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Erie Community Foundation

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 256032032 ✦ Erie, PA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Erie Community Foundation?

The Erie Community Foundation, a public charity in Erie County, Pennsylvania, primarily serves donors and the local nonprofit sector. The foundation is dedicated to establishing new charitable endowments and granting funds to organizations focusing on arts and culture, community development, education, health, neighborhood revitalization, and human services. With a team of 19 employees, the Erie Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in their region. Through evaluating community issues and promoting philanthropic and community leadership, they build permanent charitable endowments and address various needs. Substantially all contributions to the foundation come from individuals connected to Erie County.


Official website here: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

The Erie Community Foundation has earned a perfect score of 100% from Charity Navigator, which emphasizes its strong accountability and financial management. The foundation demonstrates robust governance with a fully independent board and adherence to best practices regarding financial oversight, including comprehensive audits and transparency in operations. This rating reflects the organization's commitment to efficient fund allocation, with 85.58% of expenses directed towards programs.

User feedback on Great Nonprofits highlights a mix of experiences with the Erie Community Foundation. One reviewer shared a heartfelt story about how the foundation assisted in setting up a scholarship fund in memory of a loved one, illustrating the organization's positive impact on individuals seeking to leave a legacy. On the other hand, a professional reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with the grant approval process, noting that their environmentally-focused project was denied, which raises questions about the foundation’s funding priorities.

Overall, while the Erie Community Foundation showcases exemplary financial practices and has significantly supported community members in their philanthropic endeavors, there are critiques regarding the inclusivity and transparency of its grant distribution process. The mixed reviews suggest that while the foundation excels in certain areas, potential applicants may find challenges depending on their project alignment with the foundation's funding categories.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

Is Erie Community Foundation legitimate?

Erie Community Foundation is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Erie Community Foundation submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $551,640
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $922,812

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

What is the mission statement of Erie Community Foundation?

The Erie Community Foundation strives to enhance the lives of people in their community by assessing and addressing pressing issues, establishing permanent charitable endowments, and fostering philanthropic and community leadership. The organization primarily serves donors and the nonprofit sector, encouraging the creation of new charitable funds and providing competitive grants to organizations focusing on arts and culture, community development, education, health, neighborhood revitalization, and human services. In addition, the foundation offers a donor education program, with the majority of contributions coming from individuals with connections to the community.


Official website here: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

Who is the CEO of Erie Community Foundation?

Karen Bilowith is the President of Erie Community Foundation.


Official website here: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

What is the revenue of Erie Community Foundation?

Erie Community Foundation's revenue in 2022 was $68,689,242.


Official website here: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

Who are the executives of Erie Community Foundation and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Erie Community Foundation during 2022 was $77,603. There are 19 employees and 367 volunteers at Erie Community Foundation.


Here are 18 key members and their salaries:


Anne L Lewis (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marcus Atkinson (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Knight Cpa (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Donald Baxter (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robin Scheppner (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William Hilbert Jr (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sarah Hagen Mcwilliams (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Tullio (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Deborah Murphy (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Walczak (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom Tupitza (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Karinna Vernaza Phd (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Karen Bilowith (President)
  • Compensation: $277,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $26,124
Barbara Sambroak (Treasurer, Cfo)
  • Compensation: $144,503
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $18,290
Susannah Weis Frigon Cfp (Vp Of Philanthropic Services)
  • Compensation: $120,629
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $30,140
Erin D Fessler (Vp Of Marketing & Community/Government)
  • Compensation: $109,577
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $30,952
Patrick Herr Msw (Vp Of Community Impact)
  • Compensation: $103,416
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,100
Michael Batchelor (Former President)
  • Compensation: $613,260
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,871


Official website here: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Erie Community Foundation?

Erie Community Foundation's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

Learn more at the official website: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

Mission Statement of Erie Community Foundation

The Erie Community Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the livability of the community by evaluating and addressing local issues, fostering permanent endowments, and encouraging philanthropic and community leadership. Through its mission, the Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for all residents in the region.

By building and managing charitable endowments, the Erie Community Foundation serves as a catalyst for positive change in various sectors, including arts and culture, community development, education, health, neighborhood revitalization, and human services. The Foundation's grants support organizations that contribute to the betterment of the community, enabling them to carry out their missions effectively.

Furthermore, the Erie Community Foundation offers a donor education program, providing valuable resources and knowledge to individuals looking to make a difference through charitable giving. The Foundation's primary focus is on collaborating with donors and nonprofits to create lasting, meaningful change in the community. Substantially all contributions received by the Foundation come from individuals with connections to Erie County.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Erie Community Foundation significantly enhances the quality of life in Erie County, Pennsylvania, by addressing local challenges, supporting community development, and promoting charitable giving. By establishing and managing permanent philanthropic endowments, it provides crucial funding through competitive grants to a variety of sectors, including arts and culture, education, health, and human services.

These initiatives bolster local organizations, foster neighborhood revitalization, and empower community leadership. Through targeted contributions, the foundation strengthens the social fabric and resilience of the region, encouraging active participation in philanthropy and ensuring that the needs of the community are met effectively. Additionally, the foundation's donor education program plays a vital role in guiding individuals in their philanthropic efforts, making a lasting impact on the collective progress of the community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Erie Community Foundation. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$68,689,242 (2022)
Expenses
$23,282,333 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $11,852,144
  • Program Service Revenue: $383,672
  • Gross Receipts: $119,752,112

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $332,655,192
  • Total Liabilities: $5,307,351
  • Net Assets: $327,347,841

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE FEES

Revenue

$383,672

Organization Details

Founding Year

1971

Principal Officer

Karen Bilowith

Main Address

459 WEST 6TH STREET, ERIE, PA, 16507

NTEE Category

Code: T310 - Philanthropy

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