As the ongoing government shutdowns compound the effects of recent federal funding cuts, essential services across Erie County are under extraordinary strain. In response, The Erie Community Foundation is deepening its commitment to address urgent community needs—providing short-term relief to fill critical gaps to address long-term risks caused by funding disruptions.
Since reopening the Rapid Response Fund in March 2025, the Foundation has awarded two emergency grants to refugee resettlement agencies directly affected by funding disruptions. These grants have been instrumental in maintaining essential programming and client services during a time of uncertainty.
“Federal cuts are not just financial setbacks — they impact the well-being of the Erie families who rely on these services,” said Karen Bilowith, president and CEO of The Erie Community Foundation. “The Rapid Response Fund has once again enabled organizations to continue their crucial work and minimize negative community impacts caused by federal cuts.”
In late June, the Foundation bolstered this effort with a significant investment in the Rapid Response Fund, including a matching contribution from the Hagen Family Fund. The infusion of resources has helped address the immediate needs of Erie’s refugee resettlement community as it grapples with a growing crisis fueled by federal cutbacks and increasing demands for services.
Building on this momentum, The Erie Community Foundation has partnered with The Nonprofit Partnership and the Civic Impact Project to launch a comprehensive survey aimed at capturing feedback from local nonprofits. This initiative is designed to identify the most urgent challenges and service disruptions, providing actionable data to inform, support, and guide resource allocation.
As the community’s needs evolve, the Foundation is shifting its focus from emergency relief to sustained support for the general operating needs of nonprofits. This pivot is designed to strengthen the entire nonprofit sector — ensuring organizations have the flexibility and resources necessary to serve more residents and adapt innovatively amid ongoing economic pressures.