Tony Peyronel and Mike Ruzzi of Erie News Now, the conversation explores what makes Erie such a generous and resilient community—and the role the Erie Community Foundation plays in listening, responding, and investing for the future.
In the episode, Karen reflects on the Foundation’s milestone 90th anniversary, the evolution and continued growth of Erie Gives, and how community generosity shows up at every level—from estate gifts and annual giving to neighbors helping neighbors. She also discusses how the Foundation works alongside nonprofits, donors, and partners to understand emerging needs and support both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities.
Listeners will also hear Karen talk about the Foundation’s grantmaking approach, including programs like Helping Today and Shaping Tomorrow, and how collaboration across sectors is helping strengthen Erie’s nonprofit ecosystem. Throughout the conversation, she returns to a consistent theme: the power of place, pride in community, and the belief that Erie is capable of tackling big challenges when people work together.
We invite you to listen to the full episode of 814 Matters to hear Karen’s perspective on leadership, philanthropy, and why Erie’s “outsized generosity” continues to make a lasting impact across the region.