Young Erie Philanthropists
In late 2019, Young Erie Professionals and the Erie Community Foundation partnered together to create Young Erie Philanthropists. The fund supports local initiatives aimed at making a profound impact on attracting and retaining young people in Erie. A select committee of YEP members oversees the annual disbursement of a Erie Community Foundation endowment valued at over $100,000. Committee members educate themselves on the power and effect of an endowment fund, learn the grantmaking process, determine specific causes and/or nonprofit organizations they would like to impact, and ultimately award a grant(s). The Erie Community Foundation staff provides supplemental education on endowments, foundations, and grants to aid the committee in shaping the fund. This process culminates in a celebration in late Summer to announce the awardee(s) of the grant(s).
This committee is led by Kristi Bailey. Kristi was president of YEP from 2018-2020. She is the Business Development Manager at Team Hardinger and a member of Erie Community Foundation's Women's Fund. She works closely with Keely Doyle, YEP member and Philanthropic Services Director at the Erie Community Foundation.
young erie philanthropists members:
- Jacob Bartko: Executive Director, Community Access Media
- Joelyn Bush: Director of Marketing & Communications, United Way of Erie County
- Katie George: Staff Accountant, Marquette Savings Bank
- Megan Grochulski: Development Director, Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Lisa Herring: Director of Community Impact, Erie Philharmonic
- Yelena Kokhanevich: Inside Claims Representative, Erie Insurance Group
- Anne Lewis: Director of Marketing, Red Letter Hospitality
- Sarah Liang: AmeriCorps VISTA, Lake Effect Leaders
- Cynthia Lillis: Senior Marketing Strategist, Highmark Health
- TJ Richter: Client Advisor, Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency
- Dave Schumacher: Development Officer, Shriners Hospitals for Children
- April Soriano: LTSS Service Coordinator, UPMC Health Plan
- Breanna Watts: Director of Advancement, Mercy Center for Women
- Erin Yates: Operations & Special Projects Manager, The Nonprofit Partnership
- Alec Zaphiris: Sales Associate, Great Lakes Insurance
apply to join the fund
Applications for individuals interested in becoming a members of this fund are now open through March 1, 2021. If you have questions, please contact philanthropists@yeperie.org.
