Helping Today Grant Program

The Helping Today Grant Program, administered by The Erie Community Foundation, is designed to support nonprofits addressing key issues in Erie County, Pennsylvania. As the foundation’s most frequently accessed grant opportunity, Helping Today intentionally casts a broad net—providing funding flexibility for a wide variety of project types. Nonprofits can apply for up to $50,000 per grant cycle, with all funds to be expended within 12 months of award. The program accepts applications on a quarterly basis with deadlines on January 29, May 2, August 1, and October 15. This program supports efforts in five priority funding areas: economic growth, education, health, neighborhood and community development, and regional vitality. Eligible project categories include capital purchases, facility improvements, programming support, community awareness, organizational capacity building, public policy and advocacy, and technology or vehicle acquisitions (both of which require a 1:1 match). Applicants must include estimates or bids for purchases or contracted services involving equipment, vehicles, or technology. To apply, nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status or use a fiscal sponsor and serve a significant population within Erie County. Applicants must not have received a Helping Today grant in the past 12 months and must be in good standing with prior grant reporting requirements. Ineligible entities include individuals, for-profit businesses, and projects focused on startup funding, single events, endowment campaigns, religious activity, deficit reduction, or improvements to property not owned by the applicant. Each application must demonstrate the project's alignment with community needs through data or professional assessment, define its target population and geography, and propose at least two measurable outcomes. The foundation also requires applicants to describe organizational capacity—including leadership experience, partnerships, financial health, and relevant competencies—and to provide a sustainability plan for continued project support beyond the 12-month funding period. Pre-application meetings with a member of the foundation’s Community Impact team are required before submitting a proposal. Once this step is completed, applicants are granted access to the GoApply system where they may submit their formal application. Grant decisions are made by The Erie Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, with awards announced quarterly on July 3, September 19, and December 10, depending on the submission round. Helping Today is structured to be responsive to the evolving needs of Erie County nonprofits and remains a central mechanism for driving impact, equity, and sustainability in local community efforts.

Schedule the required pre-application meeting early. Be specific and data-driven in describing need and outcomes. Include cost estimates for relevant purchases.