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.

Wean Foundation 1-Pager

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

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.

WeanFolio

Resident Engagement Grants

$500 to $5,000

Description

Funding offered every spring 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
Application Process
  • 2026 workshop dates have passed. Workshops will be offered again in spring 2027.
  • Sign up to be notified about the next round of resident engagement funding in spring 2027.
Sign up
Deadlines

The spring 2026 grant application is closed. Applications will be reviewed in May with decisions made in early June.

Please email us with any questions.

Sponsorships

As a general practice, the Wean Foundation does not provide sponsorships for golf outings, award banquets, or similar fundraising events 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. 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
Deadlines
  • Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis Jan 1 – Oct 1and may be considered while funds are available within a given calendar year.

The WeanFolio

Completion of the WeanFolio is the entry point for all grantmaking, capacity building and community building engagement.

The WeanFolio is an efficient tool to share a snapshot of your organization. All information is stored securely online and once created, can easily be updated with your leadership, programs, reports or other important information. All submissions are reviewed by Foundation staff who will respond with appropriate next-level engagement.

Complete WeanFolio

Applicant Resources

Candid

The Wean Foundation utilizes Candid to help its grantees, partners and resident-led initiatives access information to support their work. Through research, collaboration, and training, Candid connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to do it by providing data tools on nonprofits, foundations, and grants. Visit www.candid.org to learn more.

Visit website

Neighborhood SUCCESS Resource Portal

The Neighborhood SUCCESS Community Resource Portal showcases the work and wisdom of grassroots organizations working in the urban core of Warren and Youngstown. Members of these groups share creative approaches, successful strategies and skills that are valuable tools for others doing similar resident-led work.

Access the portal

The Portal serves as a connection point for neighborhood groups in the Mahoning Valley to:

  • Become informed of what other groups are doing
  • Find new groups and ways to partner with others
  • Leverage existing human and material resources
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively
  • Share ideas, strategies and contacts with other neighborhood groups
  • Maintain a web presence to which members can direct funders, stakeholders and volunteers
  • Locate essential resources and develop meaningful partnerships
  • Share and leverage Neighborhood SUCCESS grant practices and resources

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.

Apply for Grants

Capacity Building

Supporting the strong leadership, strategy and impact of Black and Hispanic/Latinx-led organizations.

Boost Your Capacity

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.

Partner for Change