In 2015 the Erie County Community Foundation
(ECCF)
celebrated its 2
0
th
year of 'big ideas
.
'
A community foundation is a
convener
of donors
, activists
and facilitators
,
all of whom have
a passion for place
and a desire to make a difference
in our community
.
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|
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Renovations underway at E. Washington
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The Foundation
's tearing into its latest idea in 2017 with renovations at 135 E
.
Washington Row. When the ECCF office
building
changed
ownership last year,
the Foundation saw
not just
an opportunity to
rethink its
location,
but an opportunity to make an impact.
O
n Thursday o
ur
11th Day Development Highlight
detailed the energy felt across Downtown Sandusky
. Much progress has been made, but
preserving historic infrastructure requires consistent investment, maintenance and redevelopment
. The Foundation's project
seeks to do just this on Washington
Row
, a
highly visible area when people enter the neighborhood.
Their project will involve substantial
facility
renovations of
$700,000 to transform
8,000
s
q.
f
t
. and the building exterior. The end product will create space for the Foundation and two other nonprofits
, extending their development and capacity
to complete their mission
. The building is envisioned as a true community resource with collaborative, professional meeting spaces
and
technology
available
for public use - "a place for the community to gather and grow
.
"
|
JHI renderings of the ECCF office to open in June 2018
|
A unifying space is yet another way the Foundation will
convene this
community.
At its core, a community foundation is created and steered by members of that community. Individuals and companies of any means and interest can participate with a gift to
a
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
foundation. Their tools and grant making can help anyone achieve
charitable giving goals. Their assets are managed by a capable staff and board of advisors so that gifts will make a forever impact in th
e
community. In just 22 years, the Erie County Community Foundation has grown to $24M in assets, gifting close to $1M per year in grants and scholarships.
In its lifetime, the Foundation has distributed almost $19M through scholarships and grants to area nonprofits working to improve the quality of life in Erie County. There is not a person or place in Erie County that has not been impacted by the generosity of the Foundation's donors and stewards. We look forward to completion of their latest project in Downtown Sandusky and the positive change it will bring to nonprofits and the community alike.