M J Surgala Tr
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes. Its mission appears to focus on enhancing community welfare through funding for education, health initiatives, arts and culture, and social services. The foundation provides grants to organizations that serve diverse populations, including children, women, and individuals in need of food assistance or shelter. It primarily supports nonprofits in the local area, emphasizing its commitment to community engagement and development.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A local Erie/region Pennsylvania nonprofit seeking general operating support with an established presence and connections in the local philanthropic ecosystem.
Good Fit
- • Located in Erie or elsewhere in Pennsylvania with demonstrated local impact.
- • Requesting general operating or program support rather than a large national initiative.
- • Existing relationships or referrals from local nonprofits or community leaders.
- • Track record of prior local funding or partnership with major Erie institutions.
- • Activities that align with arts, education, health, food security, or community services.
Geography
Observed giving is highly concentrated in Pennsylvania: about 98% of 2023 dollars stayed in-state and most grantees are Erie-based despite a few out-of-state recipients.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded many distinct independent organizations (35 in 2023 and 58 in 2022), indicating a broadly distributed recipient set even though dollars are concentrated in a few large local grants.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows some new entrants—six new grantees in 2023—while 83% of recipients returned, and there is no website; a rolling, trustee-contact application route exists so unfamiliar applicants have a plausible but relationship-sensitive path in.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
