Community Impact Grant Programs

Community Impact Grant Programs is a grant from the Erie Community Foundation that funds free, open community events and sponsorships prioritizing underserved and marginalized populations in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Community Impact sponsorships support initiatives that advance multicultural values, promote community education, and celebrate diversity.

Sponsorship awards typically do not exceed $2,500, though higher amounts have occasionally been awarded based on available budget. Events must be free and open to the public, located in accessible venues along public transportation routes, include a clear DEI strategy, and offer education and reflection opportunities rather than entertainment only. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Erie County, PA.

COMMUNITY IMPACT SPONSORSHIPS | Erie Community Foundation Elisha H. Mack Bequest Society Private Foundation Alternative Neighborhood and Community Development Corry Community Foundation Findley Lake Community Foundation North East Community Foundation Union City Community Foundation The Nonprofit Partnership Private Foundation Alternative Hovis Grants/Scholarships Emerging Erie Fund Grants Elisha H.

Mack Bequest Society Neighborhood and Community Development Corry Commuity Foundation Findley Lake Commuity Foundation North East Commuity Foundation Union City Commuity Foundation Community Impact (CI) sponsorships support free and open community events, especially those intended to benefit underserved or marginalized communities.

CI sponsorships focus on community education, celebrate diversity, and intentionally advance multicultural values. Typically, sponsorship awards do not exceed $2,500. While there have been a few cases where higher amounts were awarded, the goal of this program is to support as many events as possible with a very limited budget.

CI Sponsorship applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds have been exhausted. The event must be free, open to the public, and prioritize marginalized or underserved communities Ideally, the event will be in an accessible space and located along public transportation routes.

The event must have an articulated DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) strategy The event should include education and introspection opportunities and not simply for entertainment purposes. Who is eligible to apply? 501(c)3 tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service (if your nonprofit does not meet this requirement, see information here regarding fiscal sponsorship).

Must be located or serve a sizable population in Erie County, PA Must not have already received a Community Impact or Marketing Sponsorship during the current year Who is not eligible to apply Events requiring ticket purchases or registration fees to attend The Community Impact Sponsorship application is available for anyone to access through GoApply . ALL REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE.

REQUESTS SENT VIA EMAIL OR MAIL WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Sponsorship applications are typically reviewed every month by the sponsorship committee. All applicants will be notified of funding decisions via email.

What is the difference between Community Impact Sponsorship and Event Sponsorship? Accessibility distinguishes the two sponsorship opportunities. A CI sponsored event must be free admission and open to the community.

If the event requires ticket purchases, registration fees, or otherwise restricts who can attend, the event is better suited for an event sponsorship. Can my organization apply for both types of sponsorships in the same year?

While there is no restriction on how many times an organization can apply for sponsorship, it would be highly unlikely for an organization to receive multiple event sponsorships in one year because of the limited availability of sponsorship dollars. Is there a limit on how much I can request for a sponsorship? Typically, sponsorship grants do not exceed $2,500.

In rare cases, awards have been made for higher amounts for events that align on the highest levels with the Foundation’s funding priorities. What is the timetable for my request to be reviewed?

The Foundation’s sponsorship committee typically meets once per month, with meeting dates at follows: To ensure adequate time for review and consideration, we recommend that organizations submit their sponsorship applications to be reviewed at least six months prior to the date of the event. This allows the committee to review your request in a timely manner and, if approved, ensures funds can be disbursed ahead of the event.