of

Erie, Pennsylvania

 Grant Program

 Mission Statement:

 The mission of the German Cultural Society, of Erie, Pennsylvania is to preserve German values, customs, language and music through education and activities. We encourage pride in the contributions of German-Americans to American life. The German Cultural Society fosters harmonious relations between the United States and the German –speaking countries of Europe. We also cooperate with other local ethnic groups and historical societies.

 Therefore:

 To the ends indicated in the above ‘Mission Statement’, the German Cultural Society, of Erie, Pennsylvania desires to offer grants, matching grants, scholarships, stipends, and in-kind financial support to qualified individuals or groups. Applicants for financial assistance shall meet the following criteria and shall submit a completed Grant Application form, along with any documents, multimedia, etc. that the applicant wishes to offer in support of their project or request. Application Form

 1.                            Applicants, or the school or organization applying for a grant, must reside in, or have their primary residence or mailing address in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

2.                            Applications for financial assistance will be accepted by the German Cultural Society, of Erie, Pennsylvania at any time during the year.

3.                            Only one application per individual or group will be considered during a given calendar year.

4.                            The individual, or a representative of the group or organization requesting a grant shall appear personally before a panel of jurists made up of members of the German Cultural Society, of Erie to briefly articulate the project.

5.                            The panel of jurists will determine the amounts of all awards.

6.                            Grant awards will normally be made in varying amounts up to $1,000 and will be judged on need and merit.

7.                            Notification of awards will be made within 60 days of receipt of the original application.

8.                            A brief monthly report of the overall progress of the project shall be submitted to the German Cultural Society, commencing upon notification of an award.

9.                            Projects or programs awarded financial assistance shall be completed within one calendar year following the date of notification of an award. Relief from this stipulation may be granted in certain situations but must be   requested in writing and under no condition shall the completion date of the project extend beyond two years from the date of notification of an award.

10.                        Upon completion of the project the recipient(s) shall appear at a general membership meeting of the German Cultural Society, of Erie, to report, perform or otherwise substantiate the consummation of the project.  

 Qualifications:

 1.                              Age, gender and ethnicity shall not be determining factors in making awards, however special attention will be paid to youth and youth oriented groups seeking a grant.

2.                              Applications from businesses and/or ‘for profit’ entities will not be considered.

3.                              All projects seeking financial assistance shall demonstrate that the project is in some way related to German-American culture, programs, language, history, travel, the performing arts, education, etc.

4.                              All interested applicants are encouraged to seek consideration as these qualifications are loosely defined and subject to interpretation and creativity.