Frequently Asked Questions

Erie County Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to building a thriving and vibrant Erie County by addressing community needs, providing leadership, and cultivating resources for a lasting impact. Since the Community Foundation’s founding in 1995, it has grown from $1.8M to nearly $53M in total assets. During this time, the Community Foundation has distributed over $27M to area non-profits for local projects, programs, services, and initiatives to improve the quality of life in Erie County, Ohio. Read more about us.

In 1995, a special project committee of LEADSandusky, the precursor to today’s Leadership Erie County, explored the possibility of establishing a community foundation. In response to the LEADSandusky report, the Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn Foundation coordinated the formation of the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation and issued a challenge grant to the community. The Dorn Foundation pledged $1M to the Community Foundation on the condition that other private foundations, businesses, and individuals pledged at least $750,000. The Challenge was exceeded and the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation was launched with more than $1.8M in financial commitments. Learn more. 

Erie County Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with representatives from communities and industries across Erie County, Ohio, and a professional staff of five handle day-to-day operations.

Anyone can be a donor to Erie County Community Foundation, at any dollar amount. Donors may be individuals, families, groups, businesses, non-profits, schools, and churches. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Donors may choose to set up new funds or to give to one of nearly 300 existing funds.

Contributions to Erie County Community Foundation are invested with the goal of preservation and reasonable annual growth. Each year, a modest portion (4%) of the average market value of each fund is made available for grants and/or scholarships. Surplus earnings are reinvested to meet the needs of Erie County, Ohio. Based upon an average investment return of 8% and annual payouts for grants, a $100,000 gift will grow to $187,669 in 25 years, and during that same time frame, will distribute $132,718 as charitable grants. Learn More

Donors who wish to make a long-term impact on students pursuing education beyond high school may create a Scholarship Fund. Create a Scholarship Fund through Erie County Community Foundation requires a $25,000 minimum investment, which at maturity will distribute approximately $1,000 annually based on a 4% payout. Donors may meet with Foundation staff to determine awardee criteria, including specific field of study, high school or college attendance, GPA minimum, financial need, or any other specifics. Once the details are determined, the Donor and the Foundation sign an agreement.

The Community Foundation currently manages over 50 individual scholarships and works closely with Erie County, Ohio high schools to reach out directly to area students. Applications are due March 1 and are conveniently available online. The Foundation operates several committees to select students, and donors may participate if they wish. Any Funds are sent directly to the college or university on the student’s behalf. Donors may also determine whether the scholarship may be renewed beyond the first year. Fees for the management of Scholarships Funds are currently 2% annually. Any gifts deposited with the Community Foundation are permanent and considered irrevocable. Learn more.

With a minimum initial contribution of $10,000, Erie County Community Foundation can establish a Donor Advised Fund for a donor within a few days. Donor Advised Funds allow for the donor to receive the maximum level of tax advantages possible and to designate the charitable organizations that will receive grants, as well as when and in what amounts grants are to be made. Learn more.

Your fund's safety is paramount to us. We have robust policies in place and undergo regular audits to ensure accountability and transparency. We comply with all laws and regulations set for Community Foundations. Learn more.

Students residing in Erie County, Ohio may apply for scholarships and internships. Applications and deadlines can be found on our website. Student scholarships are paid directly to the institute of higher learning, not the individual student.

Most of our scholarships have an annual Universal Application deadline of 11:59 pm ET, March 1. Important exceptions to the Universal Application deadline include Ohio Athletic Committee Scholarship (Application opens January 1, deadline February 1); Six Flags Associates, Six Flags Lamond Jasper Maintenance, and Six Flags RAAM Scholarships (Application opens August 3, Deadline September 30) and Harry DeLapp Scholarship (Application opens September 1, Deadline November 10).

Grants provided through Erie County Community Foundation help address needs in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Community Development, Education, Environment, Health and Social Services and Youth Services, among others. Charitable organizations, churches, governmental or other entities determined to be tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code may apply here. Applications and deadlines can be found on our website.

Grants are awarded semiannually, typically in March and October.

Grants are typically awarded for one year, although exceptions may occur.

We only award grants to charitable organizations, churches, governmental, and other tax-exempt entities. Learn more.

Yes, each application is considered on its own merits. You are welcome to reapply in the following grant cycle.

No. Grants from Erie County Community Foundation can support any qualified public charity in the United States. Many of our Donors and funds support nonprofits in Erie County. Scholarship funds impact Erie County students attending secondary education facilities across the United States.

If you experience difficulties applying for a grant or scholarship, please contact us for assistance.

Yes, as a donor you can specify your preferences when establishing a fund or contributing, ensuring your support goes toward causes you care about deeply.

Yes! Donations to Erie County Community Foundation are fully tax-deductible permitted by law. Talking with your established CPA is a great place to start this conversation.

Absolutely! We accept various assets, including securities, real estate, and retirement assets, among others. These gifts may offer additional tax benefits. Learn more.

Certainly! We can assist with estate and legacy planning to establish a fund aligned with your wishes. Visit erielegacy.org to learn more about planned giving options.

Yes, we offer various planned giving options, allowing donors to leave a lasting legacy while maximizing tax benefits for themselves and their heirs. Visit erielegacy.org to learn more about planned giving options.

We assess an administrative fee to help offset administrative costs. The fee is 1.45% of the fund’s average market value annually (2% annually for scholarship funds).

You can follow us on social media to receive regular updates on our initiatives, events, and impact stories. You can find us on BlueSky, Facebook Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and X. You can also visit our Media Page for the most up to date news from Erie County Community Foundation.