Giving Network FAQs

Is my organization eligible to apply?

The Erie Insurance Giving Network considers charitable contributions to:

Nonprofit, tax exempt organizations under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Accredited educational institutions.

Review our guidelines for more information.

Are there organizations that ERIE does not fund?

The Erie Insurance Giving Network does not fund:

Individuals
Athletic programs, scholarships, events, booster clubs or facilities.
Churches and religious organizations. Note that programs affiliated with faith-based organizations are eligible for funding as long as the programming serves the whole community, regardless of religious affiliation. (Examples include food banks and shelter services.)
Elementary, middle and high schools.
Political and labor organizations.
National organizations (local chapters of national organizations may be considered when funding is expected to support the local community).
Any organization or project that does not align with ERIE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. ERIE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our corporate values to live by the Golden Rule: to treat others as we want to be treated. ERIE seeks to sustain this commitment through our mission to recognize, respect and value the diversity of all individuals in all segments of the communities where we work, live and do business.
Endowments, trusts or similar organizations, including charitable remainder trusts, donor advised funds, private or family foundations or family trusts.
Donations that provide a direct benefit to the donor, the donor’s family or any other specified individual, including:

Tuition payments, student fees, book fees or subscriptions.
Donations to scholarship funds where the scholarship recipient is designated by the donor.
Donations that in themselves or in combination with Erie Insurance Group’s matching gift lead to the donor’s receiving benefits of more than nominal value, such as receipt of athletic spectator tickets or the option to purchase such tickets.
Membership dues for alumni groups, social groups or athletic or other clubs.
Church-related pledges, tithes or financial commitments.

Priority will be given to organizations that demonstrate commitment to their communities by ensuring their governing bodies include representatives from within the communities they serve.

How do we apply?

Apply by completing and submitting the Request Funds Form. If your web browser is Chrome or Safari, submit your Request for Funding by completing the PDF form linked below and sending it to GivingNetwork@erieinsurance.com. If you’re requesting sponsorship for a non-profit event, you’ll need to provide your organization’s IRS W-9 Form.

Please allow four to eight weeks for processing requests.

Do you accept requests by fax, U.S. mail or phone?

Please submit all requests online (email) for the most expedited process.

I have additional materials that go with my request, and your form does not accept attachments? How do I get them to you?

Please e-mail them to givingnetwork@erieinsurance.com and note the funding request information in your message.

When should we submit a funding request? Is there a deadline?

You can submit a funding request under $10,000 for consideration at any time. The deadlines to submit funding requests of $10,000 or more:

November 16, 2018 (Note: All Erie County EITC funding requests must be submitted by this date in order to be reviewed)
February 11, 2019(Note: All Erie County Neighborhood Assistance Program requests must be submitted by this date in order to be reviewed)
May 6, 2019
August 14, 2019
September 18, 2019

Why does ERIE require organizations to submit one funding request for all activities within a calendar year?

By asking non-profits to submit one request annually, we can gain a better understanding of your organization’s overall efforts. Additionally, it provides us with the opportunity to review how your request aligns with our three giving categories: Community Building, Safety and Environmental Responsibility. Your organization also could receive the maximum contribution.

When will we be notified of a decision?

Typically, requests are handled within four to eight weeks of your online submission date.

Erie Insurance has always supported our organization with a donation whenever we have asked. Why not this year?

Each year, we receive hundreds of funding requests from many worthwhile organizations across our footprint. We carefully consider each request and make decisions based on our fiscal year budget and the overall sponsorship or charitable efforts. We will not support organizations that submit requests for ERIE to be its exclusive funding source.

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