It was a good year. Our net assets reached nearly $25 million by the end of 2017, an 18.7% increase over the prior year. These results were propelled by a strong investment environment, a significant bequest, and the generous donations of so many throughout the area. In 2017 the Foundation distributed $727,946 in grants and scholarships, hoping that these dollars will create positive change in Erie County. What is clear is that as the Foundation grows, ourabilitytohelpinspireforwardmomentumin Erie County is strengthened. In 2017, scholarship awards surpassed $100,000 for the first time; we challenged groups to find more effective solutions to hunger; we facilitated internships to inject the best and brightest of our college students into non-profits hungry for staff; we executed a random distribution of grants to celebrateour22ndyear;andwe,ourselves,were the recipient of grants to create a long-term home, with affordable office space for other non-profits,andcommunityconferencefacilities. The vision of our founders, the hard work of the many volunteers, the generosity of our commu- nity, and the idealism of the many mission driven, caring organizations continue to propel the Erie County Community Foundation to a higherplain.Westrivetohelpallof ourpartners in philanthropy to make a difference, and we make iteasierforthemtodoso. Togetherwehavedoneamazingthings.Together we will continue to do so. I look forward to your thoughtsandyourverybigideas. Sincerely, BethMaiden ExecutiveDirector BOARD OF DIRECTORS Roger M. Gundlach Chair Lee A. Alexakos Vice Chair Mary Jane Hill Secretary Carl E. McGookey Treasurer Julie Barnes Foster Abbey Bemis Eileen Bulan Debralee Divers Marcia L. Goff Henry W. Kishman Donald G. Koch Darlene Lowery Eric M. Muehlhauser Matt Old Ron Parthemore Timothy Riesterer Betsy Peterson Wakefield Sparky R. Weilnau Ryan Whaley Eric L. Wobser Thomas M. Wolf Investment Advisor STAFF Elizabeth P. Maiden Executive Director Judith A. Pflieger Youth Council Advisor Randall J. Wagner Finance Director/Assistant Programs Director Pamela D. Provo Administrative Assistant CONTENTS 3 | From Hunger to Hope 4 | 22 Years, 22 Grants, in 22 Days 7 | Intern Impact 8 | A Fresh Welcoming Space 10 | Our Funds and Donors 12 | Statement of Financial Position E R I E C O U N T Y C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D A T I O N Making a Difference.