2024 Anchor Building Grant Program

The Anchor Building Program, provided by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA), offers funding to local governments, 501(c)3 non-profits, and municipal authorities. Its core mission is to strengthen communities, neighborhoods, and commercial districts by redeveloping, enhancing, and preserving underutilized or vacant buildings. These buildings are seen as catalysts for greater investment and commercial or social activity, aligning with ECGRA's broader goal of fostering community revitalization and economic development in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The program targets historically, culturally, architecturally, and/or socially significant buildings, often located in the heart of the community. The beneficiaries are the communities themselves, small businesses, and residents, through the creation of jobs and enhanced local tax bases. The impact goals are multifaceted: to adaptively re-use significant buildings, to leverage private investment, and to support small businesses. The program directly addresses the financial challenges often associated with re-using older buildings, such as high construction costs relative to modern codes, lack of financial resources, and low appraisal values. Key priorities and focuses of the Anchor Building Program include bridging the funding gap for older building re-use and encouraging the adaptive re-use of buildings with intrinsic historical, architectural, and/or cultural qualities. The program emphasizes the quality of original construction, location, and suitability for new uses, recognizing these factors as crucial for successful redevelopment. ECGRA's strategic priority is evident in its focus on tangible, physical improvements that spur broader economic and social benefits. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased private investment, job creation, and a strengthened local tax base. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 per application, with a minimum request of $25,000, and a grant duration of 24 months. These financial parameters provide a clear framework for the scale of projects supported. The theory of change behind the program is that by investing in key anchor buildings, a ripple effect will be created, stimulating further private investment, fostering small business growth, and ultimately enhancing the overall vitality and economic health of Erie County's communities.