Giving Network FAQs

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.

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.

In 2020, ERIE improved functionality for our Grant Making Program and began a partnership with Benevity. The improvements include an online funding application that replaced the Request Funds PDF.

Nonprofit 501(c)3 Organizations

If you’re a nonprofit 501(c)3organization requesting funds for a program, project or event sponsorship, you will need to register within the Benevity Causes Portal before completing ERIE’s Request Funds application. Please see the Benevity Causes Portal and Nonprofit Support information below.

Non-501(c)3 Municipalities

If you’re a non-501(c)3 municipality requesting funds for various services and programs, you do not need to register within Benevity’s Causes Portal. You can apply by completing and submitting a Request Funds Application. Please allow four to eight weeks for processing requests.

Benevity Causes Portal and Charity Support

The Benevity Causes Portal is where 501(c)3 nonprofits will be vetted against ERIE’s Giving Network Charitable Giving Guidelines and can provide a cause profile, preferred payment information and can include impact stories for potential funders.

By registering your nonprofit on the Benevity Causes Portal , you will be able to receive funds from all of Benevity’s clients, export donation details each month, and add information on your nonprofit’s mission and impact. Follow the “Register Your Charity” guide to setup your nonprofit profile in the Causes Portal.

If you have any questions regarding Benevity and the Causes Portal, or need any support, please visit the Benevity Resource Hub or reach out to the Charity Relations Team at causes@benevity.com.

Apply for Funding

Once your 501(c)3nonprofit is registered within Benevity’s Causes Portal, you can apply for funding by completing and submitting a Request Funds Application. If you’re requesting sponsorship for a non-profit event, you’ll need to provide your organization’s IRS W-9 Form, which can uploaded when completed the funding application.

Please allow four to eight weeks for processing requests.

Please submit a Request for Funds Application for the most expedited process. 

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 6, 2020 (Note: All Erie County EITC funding requests must be submitted by this date in order to be reviewed)
• January 29, 2021
• April 30, 2021
• July 23, 2021
• September 17, 2021

By asking nonprofits 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 focus areas: Community Building, Safety and Environmental Responsibility. Your organization also could receive the maximum contribution. If you’re requesting funds for more that one program, project or sponsorship, please complete and submit a separate request funds application for each.