Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20Ideas are the true currency of this Foundation. What we do here together is based on a very big idea, one that came to life over 20 years ago; an idea to fill a void in our community. It was bold thinking on the part of our founders and original board members, four of whom we celebrate upon their recent passing. These were giants of our community with dynamic visions for our future. Thinking about how far we have come and the hundreds of people who have played a vital role throughout our existence, we realize the consistent growth in contributions and distributions, the expanding number of unique funding concepts, and the innovative solutions dreamed up and brought to the Foundation from all over the county, were fueled by a community of passionate people with big ideas. In 2015 we celebrated 20 years and over $20 million in assets. We are proud of an exceptional year for new donor funding which helped overcome the tough year for investing that afflicted foundations of every stripe. We also celebrate a new height in grant making and awarding of scholarships. We rewarded bold ideas to help nourish more people, spur revitalization of our towns and cities, ease pain and suffering, and inspire hope. In this Annual Report we thank some amazing people who had the idea that they could make a difference today and years from now. Many people brought us their best ideas on how we could fund their work to strengthen the fabric of our community. We share a handful of these stories. This Foundation was a wonderful idea. It has proven to be a catalyst for change. An idea once unimagined, yet now one that can reward generations of fresh new ideas. It is the big ideas that make all the difference, and the Erie County Community Foundation is a very big idea. CO N T E N T S 2 Recipient Stories 13 Salute To Special Donors 14 Donors 17 Financials B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S Roger M. Gundlach, Chair Paula J. Rengel, Vice Chair Mary Jane S. Hill, Secretary Carl E. McGookey, Treasurer Thomas M. Wolf, Investment Advisor DIRECTORS EMERITUS John O. Bacon Laurence A. Bettcher Judith A. Kinzel Carol J. Kuns Charles W. Rainger M. J. Stauffer J. William Springer STAFF Elizabeth P. Maiden, Executive Director Randall J. Wagner, Finance/Assistant Programs Director Pamela D. Provo, Administrative Assistant Judy A. Pflieger, Youth Council Advisor Lee A. Alexakos Abbey Bemis Eileen Bulan Faith A. Denslow Julie Foster Marcia L. Goff Trinidy N. Jeter Henry W. Kishman Donald G. Koch Darlene Lowery Ron Parthemore Sparky R. Weilnau Ryan Whaley Eric Wobser