The Erie Community Foundation, which is located at 459 West 6th Street, traces its history back to 1935 when Elisha H. Mack, co-founder of the Boston Store, created a charitable endowment fund. From 1935 to 1969, that single fund fueled regional philanthropic efforts at the time. After the tax reform act of 1969 created important distinctions between private foundations and public charities, Mr. Mack's fund was transformed into a public charity, The Erie Community Foundation, a process finalized in 1971 by Ed Doll and Attorney Enoch Filer. Today, we are constantly expanding our collection of nearly 900 different endowment funds, all created locally. Some funds are established during a donor's lifetime, others via a bequest. A number of local nonprofit organizations have also chosen to build endowments under the administrative umbrella of The Erie Community Foundation. Our Mission The mission of The Erie Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life for all in our region by evaluating and addressing community issues, by building permanent charitable endowments and by promoting philanthropic and community leadership.