Transformative Grant Program

Building a Better Future - Transformative Grant Program                                        

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 is a federal relief package providing $1.9 trillion in funding, program changes, and tax policies aimed at mitigating the continuing effects of the COVID-19 public health crisis.  As a result of this historic legislation, Erie County is receiving a federal grant of $52,391,502 from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF).  These grants will be distributed to Erie County over two years.  Half of the grant was disbursed in 2021 and the remaining funds will be awarded in 2022.

AID TO NONPROFITS

The ECGRA partners with a vast network of nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development agencies engaged in community development, job creation, wealth building, local business growth, and strategic projects.  Many of the projects initiated by these entities have the potential to be transformative to Erie County.  Utilizing this network, ECGRA has developed a three-pronged approach for the Building a Better Future Transformative Grant Program.  Each prong will provide financial support for important projects underway, vetted leadership teams in established organizations, and to implement community plans, such as municipal comprehensive plans and regional and countywide strategies.

The three prongs are:

• Entrepreneurship                                                                                                                                                 
• Quality of Place
• Community Facilities

Each of these areas have outcomes-based approaches tied to national models, local leadership, planning documents and studies, and the ability to leverage other sources of funding.

To apply for a grant in one of these categories, click here.

An impact investing orgainzation, ECGRA's mission is to empower the nonprofit sector, municipal governments, and economic development agencies to revitalize Erie County.  ECGRA is endowed with local share gaming revenue from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via the Horse Race Gaming Act.  Local share gaming revenue is an assessment of the licensed gambling industry in Pennsylvania.