Supporting resident-centered, equitable and viable solutions
We fund the development and implementation of viable solutions led by organizations whose leadership reflects the racial demographics of the communities they serve.
A key principle guides our work: Resident engagement is essential for authentic, lasting change to occur.
Grantmaking Philosophy
Value Alignment
We support the development and implementation of viable solutions and organizations whose work strongly aligns with our values and whose leadership reflects the racial demographics of the communities in which they work.
Race Equity & Inclusion
We prioritize principles of racial equity to focus attention and resources on the Mahoning Valley’s most entrenched challenges. Our grantmaking seeks to address long-held assumptions, redistribute decision-making power, and challenge the lack of equitable access to resources, knowledge and opportunity.
Strategic Priorities
We focus support on viable solutions well-aligned with our mission, values, racial equity outcomes and the strategic priorities of:
- Community Revitalization
- Economic Opportunity
- Educational Opportunity
- Public and Civic Sector Leadership
Capacity Building
We support the sustainability (strong leadership, thoughtful strategy and impact) of organizations with a focus on Black and Hispanic/Latinx-led organizations. Each year, Wean staff engages new organizations to explore opportunities for capacity building through best practices, networking, and leadership development.
Grant Opportunities
Resident Engagement Grants
$500 to $5,000
Description
Funding in support of the strategy, leadership and impact of community groups’ and grassroots organizations’ efforts seeking to:
- Expand meaningful resident participation and leadership
- Encourage communication and collaboration among residents and organizations
- Leverage financial, human and material resources in the community
- Enhance neighborhoods physically, socially and economically
Eligibility
- Grassroots organizations and groups in Warren and Youngstown
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) status, or operates as a 501(c)(3) under any of the following:
- Group Exemption (affiliate of a central or parent organization)
- Fiscal Sponsorship
- Faith-based organization (including integrated auxiliaries and conventions or associations of churches)
- Participation in a Resident Engagement workshop (see more below).
- Organizations that received funding in spring 2025 are eligible to reapply in 2026. Organizations that received funding in fall 2025 are eligible to reapply in 2027.
Application Process
- Attend a Resident Engagement workshop. During the workshop, you’ll receive hands-on support in developing a budget and refining your narrative, have the chance to ask questions and connect with other local nonprofit organizations. The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will share tips for finding other grant opportunities and free resources the library offers nonprofits. 2026 workshop dates are:
- Tuesday, April 14, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Michael Kusalaba Branch, 2815 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown
- Wednesday, April 15, from 5-7:30 p.m. at OCCHA, 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown
- Thursday, April 16, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Wean Foundation, 147 West Market Street, Warren
FAQs
- Please view a list of frequently asked questions here.
Share the Learning
- Organizations seeking funding may choose to attend a Share the Learning event to hear from past Resident Engagement grant recipients and network on Wednesday, April 8 from 5-8 p.m.
- Registration opens on Friday, March 13.
Technical Assistance
- For issues logging into Bonterra, please email us here.
- For all other technical assistance needs, we will have appointments available Tuesday, April 28, through Friday, May 1, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. each day. To schedule a technical assistance appointment, grantseekers must have attended a workshop and completed a draft of the grant application. Email us here to schedule an appointment.
Deadlines
The grant application opens on Friday, February 27, at 8 a.m. and closes on Monday, May 11, at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be reviewed in May with decisions made in early June.
Please email us with any questions.
Community Investment Grants
$5,000 and over
Description
Funding for the development and implementation of viable solutions (correct analysis, sound tactics and well-designed end results) aligned with our values and strategic priorities.
Eligibility
- Nonprofit / 501(c)(3) status
- Value and mission alignment
- Sound and thoughtful approach to addressing at least one of our strategic priorities
- Evident indicators that the organization has the capacity to carry out the work
Application Process
The initial step in the Community Investment Grants process is to email or call 330-394-5600.
Deadlines
Submissions are accepted year-round for board review in March, June, September and December.
Sponsorships
As a general practice, the Wean Foundation does not provide sponsorships for fundraising events, award banquets, or similar activities so that we can remain focused on advancing our mission and strategic priorities.
In limited circumstances, we may consider modest sponsorship support for events of particular significance to the Mahoning Valley that closely align with our mission, values, and strategic priorities. Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis and may be considered while funds are available within a given calendar year. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee approval.
Eligibility
- Must be a 501(c)(3) organization
- Organizations without a 501(c)(3) status may apply with a qualified sponsor
Application Process
- Requests should be submitted at least two months prior to info@weanfoundation.org
Deadlines
- Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis Jan 1 – Oct 1
Grantmaking
Funding the development and implementation of viable solutions led by organizations whose leadership reflects the racial demographics of the communities in which they work.
Capacity Building
Supporting the strong leadership, strategy and impact of Black and Hispanic/Latinx-led organizations.
Convening and Partnerships
Defining challenges, formulating solutions and taking collective action, with Black and Hispanic/Latinx-led organizations who have a stake in the decisions being made.