The Erie Community Foundation

Congratulations to Sheila Ardery, recipient of The LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation Spirit of Philanthropy Award.💜

This award recognizes individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service advance the mission of the LGBT Fund and help create a more inclusive, supportive community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies throughout our region.

For decades, Sheila has been a passionate advocate, nonprofit leader, and champion for those in need. From her work in housing, crisis response, and domestic violence services to her steadfast commitment to Erie’s LGBTQIA+ community, she has dedicated her life to ensuring people feel seen, supported, and valued.

Thank you, Sheila, for your years of service and for the lasting impact you continue to make in Erie and beyond. Your dedication embodies the true spirit of philanthropy.

We’re still smiling from what truly was the Best Day Ever!

Last week, more than 250 donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders came together to celebrate the power of generosity and the incredible impact it creates throughout our region. From inspiring stories and meaningful recognition to moments that reminded us why we do this work, the day was a powerful reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together to give with purpose.

To everyone who joined us, shared their story, and continues to invest in a brighter future for Erie—thank you for making it the Best Day Ever.

Read more about the celebration in TalkErie.com's coverage: https://talkerie.com/2026/06/10/the-erie-community-foundation-hosts-the-best-day-ever-annual-celebration-highlighting-the-power-of-collective-giving/

The Erie Community Foundation offers several fund types designed to support meaningful, effective giving—including Donor Advised Funds. Join us on July 15 for Demystifying Donor Advised Funds with The Nonprofit Partnership to learn more about this growing source of charitable giving.

What exactly is a donor-advised fund? Who recommends the grants? And why are so many donors choosing to give this way? Join us on July 15 to get answers to these questions and more from The Erie Community Foundation's Philanthropic Services team. Whether you're a fundraiser, executive director, or board member, you'll gain valuable insights into a growing source of charitable giving. RSVP here: bit.ly/4fZwNCO

At our Annual Celebration: The Best Day Ever, we were proud to honor Nick Cianci with the Emerging Erie Fund Spirit of Philanthropy Award.

Nick was one of the earliest members of Emerging Erie Fund following its 2020 relaunch and went on to serve as vice chair and later board chair. Nick’s leadership helped create the sponsorship model, governance structure, and growth strategy. With his leadership, Emerging Erie Fund grew from approximately 15 members awarding a $5,000 grant to approximately 125 members awarding a $100,000 annual grant.

We are deeply grateful for Nick’s dedication to connecting philanthropy with emerging leaders across Erie and for the lasting impact he has made on our community. Congratulations Nick!

We were proud to sponsor The Nonprofit Partnership ’s 25th Annual KeyCon in May!

KeyCon brings together nonprofit professionals from organizations of every size and mission for two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. We're grateful for the opportunity to support an event that empowers nonprofit leaders and advances the important work happening throughout our community.

The Edward C. Doll Community Service Award is the most prestigious community service distinction presented annually at Our Annual Celebration.

This year’s honoree is the Rev. Dr. Donald L. Baxter, Jr., affectionately known in the community as Dr. Don. The Erie Community Foundation is proud to recognize Dr. Don for his decades of dedicated leadership, service, and steadfast support of local nonprofit organizations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Don for his unwavering commitment and lasting impact on the Erie community.

Our 2025 Annual Report: Best Day Ever is out now!

When we gathered for our Annual Celebration, it was just a regular day. Not a milestone, or a holiday. And that’s exactly the point. At The Erie Community Foundation, we see every day as an opportunity to make a difference.

Every day, someone chooses to give. Whether a gift was made yesterday or decades ago, it continues to create lasting impact—supporting students, strengthening nonprofits, and meeting urgent community needs. Because of our donors, Erie moves forward every day, turning seemingly ordinary moments into the Best Day Ever.

View the 2025 Annual Report: https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/about-us/annual-reports/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Best Day Ever: Our Annual Celebration at the Warner Theatre!

What made the day so special wasn't that it marked a milestone or holiday—it was that it reflected something we see every day in our community.

Every day, donors invest in Erie’s future. Every day, nonprofits and students benefit from that generosity. Every day, lives are changed through acts of giving—both recent and decades in the making.

Because of our donors, seemingly ordinary days become something extraordinary: the best day ever.

The Helping Today grant program supports Erie County nonprofits working to address our community’s most pressing needs in health, education, economic growth, neighborhood and community development, and regional vitality.

Planning to apply for Cycle 3? Pre-application meetings are now available ahead of the July 30 application deadline. These one-on-one conversations are a valuable opportunity to discuss your project, gain insight into the application process, and ensure your proposal is positioned for success.

Take the next step toward creating meaningful impact in Erie County by scheduling your pre-application meeting today.

Schedule your meeting today using the link in our bio and take the next step toward making an impact in our community. Click here to schedule your meeting: https://calendly.com/ecf-community-impact/helping-today-pre-application-meeting

Big moments don’t happen solo—and neither does the Commonwealth Concert Series. 🎶

We’re to recognize and thank the sponsors supporting the Erie stop of the Commonwealth Concert Series. See you all tonight!🎉

PRESENTING SPONSORS:
⭐Erie County, Pennsylvania
⭐Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority

HEADLINER SPONSORS:
⭐Erie Events
⭐Erie Insurance
⭐Pennsylvania Lottery
⭐Pennsylvania Game Commission
⭐Lecom Health
⭐Hersheypark
⭐Fine Wine & Good Spirits
⭐Ticketmaster

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:
⭐VisitErie
⭐Marquette Savings Bank
⭐Verizon
⭐The Erie Community Foundation

COMMUNITY SPONSORS:
⭐National Fuel
⭐Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
⭐Erie Homes For Children & Adults
⭐MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP
⭐First Energy
⭐Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
⭐Interdigital
⭐Knox Law

Thank you for helping bring the energy, the excitement, and the unforgettable moments to life. 🎤

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact [email protected]