Brighter Future Fund
On February 6, 2008, Erie County Executive Chris Collins announced the creation of the Brighter Future Fund. Collins agreed to work for $1 a month until the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority (ECFSA) reverted to advisory status. He donated the rest of his salary to deserving not for profit agencies through the Brighter Future Fund. The ECFSA voted unanimously to become an advisory board on June 2, 2009.
In all, the Brighter Future Fund has donated more than $183,000.
"Too many people in Erie County struggle to get by every day," said Collins. "Thankfully, our community has several tremendous non-profit organizations that work hard to make life easier for our most vulnerable citizens. My hope was that the Brighter Future Fund would allow us to help these vital organizations in their important work. My successful business career before being elected County Executive allowed me to donate my salary and I was optimistic the Brighter Future Fund would encourage businesses and community groups to join us in our efforts."
Brighter Future Fund grant awards were determined based on an organization's commitment to:
• Increasing economic self-sufficiency for low-income individuals and families
• Reducing racial and social disparities among Erie County residents
• Serving the youth and elderly populations of Erie County
To learn more about how the Brighter Future Fund helped in our community, visit:
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