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.
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.