The Erie Community Foundation traces its history back to 1935 when Elisha H. Mack, co-founder of the Boston Store, created a charitable endowment fund. From 1935 to 1969, that sole fund fueled regional philanthropic efforts. However, after the tax reform act of 1969 created important distinctions between private foundations and public charities, Mr. Mack's fund was transformed into a public charity, The Erie Community Foundation, a process finalized in 1971.


Today, the foundation is constantly expanding its collection of nearly 500 different endowment funds, all created locally. Some funds are established during a donor's lifetime, others via a bequest. A number of local nonprofit organizations have also chosen to build endowments under the administrative umbrella of The Erie Community Foundation.

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Assets and Giving for Erie Community Foundation

Assets

2018 - 223,922,588
2017 - 236,091,159
2016 - 201,418,849

Domestic Grants

2018 - 20,862,991
2017 - 17,386,856

Link to Grants

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People Building Stronger Communities

Behavioral Science with Social Media Lead to Improved Health Behaviors Among HIV-Risk Men

City-Wide Call for More Civic Engagement

Volunteers and Disaster Response Agencies Aid in Beaver Crossing Clean Up

Study Finds Young Girls In Poor Households More Likely To Become Obese In Midlife

Community Alliance to End Homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County

HIV Awareness and Risky Sexual Behavior in Teens Not Linked with HIV Testing

Dating in Middle School Points to Higher Rates of Dropouts and Drug Use

Five Homeless People Share Their Experiences

JTFN Awards $1,000 to Jewish Summer Camps to Develop Teen Philanthropy

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