Explore Your Options

Ready to make a difference in Erie County, Ohio?

At Erie County Community Foundation, we support the amazing work of local non-profit organizations every day. We think of them as superheroes in our community, touching the lives of everyone around us. You can be a hero, too, by donating to the endowment funds of these organizations. Your donation helps ensure they have the resources they need to keep doing what they do best.

Your Giving Opportunities

From operational support to program development and beyond, your tax-deductible contribution makes a lasting impact. You can get started today by clicking the Donate Now button at the bottom of the page.

Create-Your-Own-Fund

Create Your Own Fund

Shape your legacy and make a lasting impact by opening a fund tailored to your philanthropic vision. From scholarships to agency endowments, we offer a range of options to help you leave a meaningful legacy for generations to come.

Unrestricted-Gifts

Unrestricted Gifts/Named Funds

Gifts such as memorials or tributes are utilized to bolster the Community Grants and Youth Advisory Council Grants programs, which provide funding for a wide array of initiatives including arts, community development, education, environmental conservation, social services, and youth empowerment.

Scholarship-Funds

Scholarship Funds

Aid Erie County students in pursuing education beyond high school, with the option to specify support for students from a particular high school, college, or those pursuing a specific field of study.

Donor-Advised-Funds

Donor-Advised Funds

Empower your giving and maximize your impact with a donor-advised fund, providing flexibility to support nonprofits of your choice. Enjoy tax benefits while receiving personalized guidance and support from our team to enhance your philanthropy.

Corporate-Donor-Advised-Funds

Corporate Donor-Advised Funds

Elevate your corporate responsibility and demonstrate your commitment to our community with a corporate donor-advised fund. Contribute various asset types and engage employees in philanthropy while receiving expert guidance to align your giving with your mission and brand.

Designated-and-Field-of-Interest-Funds

Designated and Field of Interest Funds

Provide ongoing support for your chosen nonprofit or community cause with a designated or field of interest fund. Our team will safeguard your charitable intent, ensuring your legacy endures for generations.

Estate or Legacy Gift

Leave a lasting impact with a bequest or legacy gift, ensuring the continued work of Erie County Community Foundation and/or your preferred nonprofit for generations to come. Explore personalized services and support to create a legacy that reflects your values.

Read More
Charitable-Remainder-Trust

Charitable Remainder Trust

Explore the benefits of a charitable remainder trust, providing reliable payments while supporting your philanthropic goals. Choose between an annuity trust or a unitrust to receive payments tailored to your needs.

Charitable-Lead-Trust

Charitable Lead Trust

Assure the future provides immediate support to your chosen nonprofit with a charitable lead trust, while securing assets for yourself or designated beneficiaries in the future.

Donor Bill of Rights

At Erie County Community Foundation, we believe that philanthropy is a cornerstone of our community, driven by voluntary action for the common good. We recognize that donors like you play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our county. Therefore, we are committed to upholding the following rights for all our donors:

  • white-icon

    Informed Giving

    You have the right to be informed about our mission, how we use donated resources, and our capacity to use donations for their intended purposes.

  • white-icon

    Transparent Governance

    You have the right to know the identity of those serving on our Board of Directors and expect them to exercise prudent judgment in their stewardship responsibilities.

  • white-icon

    Financial Transparency

    You have access to our most recent financial statements to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • white-icon

    Purposeful Use of Gifts

    You can rest assured that your gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

  • white-icon

    Appreciation and Recognition

    You deserve appropriate and timely acknowledgment and recognition for your generosity.

  • white-icon

    Confidentiality

    Your information and donations are handled with the utmost respect and confidentiality.

  • white-icon

    Professionalism

    We guarantee that all relationships with individuals representing our organization will be conducted in a professional manner.

  • white-icon

    Clarity in Solicitations

    You have the right to know whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors.

  • white-icon

    Control over Communication

    You have the opportunity to opt-out of our mailing lists, and we assure you that donor lists will never be sold, rented, or exchanged with unauthorized individuals or organizations.

Discover Our Enhanced Planned Giving Navigator

Navigate through our newly expanded Planned Giving Navigator, meticulously crafted to facilitate meaningful conversations with your clients. Easily explore a wide array of planned giving opportunities to help donors make informed decisions and leave a lasting legacy.

Your trust and support are invaluable to us, and we are committed to honoring and respecting your rights as a donor. Thank you for being a vital part of our philanthropic community.

As a donor, you should feel free to ask questions when donating and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

Call the ECCF office at 419-621-9690 for more information.