WAYS TO GIVE
Why The North East Community Foundation?
The North East Community Foundation is a trusted community partner that works to connect donors to their favorite nonprofits.
When an individual or a family creates an endowment within the Foundation, the original gift grows, and the earnings can help local nonprofits far into the future. Our flexible and tax-efficient model ensures your charitable gift has the greatest impact in the North East.
Collectively, the Foundation can make a tremendous impact on North East.
Learn more about tax incentives for charitable giving.
DONOR STORIES
Clare Wilson Fund Continues A Legacy of Service
After 20 years as a volunteer firefighter, few calls leave Matt Skrekla, captain of Fuller Hose Company, speechless. But Skrekla won’t soon forget the phone call when fellow Fuller volunteer Clare Wilson told him of his plan to donate $50,000 to the department.
Gerri Smith’s Love of North East
Iva Geraldine “Gerri” Smith was a founding member of the North East Community Foundation and our most avid supporter. For 55 years, Gerri dedicated her time and talents to North East, leaving so many nonprofits, community groups and people for the better.
DefIANt Scholars Program
In 2020, North East Community Foundation proudly partnered with Ian Malesiewski to create a new scholarship designed to empower, encourage, and uplift local students. The DefIANt Scholars Program is a scholarship available to seniors in Erie County, Pennsylvania who have a physical or intellectual disability.
Give Today
It’s an honor to partner with donors and the community to make North East better for its residents today – and well into the future.
How will you give to The North East Community Foundation?
- Honor a loved one with a gift, fund or scholarship in their name
- Respond to community needs
- Create a home for NECF & local nonprofits
Named funds usually begin with a gift of $10,000 or more, The North East Community
The Foundation accepts gifts of any size.
To donate with a credit card, click here. If you wish to send a check, please make it payable to The North East Community Foundation and mail it to PO Box 327, North East, PA 16428.
Honor a loved one with a gift, fund, or scholarship in their name.
Respond to community needs
Create a home for NECF & local nonprofits
Access your funds
Types of Funds
The North East Community Foundation cannot accomplish anything without donors who support our mission. Because the overall goal of The North East Community Foundation is to build a permanent source of philanthropic support for our community for generations to come, most of our named funds are permanently endowed.
Named funds are typically established with a minimum gift of $10,000 or more; however, the Foundation accepts gifts of any size. Funds may be established during a donor’s lifetime or via bequest.
It’s simple to create your own fund; you can do it in a matter of minutes by contacting Steve Weiser at 814.413.7345.
Unrestricted Fund
If you have a broad range of charitable interests, an Unrestricted Fund provides North East Community Foundation with maximum flexibility to respond to the community’s changing needs.
Agency Endowment Fund
An agency fund offers nonprofits a dependable and consistent source of income to support their mission. It provides access to grants as needed, allowing organizations to respond to emerging needs while the fund continues to grow over time. An active Charitable Gift Annuity program is available, at no cost, to organizations with Agency Endowments. We also have significant experience with the charitable remainder and lead trusts. These planned giving alternatives often create beneficial situations for both donors and local charities.
The Fuller Hose Co. #1 Fund.
The Fuller Hose Company #1 was established December 31, 1885 as a volunteer fire company serving the citizens of North East and beyond. The fund was established to ensure the future public safety needs of the growing North East community can be met. Specifically, the fund addresses future apparatus replacement costs, as fire departments are encouraged to replace front line engines every 20 years from the date of manufacture. Fuller Hose Co. #1 operates two engines, one tanker, one utility truck, one brush truck and two boats.
Donor Advised or Designated
Engage actively with your philanthropy through a Donor Advised Fund, which gives you the freedom to recommend grants to nonprofit organizations of your choice. The Foundation staff provides valuable insights and information about nonprofits aligning with your philanthropic interests, ensuring your giving makes a meaningful impact.
Make a lasting impact on specific charitable organizations with a Donor Designated Fund. Direct annual support to one or more nonprofits of your choice, providing stable funding for their vital programs and initiatives. Your generosity strengthens the capacity of organizations dedicated to making a difference in North East.
The Clare Wilson Honorary Fund
To honor his legacy of service, Fuller Hose Company established the Clare Wilson Fund. The fund helps the fire company in two critical ways: meeting immediate equipment needs and ensuring that funds will be there in the future to support the changing needs of the community. In December 2021, thanks to the Clare Wilson Fund, the department received a much-needed new piece of equipment – an F550 multipurpose truck that will assist in brush fires and water rescues.
Field of Interest Fund
Channel your passion for specific causes or regions within North East through a Field of Interest Fund. Whether you prioritize education, healthcare, housing, cultural assets, or other vital areas, this fund enables the Foundation to direct your gift to outstanding nonprofits addressing issues close to your heart. Together, we create positive change in areas that matter most to our community and everyone’s quality of life.
The John Manville & Freida Bodendorfer Phillips Fund
This fund was created by Deb Phillips and Jack Russell to honor family members’ contributions to the community. Funds will be used to support qualified and deserving non-profit organizations whose activities and mission address agriculture and/or food-related education, projects and needs.
Scholarship Fund
Support the educational aspirations of North East students by establishing a Scholarship Fund. Shape the future by specifying selection and award criteria. Your generosity opens doors to opportunity and fosters academic achievement for generations.
The Susan Valone MD Memorial Scholarship
Susan was raised in North East and went on to become an infectious disease specialist in Colorado. Her family established a scholarship in her memory. It will be awarded to students entering a career in healthcare.