Nine local nonprofits are getting a major financial boost thanks to the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.
ECGRA awarded more than $600,000 in funding to several lead asset organizations. Those recipients include the Erie Zoo, the Erie Philharmonic, the Hagen History Center, the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Technology, the Flagship Niagara League, Erie Arts & Culture, the Erie Playhouse, the Erie Art Museum, and the expERIEnce Children’s Museum.
Most representatives from the nonprofits were on hand to receive the grants during a ceremony held at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University.
Recipients and ECGRA officials said the funding will help strengthen the region’s cultural and recreational offerings while supporting economic growth.
“Arts, culture, heritage, recreational opportunities — these are all really key to economic vibrancy,” said Dr. Perry Wood, the Executive Director of ECGRA. “They define our community, but they also give people something to do, which is going to differentiate us from other places.”
“Things like our educational opportunities, our gallery nights where we bring in local artists to display their work and show it off to the community that’s what this funding supports,” said Susannah Faulkner, the Executive Director of the Erie Arts and Culture. “It really helps expand access to arts and education.”
Organizers from the different nonprofits said this money comes at a great time, with the summer tourism season starting soon.