Grant
Eligibility
Eligibility begins with the specific grant program. Use this page to understand common ECGRA requirements, then review the current guidelines for the opportunity you plan to pursue.
Meeting the general requirements below does not guarantee eligibility or funding. Applicant requirements, eligible expenses, matching funds and other criteria vary by program.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Is Your Organization and Project Eligible?
Before beginning an application, consider these common requirements:
The proposed work will take place in Erie County or provide a clear benefit to Erie County residents.
The applicant is an eligible organization or public entity under the program guidelines.
The applicant is in good standing with applicable federal, state and local requirements.
The proposed project and expenses align with the program’s eligible uses of funding.
The applicant can meet any required cash match, partnership or documentation requirements.
The applicant is current on previous ECGRA reporting and closeout obligations.
The application can be completed and submitted by the published deadline.
Who May Be Eligible?
ECGRA staff can help you determine which available funding opportunity may be the closest fit. Contact ECGRA before investing significant time in an application.
501(c)(3) Organizations
A 501(c)(3) is an organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt for qualifying charitable, educational or other public purposes. Programs requiring this status may ask applicants to provide a current IRS determination letter.
Having 501(c)(3) status does not automatically make every organization or project eligible. Applicants must still meet the requirements of the specific grant program.
Municipalities and Municipal Authorities
Municipalities and municipal authorities may be eligible for programs supporting public facilities, community assets, neighborhood revitalization, intergovernmental cooperation and other public purposes.
Some programs may require collaboration among multiple municipalities or include additional requirements based on the type of project.
Businesses and Entrepreneurs
ECGRA supports small businesses and entrepreneurship through several investment strategies. Some funding is provided through partner organizations rather than awarded directly to an individual business.
Review the Small Business & Entrepreneurship programs to determine which opportunities may be relevant. We can help connect you with relevant partner organizations.
Common Reasons an Applicant or Project May Not Qualify
An application may not qualify if:
- The applicant or project is outside Erie County and does not demonstrate a direct local benefit.
- The applicant type is not eligible for the selected program.
- The proposed project or expense falls outside the program’s eligible uses.
- The application is incomplete, submitted late or missing required documentation.
- A required cash match, partnership or other commitment cannot be documented.
- The applicant has unresolved reporting, closeout or compliance obligations.
- The project does not align with the purpose or priorities of the selected program.
Always Check the Current Program Guidelines
Each ECGRA funding opportunity has its own eligible applicants, supported expenses, required documentation, match requirements and deadlines. The current program guidelines are the official source of information when deciding whether to apply.
Have an Eligibility Question?
If you are unsure whether your organization or project qualifies, contact ECGRA before beginning an application.