Welcome to the Media Resources section of Erie County Community Foundation
We value media interest in our grants, scholarships, and charitable initiatives. For inquiries, please contact Director of Development & Marketing, Paul Freeman at paulf@eriefoundation.org.
Foundation Background
When Erie County Community Foundation began its journey, a few founding members attended a school board meeting of what was then the Erie County School Board. There, they were introduced to the concept of beginning a community foundation in Erie County.
The idea had been circulating for some time, and with influential Erie County philanthropists present, the Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation issued a challenge grant that paved the way for Erie County Community Foundation’s creation.
Dedicated to fostering a thriving and vibrant Erie County, Ohio, Erie County Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to addressing community needs, providing leadership, and nurturing resources for a lasting impact. Our primary goal is to provide a platform for individuals to make enduring contributions that enhance the quality of life in Erie County, Ohio, today, tomorrow, forever.
Erie County Community Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors and Officers comprised of Erie County business, civic, and nonprofit leaders, who guide the Foundation's operations, policies, and grantmaking decisions. Our board's collective expertise and unwavering commitment drive our efforts to improve the quality of life in Erie County, Ohio.
Since our inception in 1995, led by Melvyn J. Stauffer as our first chair, the Erie County Community Foundation has experienced remarkable growth. From initial assets of $1.8 million, we have grown to over $44.5 million in assets in 2024. During this period, we have distributed over $24.4 million to local nonprofits, supporting projects, programs, scholarships, and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Erie County, Ohio.
Media Releases
It Starts with a Seed - Sandusky Register - June 2025
Local Students Honored with Scholarships - Sandusky Register - June 5, 2025
Community Foundation Awards $225,000 in Scholarships - Morning Journal - May 27, 2025
ECCF Awards Nearly $225,000 in Scholarships to Erie County Students - May, 2025
Buckeye Broadband Scholar Spotlight - May, 2025
Buckeye Broadband Scholar Spotlight - April, 2025
ECCF Awards Over $192,000 in Grants to Erie County Nonprofits - March, 2025
30 Years of Help | Morning Journal - March, 2025
Buckeye Broadband Scholar Spotlight - March, 2025
Erie County Community Foundation 2025 Youth Advisory Council Grants Available - February, 2025
Erie County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council Community Grants Available - February, 2025
Erie County Community Foundation Announces Changes to Its Board - February, 2025
Erie County Community Foundation Names New Board Members and Officers - February, 2025
Buckeye Broadband Scholar Spotlight - February, 2025
Erie, Ottawa County Community Foundations Grant Application Windows Open - January,2025
Erie County Community Foundation Accepting 2025 Grant Applications - January, 2025
2025 Round 1 Community Grants Available - January, 2025
Buckeye Broadband Scholar Spotlight - January, 2025
2025 Community Links Summer Internship Program Accepting Applications - December, 2024
2025 ECCF Summer Internships Available - December, 2024
Buckeye Broadband Scholar Spotlight - December, 2024
Screening of ‘Join or Die’ Documentary Planned in Huron - November, 2024
Erie County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council Members Named - October, 2024
ECCF Awards $214,677 in Grants to Erie County Nonprofits - October, 2024
Leadership Ohio to Showcase Sandusky Erie County to Statewide Leaders - September, 2024
Logos
If you display the Erie County Community Foundation logo on your website, please actively link back to https://www.eriefoundation.org/
You can find print-quality logo artwork for the Erie County Community Foundation below.
Do not display the Erie County Community Foundation logo in a manner that implies sponsorship or endorsement by the Erie County Community Foundation without prior approval.
These items must never be redrawn or modified in any way. Please use the provided artwork to increase the standard of quality in reproduction.
Designated colors for 1-color reproduction are Black or Pantone 279 (blue).
Publicity Guidelines
Erie County Community Foundation is excited to partner with your nonprofit organization to enrich the lives of the people of Erie County by addressing community needs, providing leadership, and cultivating resources for a lasting impact. Publicizing our partnership can help both of our organizations grow, so we certainly appreciate opportunities and efforts to let community members and the media know about our work together.
As a grantee organization, we encourage you to make public announcements recognizing us as a funding partner. To be clear, there is no requirement for our nonprofit partners to publicize grants received from the Community Foundation. Additionally, not publicizing a grant will not diminish your organization's chances of receiving funding in the future. The Community Foundation, as part of our requirements of disclosure, will publish and distribute to local and regional media a press release highlighting each grantee organization and the amount granted to them in the current round. We also publish an annual Form 990 with this information included.