COMMUNITY
IMPACT

As part of our mission to expand and enrich the educational opportunities available in North East, The North East Community Foundation provided more than $120,000 in grants that support libraries and schools along with scholarships for immersive experiences in the arts and nature.

As a result, dozens of Scouts from Troops 57 & 86 experienced once-in-a-lifetime camping experiences at national parks across the United States. More than 50 at-risk teens from North East attended The Door Student Services’ weeklong summer camp, including boating, games, and a special birthday celebration that for many is the only recognition of their big day that year.

Grants to the North East Arts Council helped fund Missoula Summer Theatre camp for kids, an art immersion program for adults, and free weekly entertainment and crafts in Gibson Park for the entire community to enjoy all summer long.

A $52,500 multiyear grant from the Foundation helped bring The Stem & Vine program to the North East School District offering yearlong after school programming and summer enrichment in science, technology, engineering, and math, with a special focus on local agriculture programming for students in kindergarten through grade five.

In addition, more than $73,000 in scholarships were awarded to assist local high school seniors and students of all ages who are pursuing higher education.

Supporting the work of those who help meet the most basic needs in our community is essential. That’s why last year, The North East Community Foundation granted more than $123,000 to bring food, health care, clothing, and basics to our area’s most at risk through partnerships with Community Nursing Services of North East for nursing and hospice care, Crescent and Fuller Hose Companies for ongoing service, and Project Love for holiday gifts.

A $10,000 grant to 4 NINE Place helped bring the group cares program to North East over the summer, assisting senior citizens with needed home improvements. Meanwhile two $5,000 grants to the North East School District Foundation helped stock backpacks with weekly food distributions to get students through the weekend without going hungry.

Through a $1,500 grant, new boots and coats were distributed to those in need through 4 NINE Place and the Lions Club. With a $7,000 grant, the United Way was able to provide free tax assistance. A collaborative grant of $1,000 to the Northwest PA K-9 Search and Rescue team brought new equipment to help dogs and their handlers find lost loved ones faster.

Over $211,000 last year went to enrich our community and preserve North East’s unique history and downtown. Our grants provided arts, culture, and family fun through the Erie Philharmonic’s free outdoor summer concert series, the July 4 fireworks, and an expanded annual holiday light-up celebration. A $10,000 grant to Downtown North East Inc. helped bring a new sound system to Gibson Park. At the same time, funds provided to North East in Bloom and the North East Historical Society beautified downtown with new planters, flowers, and historic postcard murals.

Each year during our annual meeting, The North East Community Foundation recognizes an individual or group who has impacted the community by bestowing the Lake & Smith Award. This award is named after founding members of the NECF board, Ernie Lake and Gerri Smith.

This year’s Lake & Smith Award was presented to Vern Frye for his many years of service to the North East Community.

Other recent recipients include long-time Boy Scout leaders John Hallenburg of Troop 57 and Roger and Kathy Schultz of Troop 86. They were recognized for their decades of service to the community and its youth.

Did you know? The North East Community Foundation provides an additional $30,000 match to North East nonprofits during Erie Gives. This is on top of individual gifts and matched by the Erie Community Foundation.