Refugees have helped develop Erie, it’s our turn to help them.
Give to the Erie Community Foundations Rapid Response Fund today
Give to the Erie Community Foundations Rapid Response Fund today
The Erie Community Foundation launched the Rapid Response Fund in March 2025 in response to federal funding disruptions that have impacted essential services across Erie County. This fund was created to provide swift, flexible support for Erie’s most vulnerable residents during this period of economic uncertainty.
As significant federal cuts ripple through communities already under strain, the Rapid Response Fund offers a lifeline — a community-driven, adaptable resource that can be deployed quickly to fill funding gaps and meet emerging local needs. Your investment today helps stabilize critical programs and ensures that vital services continue for those who need them most.
In August, The Erie Community Foundation took another proactive step by partnering with the Nonprofit Partnership to assess the local impact of these federal funding cuts. Through the Civic Impact Project, a countywide survey was conducted to better understand how nonprofits are affected. The findings revealed an urgent need for coordinated community support and strategic action to sustain essential services in Erie County.
Your contribution to the Rapid Response Fund strengthens the safety net that supports our neighbors — and helps Erie move forward, together.
Since October 2024, Erie’s resettlement agencies have received no federal funding reimbursements, leading to more than 20 layoffs, with additional cuts expected. Currently, these agencies employ more than 110 staff members, including many former refugees.
In response to the looming crisis, Infinite Erie announced the establishment of the Rapid Response Team to develop strategies and catalyze collective action because of federal funding freezes impacting Erie County communities.
The Rapid Response Team was developed to convene leaders and organizations toward collective action. As a result of the rapid response team’s quick planning, The Erie Community Foundation (The Foundation) launched a Rapid Response Fund, which welcomes donations from the community to support nonprofits in times of crisis – The Foundation and Infinite Erie encourage the Erie community to give what they can.
Erie has a proud legacy of welcoming refugees and building a stronger, more inclusive community for all. The Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund will initially accept contributions to help nonprofits address urgent challenges for Erie’s refugee community. Rapid response assistance is essential to ensure vital services continue and prevent a negative economic ripple.
Our New American neighbors make us stronger and contribute to our infinite future.
