ECGRA Invests $178,919 in 215 Festivals, Parades, Competitions, Performances & Programs
Perry Wood said, “These 37 nonprofits are to be commended for organizing the events Erie County residents love to attend with their friends and families year after year. They should also be applauded for attracting millions of tourists to play, shop, stay, and dine in our region.”
Today, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center ($712) and Presque Isle Partnership ($11,400) collectively received $12,112 to fund 10 2015 events, including TREC’s Sunset Celebration recognizing local environmental leaders and the partnership’s Discover Presque Isle, Fall Foliage Hayrides, and Joe Roots Frostbite Open.
Annually, Presque Isle Partnership hosts more than four million visitors at Presque Isle State Park. TREC sets at the gateway to the park and welcomes visitors upon arrival. In a 2010 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources assessment of visitor spending, Presque Isle State Park visitors are reported as spending $76.9 million with a total contribution to the local economy of $72.2 million in sales, 1,089 jobs, $25.3 million in labor income, and $40.2 million in value-added effects.
Wood added, “Presque Isle and TREC are just two examples of why ECGRA Special Events are invaluable to the region’s economy. They create a sense of place and provide job, educational, and leadership opportunities to local residents, and showcase some of Erie’s best assets to tourists.”
ECGRA Special Events Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations headquartered in and municipalities of Erie County, Pa., and may be used to fund up to 5% of the annual budget of any festival, parade, competition, performance, conference, or program that enhances the region economically and culturally and creates a sense of civic identity. Restrictions apply; for complete grant guidelines, visit ECGRA.org.
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Click here to see a list of grantees
An impact investor, ECGRA’s mission is to galvanize the nonprofit sector toward economic and community development and to elevate Erie County, Pa. Since February 2008, ECGRA has invested more than $30 million in Erie County thanks to the innovative leadership of members of the ECGRA Board of Directors and staff, and Erie County Council. Learn how ECGRA Grant Money Works when you visit ECGRA.org or call 814-897-2690.
ECGRA MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Burlingham, 814-504-3037, aburlingham1@neo.rr.com
