DEAR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS,
2025 was a year of meaningful growth and measurable impact for the Emerging Erie Fund. We strengthened our network, deepened member engagement, and delivered one of the largest grants in our history — all signals that this model of collective giving continues to gain momentum in Erie.
That momentum translated into a $100,000 grant to support Second Harvest’s Marketplace initiative, Erie County’s first walk-through, free grocery store model serving a neighborhood identified as a food desert. Nearly 90% of our annual grant funding is raised each year through the focused efforts of our Fund Development Committee, with member contributions forming the foundation and corporate sponsors and private donors helping us reach transformational levels of support. At the same time, our membership grew to more than 120 members, with a renewal rate over 70% — a strong indicator that members find value in both the experience and the impact.
As we look ahead, our focus is twofold: increasing the long-term sustainability of the Emerging Erie Fund and sharpening our impact. In 2026, our grantmaking will continue to prioritize innovative, ambitious projects that strengthen Erie’s people — through training and career pathways to living-wage jobs — and places — by creating safe, healthy neighborhoods and public spaces that foster connection. We look forward to releasing our 2026 Request for Proposals this spring.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in collective giving. The progress outlined in this report builds on the strong foundation our members have built since 2020 — and positions us well for the work ahead. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful to be part of this growing community.
Sincerely,
KATIE GOLEMBESKI Chair, Emerging Erie Fund
67 new members in 2025, 124 members total Number of members each year since inception:
With over 70% year-over-year renewal rate, sustained even as our membership continues to grow, Emerging Erie demonstrates strong member satisfaction and ROI. This level of retention reflects the strength and relevance of our programming, the diverse opportunities for meaningful engagement, and the increasing reach and stickiness of our network.
EEF raised $100,000 for our 2025 grant to Second Harvest’s Marketplace initiative — a powerful example of what’s possible when our network mobilizes. Nearly 90% of our annual grant funding is raised each year through the dedicated efforts of our Fund Development Committee. Member contributions provide the foundation, and the generosity of corporate sponsors and private donors makes transformational grants like this possible.
ABOUT SECOND HARVEST MARKET PLACE:
The Second Harvest Marketplace is part of the food pantry’s Healthy Pantry Initiative (HPI) food pantry serving individuals and families in the City of Erie experiencing food insecurity. Located in the newly renovated UPMC Community Center at 803 East Avenue (16503), the marketplace serves one of Erie’s identified food deserts.
As Erie County’s first walk-through, free grocery store model, the marketplace allows neighbors to choose the foods that best meet their families’ needs in a welcoming, state-of-the-art space. In addition to healthy food access, guests can connect with on-site partners for services such as SNAP and LIHEAP application assistance, nutrition education, dental health information, and visits with a traveling RN.
Support from the Emerging Erie Fund’s 2025 grant allowed the funded essential food storage and distribution equipment, food purchases, and key marketing and personnel costs during its first year.