Search Through Erie Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Erie Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, engage, and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow. Our community-informed grants follow an inclusive growth strategy designed to create a unified, vibrant, and thriving region for all. We support collaborative projects that promote system-level change with a focus on education, health, economic growth, neighborhood and community development, and quality of life

Urgent Grants

Periodically, nonprofits may experience an unbudgeted, unexpected, and time-sensitive crisis that impedes daily mission-critical activities. When such events occur and cannot wait until the next grant cycle, urgent grants can be requested.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Philanthropy is our commitment to communities in which we operate and broader society. We focus our resources on a limited number of key projects that can deliver valuable benefits from our contributions and those of our partners. We give priority to innovative, high-quality projects that meet the following criteria:

• promote sustainable development
• offer an opportunity for Roche to use its expertise and logistics capabilities
• involve Roche actively at an early stage with local authorities and established partners
• engage Roche employees in cultural (focus on contemporary arts), educational and social activities
• managed by an accredited charity

Our four focus areas

Humanitarian and Social

We direct the majority of our philanthropic donations to humanitarian and social development projects.

Science and education

We are dedicated to programmes that promote scientific interest and provide educational opportunities for young people around the world.

Community and Environment

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Arts and Culture

We support groundbreaking contemporary art, cultural projects and activities that explore the parallels between innovation in art and in science. 

The Giving Network

Through the Erie Insurance Giving Network, we volunteer our time and give annually to organizations that support our three areas of focus—community building, safety and environmental responsibility.

Living the Golden Rule

At ERIE, we believe in investing in our communities and in the lives of others. We give our time, talent and resources in three key areas of focus.

• Community building
  • We support the United Way and projects for urban revitalization and basic human needs. We also help culture and arts initiatives, entrepreneurialism and education.
• Safety
  • We support the disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross and other programs that help keep individuals and families safe and out of harm’s way.
• Environmental responsibility
  • We plant community gardens and help programs that use resources, energy and new technologies responsibly.

Priority will be given to organizations that demonstrate commitment to their communities by ensuring their governing bodies include representatives from within the communities they serve. Please refer here for additional guidelines.

Investing in Our Future Grants

At Erie Insurance, we’re committed to doing the right things in the communities we serve. For more than 95 years, Erie Insurance has recognized the importance of education to lifelong success. That’s why we’re excited to continue our Investing in Our Future grant program for nonprofits to help impact our community’s goal of eliminating poverty through education. Access to high-quality primary education and supporting children’s overall well-being is a globally recognized solution to the cycle of poverty. This is, in part, because it also addresses many of the other issues that can keep communities and families vulnerable. We believe this initiative, along with our other investments in economic development, will help to multiply efforts to create a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community. 

We’ve learned from United Way of Erie County’s community school model, which separates school metrics into four domains: student, family, school, and school district. Experience and research from United Way, as affirmed by Erie’s Public Schools and ERIE’s own research, indicates that addressing barriers to academic success in a student’s personal life positively impacts their academic performance, their families, and the school in general. The objective of ERIE’s Strategic Giving pilot program is to help us ‘move the needle’ on education in the defined areas of need within our Erie region. To that end, funds are available to help address two focus areas: alignment between core instructional programming and out-of-school time activities, and school readiness.

Funding

Grants are available from $25,000 to $150,000 and may be renewable

The work of The Erie Community Foundation is made possible through the gifts of generous donors, past and present. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all in our region by evaluating and addressing community issues, building permanent charitable endowments and promoting philanthropic and community leadership. We do this in various ways, including the support of local nonprofit partners, through our grantmaking. 

Helping Today Grant Program

Helping Today grant program seeks to support Erie County nonprofits addressing the most immediate needs of our community. Helping Today intentionally casts a wide net, but prioritizes projects that address health, economy and education. Helping Today awards do not exceed $50,000 with all grant monies expensed within 12 months of receiving the award.

Focused on helping nonprofits build capacity to better address issues in our community, Helping Today grants can support (but are not limited to) the following:

• operations
• programming
• planning
• marketing/community awareness
• capital purchases (including technology and vehicles)
• facilities improvements
• evaluation

Please click here for more information about the Foundation's mission-aligned vision and strategy for priority grantmaking.

About ECGRA

An impact investor, ECGRA’s mission is to elevate Erie County by galvanizing nonprofits and small business toward economic and community development. Since February 2008, ECGRA has invested more than $55 million in Erie County.

The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority was incorporated in February 2008 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the purpose of creating and administering a grantmaking process for gaming funds that come from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Our mission is to elevate Erie County by galvanizing nonprofits and small business toward economic and community development.

Special Events Grants

Special events promote a sense of community and inclusiveness, and often generate an influx of dollars from outside Erie County resulting in local economic growth and improved quality of place for Erie residents. As part of a strategy to strengthen the economy, special events help increase our ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce, spur investments from the private sector, stabilize land and housing prices, and increase civic pride.

ECGRA Special Events Grants fund up to 5% of events that take place within Erie County, are open to the general public, and promote the region economically and culturally. Applicants must be a 501(c)3 organization, municipality, or authority headquartered in Erie County. Grantees must demonstrate how their event(s) creates a targeted economic impact on Erie County by attracting attendance to the region and impacting local quality of place. 

What We Do

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. Donors to ACCF enjoy tax advantages not available to private foundation donors. They also receive professional services without hiring staff. Nonprofit organizations receive grants from community foundations to support their programs and projects. Many nonprofits also establish their own endowment funds with the foundation as a means of investing for the future. We’re also engaged as a community leader. We help set the vision for Ashland County while ensuring charitable gifts are used effectively to meet the community’s present needs and to build a brighter future.

William & Martha Buckingham Scholarship - Renewal

Martha and Bill were relocated numerous times during Bill’s career with The Mead Corporation and Warner and Swasey. They found their permanent home in Ashland in 1978 and purchased Lake Erie Frozen Foods in 1986. Over the years, they have adopted Ashland as their new “home town” and participated in organizations that have had a positive impact on Ashland and Ashland County. Bill and Martha chose to “give back” to their community through a scholarship fund to benefit Ashland County students to help them reach their full potential. 

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

Erie Women's Fund

The Erie Women's Fund is dedicated to Empowering Women and Families. Since the beginning in 2007, this group has given more than $1,100,000 to local nonprofits that align with our mission. EWF provides financial grants, hosts enriching educational forums, and engages members through informational meetings and social gatherings.

Shaping Tomorrow Grants

The Shaping Tomorrow Program is strategically focused to support nonprofits in Erie County through projects that foster inclusive, equitable, and collective impact approaches. The goal is to enhance organizational capacity, align with other funders, and drive data-driven change in areas such as health, education, economic growth, and community development. Shaping Tomorrow grants are cross sector and collaborative. They support Infinite Erie and other initiatives with shared goals and objectives.

• Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 for projects typically lasting 12-18 months.
• Projects should demonstrate clear community need, employ data-driven strategies, and have the potential for long-term, equitable impact.

Emerging Erie Fund

The Emerging Erie Fund, a field of interest fund of The Erie Community Foundation, was created to champion local initiatives that will significantly benefit the Erie community both now and in the future. As part of our mission, we are issuing this ‘Request for Proposals’ to solicit innovative and ambitious project ideas.

Grantmaking Areas

• People -
  • Providing training and/or career support for Erie community members striving to access living wage jobs
• Places -
  • Creating safe and healthy neighborhoods, homes, and public spaces that strengthen community connections

Funding

The Emerging Erie Fund has committed to awarding a single $100,000 grant for this cycle. Applicants should request the full $100,000, and all awarded funds must be spent within 18 months of receiving the grant.

Background

The Multi-Municipal Collaboration Grants were launched in 2012 to catalyze functional cooperation among Erie County’s 38 municipalities and to support economic growth and vibrancy in the community. In the creation of the grant requirements, ECGRA Executive Director Perry Wood worked closely with leaders from councils of governments, county authorities, and intergovernmental associations to educate them about the grant and to help coordinate the provisioning of services. The outcome: ECGRA initially invested a total of $346,648 among 28 municipalities and seven authorities, nonprofits, and intergovernmental agencies that now creatively cooperate and coordinate with one another on projects, including technology implementation, composting and recycling upgrades, structural and public safety improvements, and historic preservation.

Purpose of the Funding

Multi-Municipal Collaboration (MMC) Grants are designed to incentivize local governments, municipal authorities, and 501c3 organizations to find creative and cooperative ways to operate government in a more effective and cost-efficient manner. MMC Grants provide vital matching funds to encourage local elected officials and other community leaders to look beyond municipal boundaries to advance projects that promote the five areas of ECGRA’s strategic plan: quality of life, small business development, youth and education, neighborhoods and communities, and municipal development. MMC grants should leverage additional funds and serve as a model for communities throughout Erie County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  

The goals of the Multi-Municipal Collaboration grants are to:

• Encourage local governments to engage in multi-municipal economic development.
• Create an environment where collaboration is a valued leadership principle.
• Incentivize functional cooperation, municipal mergers, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Remove barriers to better communication through technology, community engagement, and networking.
• Save costs and improve effective delivery of services including shared equipment.

Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in the United States that have shown exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private or social sector leaders who are working together as equal partners, not as donors and recipients, to build a cohesive community that serves as a model for collaborating with others for the greater good.

Each year, the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnership to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to addressing significant social issues.

Six organizations are selected by an independent committee to receive the Community Partnership Award.

• The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program.
• The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This recipient receives $75,000.
• Four other organizations are named Honorable Mention recipients for their programs, and each receives $50,000.

Since its inception in 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across America. Like so many of our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society.

The Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation (GEEDC) was founded by R. Benjamin Wiley and J. Robert Baldwin in 1974. Originally, GEEDC invested in Erie Cablevision. Wiley and Baldwin hoped minorities and other marginalized individuals would be included in the construction and operations of the company. Additionally, the founders knew the cable TV industry would be a catalyst for change, offering training and job opportunities for Erie residents.

As an original investor in Erie Cablevision, GEEDC was able to use its return on investment to fund other projects. Cable stock profits allowed GEEDC to begin offering educational scholarships and business development programs for minority and underserved populations. In 1977, GEEDC purchased the property at the current location, 18 R. Benjamin Wiley Way.

GEEDC Grants

GEEDC grants can help your nonprofit organization or business grow your workforce. Past grant recipients include the Zenedge Energy Drinks, East Side Renaissance, Chippers, and Pineapple Eddie’s. To apply, identify a specific need in the community and consider how a more diverse workforce will help your organization meet that need.

GEEDC business grants are awarded ONE time each year.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

Overview

Pennsylvania has two coastal areas: 112 miles of coastline along the Delaware Estuary and 77 miles of coastline along Lake Erie:

• Delaware Estuary – Lies within Bucks, Philadelphia and Delaware counties. The coastal zone also contains islands, marshes and shorelands of tributary streams that are tidally influenced. The combined facilities of the Delaware Estuary comprise the largest freshwater port in the world. 
• Lake Erie – Located within Erie County and includes the shorelines of major tributaries. The coastal zone also extends to the middle of the lake, to the boundary with Canada and inland an average of 1.4 miles. The Lake also contains Presque Isle Bay and is one of the state ports for international shipping. 

In order to safeguard these resources from future adverse impacts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), developed a unified approach to act as trustee to conserve and maintain the natural resources of Pennsylvania’s coastal regions known as the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). The CZMP was finalized and approved in September 1980, under the authority of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. DEP’s Compacts and Commissions Office manages the Coastal Resources Management (CRM) Program in the two defined coastal areas within Pennsylvania.

As a result of the adopted CZMP, annual grants are provided to DEP by the Office for Coastal Management (OCM), NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Grant awards are used to implement the CRM Program and provide a grant-in-aid program if sufficient funds permit. Monies are dispersed to fund projects within the coastal zone and coastal non-point pollution boundaries, such as planning, design, engineering, education, outreach, construction, acquisition and research as authorized by Section 306A of the CZMA, as amended. 

Coastal Zone Focus Areas 

Program policies were developed to further the goals and objectives of the CRM Program: 

Primary Focus Areas 

• Coastal Hazard Areas: Includes Lake Erie bluff recession, shoreline erosion, wave action and coastal flooding, including flooding from projected sea level rise and storm surge.
• Fisheries Management: Involves activities supporting ecologically and economically important fisheries and their habitats.
• Wetlands: Involves the protection, enhancement, and creation of coastal wetlands to maintain benefits for wildlife habitat, flood control, water quality, water flow stabilization and environmental diversity (biodiversity).
• Public access for recreation: : Includes efforts to meet the public need for boating, fishing, birding, walking, picnicking, sightseeing and other recreational pursuits associated with waterfronts.
• Historic sites and structures: Preservation, restoration and enhancement of coastally significant historic sites and structures within the coastal zones.
• Port activities: Development and enhancement of coastal port infrastructure.
• Energy facilities siting: Proper siting of energy-producing facilities to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
• Intergovernmental coordination: Includes intergovernmental efforts to protect Pennsylvania’s coastal resources, especially the quality of air and water.
• Public involvement: Increase awareness, provide information and create opportunities for public participation in a variety of coastal issues.
• Ocean resources/biodiversity:  Includes efforts directed toward the research, study, and/or management of non-native (invasive) aquatic or terrestrial plant and/or animal species.

Activities that protect coastal waters from nonpoint source pollution resulting from marinas and recreational boating, urban activities, hydro-modifications, agriculture and other nonpoint sources are eligible for funding.

Project Eligibility

CZ grants may be applied to a wide variety of studies, plans, designs, research, acquisition and construction projects pertaining to one or more of the established program policies, which guide the competitive selection process.

Examples of some typical project proposals are as follows: 

• Efforts to educate the public regarding issues of environmental protection, non-point source water pollution, protection of coastal resources or efforts to promote such action to the public. 
• Preparation or revision of local comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, sub-division regulations and special ordinances containing provisions in support of CRM Program policies. 
• Plans, studies or other projects to improve port facilities and infrastructure, future use of coastal ports or providing public access for recreational use of docks, piers and wharves. 
• Improving resource management and environmental protection programs at the state or local level, including disseminating information or providing technical assistance to coastal communities and the public. 
• Plans, studies or projects that enhance economic development within the coastal zone, including activities to help economically revitalize under-used coastal and/or port facilities.
• Studies for interpretation and enhancement of coastal features and habitats and restoration and preservation of historic coastal sites and structures. 
• Land acquisition of coastal properties, including real estate appraisals, to improve or provide for public recreational access or open-space preservation.
• Preparation of designs, engineering plans and specifications for coastal recreational sites owned or legally controlled by a ‘government’ applicant. 
• Low-cost (defined by NOAA as no more than a total project cost of $400,000) construction projects for recreational access facilities or for rehabilitating significant historic buildings and structures located within the designated coastal zones. *Note: rehabilitation work on buildings and structures should be supported by a structural feasibility study, architectural assessment, engineering plans or similar planning products included as part of the application. If awarded, grantee must wait for NEPA approval from NOAA and notification from DEP. 

A $75,000 grant limit is generally imposed on any single project. Applicants with proposals requesting more than $75,000 in grant funding should discuss funding alternatives with CRMP staff before submitting an application.

Project Requirements

• Be environmentally sound and consistent with current state, regional, county and local ordinances and plans. 
• Obtain applicable federal, state and local permits and/or approvals for all construction projects before any construction may commence.
• Obtain concurrence of any municipal government whose approval is required for project implementation, via letter of support or resolution, if the applicant is a non-governmental agency.
• Benefit the public at large and may not be for the purpose of private gain, benefit or profits.
• Be made available and useful to all members of the general public; therefore cannot be for exclusive use of any particular group of persons.
• Be accessible to persons in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Be constructed on public property and open to the public.

Erie Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Erie Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow.

Our Vision

We envision a united, vibrant, and thriving region for all.

LGBT Fund Grant Cycle

Each year the LGBT Fund of the Erie Community Foundation, a volunteer advisory board who envisions a united, vibrant, and thriving community of the LGBTQ+ population of the greater Erie region, announces a Request for Proposals that will make a significant impact in our community.

The LGBT Fund seeks proposals from nonprofits who can help members of the LGBTQ+ community reach their full potential and flourish in welcoming environments. The Fund represents an organized approach to supporting programs and activities that address equity and inclusion and disparities in health and wellness, safety, education, and opportunities that the LGBTQ+ community face. We believe that diversity extends to the projects we support and the people who create them. The Fund is committed to fostering a society where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live fulfilling lives free from discrimination and with equal access to opportunities.

The LGBT Fund is seeking innovative proposals for projects that address various needs in the LGBTQ+ community which include but are not limited to:

• Safe schools
• Youth homelessness
• Mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention
• Health and wellness
• Housing and workplace equality
• Family support and recognition

This year's grant will be as much as $7,500 and should be able to demonstrate outputs within a 12 month time frame. The LGBT Fund is seeking bold ideas that will profoundly change the lives of the LGBTQ+ community of the greater Erie region.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation

Albert G. Schlink was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1885. Olive H. Schlink (nee Metz) was born in Norwalk, Ohio in 1887. They were married on August 4, 1914. Albert was both a physician and a surgeon. Along with his brother, Dr. Henry Schlink, they founded the Polyclinic Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, Albert served as Chief of Pediatrics in the hospital having practiced medicine in Cleveland for more than 52 years. Olive, a Norwalk, Ohio native, was one of the first nurses to graduate from St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland. She transferred to Cleveland Babies and Children’s Hospital where she served as supervisor for all Babies and Children’s branches and pharmacies throughout the Cleveland area. On June 17th, 1966, Albert and Olive, along with John E. Wise of Citizens National Bank and Frank J. Hiltz and Robert A Wiedemann of the law firm of Hiltz and Wiedemann Co., L.P.A. of Norwalk, Ohio incorporated the Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation. The foundation was funded with stocks purchased by Olive with grocery money she saved (squirreled away) every week. The first grant made by the Foundation was $500.00 to the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Presently, the Foundation is managed by the law firm of Hiltz, Wiedemann, Allton and Koch Co., L.P.A. in Sandusky, Ohio. Under the thoughtful guidance of its board of directors, annual gifts have grown from the first grant of $500.00 to one nonprofit to more than $1,400,000.00 to over 50 diverse public charities in 2023. The current board maintains as a core, those charities the founders had personal connection with and expanding to fund the ever increasing demands of today’s community nonprofits. While the location of the foundation has changed from Norwalk to Sandusky, the focus remains in Ohio and the citizens of Erie and Huron Counties.

Schlink Foundation Grant

The Albert G. & Olive H. Schlink Foundation (The Foundation) as well as the procedure and timing for doing so. All grant applications receive careful consideration and thoughtful evaluation by the board. While the board has no set geographic limitations, it does give special consideration to grant requests from organizations located in Ohio and preferably benefiting Erie and Huron Counties. There are no preset minimum or maximum grant requests amount limitations.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional unit in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different units in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Gateway units of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Gateway program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Gateway unit not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Gateway unit previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in a PLTW Gateway unit for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional module for the 2027-2027 academic year (two different modules in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Launch modules of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantees must use these grant funds to expand their program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Launch module not previously offered, and/or offering existing PLTW Launch modules to more students, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher Training or PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

About ECGRA

The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority was incorporated in February 2008 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the purpose of creating and administering a grantmaking process for gaming funds that come from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. An impact investor, ECGRA’s mission is to elevate Erie County by galvanizing nonprofits and small business toward economic and community development. Since February 2008, ECGRA has invested more than $65 million in Erie County.

Mission Main Street Grant Program

Purpose

The purpose of the Mission Main Street Grant Program is to create a targeted impact on Erie County’s municipalities through commercial corridors that are known as “main streets.” Following the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s four-point main street approach, this grant recognizes that each municipality in Erie County is distinct geographically with main streets that host small business, special events, historic structures, and central parks. Many have fallen into disrepair because of the diaspora of retail from central business districts to malls and auto-oriented strip shopping centers. In communities in which main streets and historic structures are maintained, there is a sense of vibrancy and civic pride. Revitalizing Erie County main streets is an economic and community development strategy that creates jobs, promotes tourism, and impacts the region’s economy.

Goals

Mission Main Street Grant goals:

• Redevelop streetscapes and buildings
• Remove blight and reverse deterioration
• Promote a positive small business environment
• Incentivize and spur private investment
• Make communities more walkable, safe, and attractive
• Experiment with creative programming & civic engagement
• Improve the municipal tax base

Funding Paths

• MMS Planning Grant
  • In the course of re-making or improving Main Streets, ECGRA understands there is a need to perform studies and analyses before public investment is made in areas such as streetscapes, bicycle and pedestrian safety, transportation, parking management, new construction, housing, retail, parks, and façade renovations.
  • Additionally, pre-construction costs such as engineering and design are essential to completing construction projects ranging from streetscapes to park and accessibility improvements.
  • ECGRA Mission Main Street Planning Grant funds can be used for relevant studies, planning, design, and/or engineering services up to $10,000.
  • Planning Grant funds must have a 1:1 cash match.
  • Any ECGRA-funded planning, studies, or analyses must incorporate public involvement throughout and ensure adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Plans shall also adhere to the basic goals of the Mission Main Street Program which are to enhance economic and business vitality while maintaining local historic integrity, quality of life, and sense of place.
  • Planning grants are available once per entity within the three-year program period.
  • Mission Main Street funding cannot exceed a total of $200,000 per entity over a two-year period.
• MMS Implementation Grant
  • The Mission Main Street program encourages municipal and main street organizations to adopt and follow the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street goals which are:
    • Organization,
    • Promotion,
    • Design, and
    • Economic Restructuring.
  • ECGRA's Mission Main Street Grant Program provides valuable funding for improvements to urban and rural main streets to support local businesses and economies.
  • Projects relating to each of the four goals are eligible for Mission Main Street funding.
  • Examples of past funded Mission Main Street projects include:
    • marketing and promotions,
    • Buy Local campaigns,
    • website and social media development,
    • storefront improvement programs,
    • façade improvements,
    • streetscaping,
    • tree planting,
    • park improvements along main streets,
    • gateway treatments,
    • farmers markets,
    • history tours,
    • banners,
    • bicycle parking,
    • development of design guidelines,
    • special events, and
    • program staff time.

Funding Details

• Planning Grant
  • Max award of $10,000 per application
  • Duration of grant: 1 year
• Implementation Grant
  • Max award of $200,000 per application
  • Duration of grant: up to 2 years