Erie Community Foundation’s Furchak Ferko Grants

The Furchak Ferko Grants are a targeted funding initiative offered through The Erie Women’s Fund, made possible by a legacy gift from Margaret Furchak Ferko. The program provides annual grants to address critical gaps that impact the wellbeing of women and families in Erie County, Pennsylvania. With an average award amount of approximately $30,000, the grant supports nonprofit-led efforts across six focus areas: transportation, healthcare, workforce training and education, housing, childcare, and food insecurity. The grant program is specifically designed to improve conditions for women and children by supporting initiatives that close community gaps and enhance quality of life. Whether through providing reliable transportation for working mothers, supporting access to medical care, expanding workforce development, or offering affordable childcare and stable housing solutions, the Furchak Ferko Grants fund projects that generate measurable, local impact. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Projects submitted by for-profit entities or those related to sectarian religious activities, fundraising-only events, or hospitality-focused efforts will not be considered. This ensures that grant resources are directed toward service-based initiatives with clear benefit to the local community’s most vulnerable populations. Applicants are not required to complete a pre-application or schedule meetings prior to submitting a proposal. All applications must be submitted through The Erie Community Foundation’s GoApply grant portal. This platform is publicly accessible, and all necessary materials can be submitted online without prior approval. Grant notifications will be made before the annual December Grant Reception hosted by The Erie Women’s Fund. Selected grantees will be invited to attend this event, which recognizes and celebrates the impactful work being done across the community in support of women and families. For questions or assistance with the application process, organizations may contact the Erie Community Foundation office at 814-454-0843. The Furchak Ferko Grants represent a legacy-driven commitment to empowering women and families, funding local solutions to longstanding challenges with dignity, equity, and measurable community benefit.

Focus on direct impact for local women and children. Align with one or more priority areas. Avoid disqualified project types such as fundraising or religious activities.