Working together to create an equitable and economically stable Mahoning Valley
We strengthen Mahoning Valley nonprofits in sound operations, thoughtful strategy and strong leadership with an emphasis on the growth and sustainability of Black, Hispanic and Latinx-led organizations.
Further, we seek to increase representative leadership and knowledge of race equity and inclusion in communities throughout the Mahoning Valley. In order to accomplish this, it’s crucial to invest in the development of organizations and individual leaders. This investment strengthens the ability of organizations to meet their missions and individuals to be culturally competent leaders.
We invest in capacity building in five main ways:
- Capacity Building Series: Workshops and trainings designed to advance organization effectiveness. Through a variety of opportunities, we seek to cultivate connections, creativity and collaboration to leverage the skills and resources of residents and organizations. Learn more.
- Race Equity and Inclusion Training: Two-day workshop aimed at developing a shared understanding of equity principles among grantees and partners. Learn more.
- Leadership Development: Leadership development opportunities including the Nonprofit Leadership Cohort and Strategic Partners Fellowship. Learn more.
- Capacity Building Fund: Financial support for nonprofits to work on new strategies, develop competencies and improve systems and processes.
- Nonprofit Incubator: Access to office and conference room space as well as professional development and learning opportunities for eligible nonprofit organizations. Learn more.
If you are new to the Wean Foundation or operate outside of the Mahoning Valley and want to learn more, contact us at capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org.
Stay in the know! Use the sign-up link below to be notified of upcoming info sessions, workshop dates and application deadlines for various opportunities.
Capacity Building Info Sessions
Want to learn more about our capacity building opportunities? Consider registering for an info session! Offered both in person and virtually, these short sessions provide an overview of the program or event in advance, giving residents and organizations a chance to ask questions and determine if a specific opportunity is right for them.
Virtual info sessions are 30 minutes. In-person sessions are 45 minutes and include light refreshments. There are no upcoming info sessions at this time.
Use the sign-up link below to be notified when new info sessions become available.
Capacity Building Series
Pay Equity Collective
In 2025, the Wean Foundation will sponsor the Pay Equity Collective, a six-month cohort led by Loftis Partners offering tailored guidance and coaching on pay equity practices for nonprofits. The experience includes a mix of in-person and virtual sessions as well as 1:1 coaching.
This opportunity is designed for Warren and Youngstown area nonprofits interested in promoting pay equity practices within their organizations and communities. Pay equity is about ensuring employees are compensated fairly, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, or other characteristics. It’s about more than simply paying the same for the same job and considers ways to support the ability of all employees to thrive. Want to learn more about how you can support pay equity and organizational sustainability at the same time? This opportunity is for you. Up to two senior level staff from six nonprofit organizations will be selected to participate.
The cohort will run from September 2025 through March 2026. We announced cohort participants in September.
Please email questions to capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org.
Resident Engagement Grant Prerequisite Workshops
The Wean Foundation offers a grant opportunity for those leading resident engagement efforts in the cities of Warren and Youngstown. To be considered for a grant of up to $5,000, grassroots organizations and resident groups must first attend one of our Resident Engagement Grant workshops. (Please note if you attended one of our spring workshops and didn’t receive funding, you’re required to attend a fall workshop to be eligible to re-apply.)
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. Refreshments will be served. Registration for upcoming workshops is now closed. Please email us with any questions.
Upcoming Resident Engagement Grant Workshops
- Tuesday, September 16 | 5 – 7 PM | Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 305 Wick Avenue, Rm 161, Youngstown
- Wednesday, September 17 | 5 – 7 PM | Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 305 Wick Avenue, Rm 161, Youngstown
- Thursday, September 18 | 5- 7 PM | The Wean Foundation, 147 West Market Street, Warren
- Saturday, September 20 | 9 – 11 AM | The Wean Foundation, 147 West Market Street, Warren
In 2026, we will move to offering the Resident Engagement Grant opportunity once a year, in the spring. Stay tuned for more details on 2026 workshop dates.
Race Equity and Inclusion Training
Join us for this dynamic, in-person two-day workshop designed to develop the capacity of participants to better understand racism in its institutional and structural forms. Since 2017, over 1,000 Mahoning Valley residents have participated in one of the Wean Foundation-sponsored REI trainings. The sessions are coordinated by ThirdSpace Action Lab, a Cleveland-based racial equity consultancy, and administered by the Racial Equity Institute of Greensboro, North Carolina.
Our first 2026 workshop will be March 4-5 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Wean Foundation. Interested in attending? Please email capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org to reserve your spot. Additional 2026 workshop dates will be announced later this year.
Need a virtual option? The Wean Foundation will cover the cost for a limited number of Mahoning Valley residents to attend a Racial Equity Institute or ThirdSpace Action Lab virtual, two-day workshop. Please email capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org for more information.
Leadership Development
Nonprofit Leadership Cohort
The Nonprofit Leadership Cohort is an eight-month leadership development program designed for mid-career nonprofit professionals, with a focus on under-resourced individuals, including Black, Hispanic and Latinx leaders. The program features coaching, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities to implement skills learned.
Participants engage in self-assessments and monthly sessions that emphasize critical areas such as personal development, strategic planning, leadership communication and more. The dynamic curriculum begins and ends with immersive retreats.
The Cohort focuses on cultivating key competencies that are vital for personal and programmatic leadership, including:
- Transformational and inclusive leadership skills
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Financial management and fundraising
- Team building and cohesion
- Board governance and compliance
The program is offered on a biennial basis, with applications being accepted again in the fall of 2026. Stay in the know! Use the sign-up link below to be notified of upcoming info sessions and application deadlines.
Strategic Partners Fellowship
Upon completing the Nonprofit Leadership Cohort, participants and their organizations have the chance to apply for a Strategic Partners Fellowship. The Fellowship enables cohort participants to grow within their organization and ensures they are fairly and appropriately compensated for their advancement. The Fellowship is a one-year opportunity with the chance to renew up to two additional years.
The goal of the Fellowship is to increase Black, Hispanic and Latinx leadership within the Mahoning Valley nonprofit sector. The initiative represents the Wean Foundation’s ongoing dedication to empowering leaders who can create inclusive environments, drive organizational success and significantly enhance the quality of life in the Mahoning Valley.
Please contact capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org with questions or for more information.
Nonprofit Incubator
We have an incubator program for nonprofits whose values and strategic priorities align with our own. Boost your organization’s capacity through resources, leadership development programming and office space in our building. Email us for more information.
By attending Wean Foundation events, you consent to the capture of your image, likeness and voice through photography, videography and recordings for ethical and discretionary use, distribution, and/or reproduction by the Wean Foundation.
Wean Park Events
Logistics and Parking
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.