Helping Today Grant Program

The Helping Today grant program, offered by The Foundation, is designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations addressing key issues within Erie County, Pennsylvania. The program aligns with the Foundation’s broader grantmaking priorities, which include economic growth, education, health, neighborhood and community development, and regional vitality. As the most frequently utilized grant program by The Foundation, Helping Today supports a wide range of project types and offers flexible use of grant funding. Applicants can request up to $50,000 in funding, with the stipulation that grant monies must be spent within twelve months of receiving the award. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis, with submission deadlines on January 29, May 2, August 1, and October 15. Applicants must engage in a comprehensive application process that includes demonstrating the importance of the project through community engagement and data-driven assessment, providing at least two measurable and tangible outputs to be achieved by the end of the grant period, and detailing the target population served by the project. Additionally, organizations are required to present aspects of their operational capacity to ensure project success and submit a sustainability plan that includes financial strategies for continued support beyond the grant period. Eligibility for the Helping Today grant program is open to organizations that possess a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service or those with an eligible fiscal sponsor. Applicants must either be located in or serve a significant population within Erie County, Pennsylvania. Organizations that have received a Helping Today grant within the past twelve months or those that have not fulfilled prior grant reporting requirements are not eligible to apply. Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profit businesses, and projects focusing on start-up funding, singular events, endowment campaigns, religious activities, deficit reduction, or improvements on property not owned by the applicant. The application process begins with a review of eligibility requirements, followed by a mandatory pre-application meeting with a member of The Foundation’s Community Impact team. Once this meeting is completed, applicants receive a personalized link to access the application via GoApply. The application must be submitted by the specified deadlines, ensuring all questions are thoroughly answered and all required documentation is uploaded. The Helping Today Community Advisory Committee and Foundation staff conduct a detailed review of each submission, with final funding decisions made by The Foundation’s Board of Trustees during their quarterly board meetings. Applicants are notified of decisions on July 3, September 19, and December 10. The Helping Today program supports diverse project categories including capital purchases, facilities improvements, programming support, community awareness and outreach, technology (requiring a 1:1 match), vehicle purchases (requiring a 1:1 match), organizational capacity building, and advocacy/public policy initiatives. For purchases involving equipment, technology, vehicles, or contracted services, applicants must include bids, estimates, or price quotes as part of their application. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact The Foundation at 814-454-0843 or visit their office at 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507.