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:
- Learning 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 Trainings: Two-day workshop aimed at developing a shared understanding of equity principles among grantees and partners. Learn more.
- Nonprofit Leadership Cohort: Leadership development program for mid-career nonprofit professionals that includes coaching, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities to implement skills learned within their organizations in a cohort model. Learn more.
- Capacity Building Fund: Financial support for nonprofits to work on new strategies, develop competencies and improve systems and processes.
- Nonprofit Incubator: Office and conference room space 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. Please see the list of upcoming info sessions below.
REI Training
- Wednesday, July 9, 5:30 p.m., Wean Foundation, 147 West Market Street, Warren
- Thursday, July 10, 5:30 p.m., Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp, 1810 Volney Rd, Youngstown
2026 Nonprofit Leadership Cohort
- Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 p.m., Wean Foundation, 147 West Market Street, Warren
- Thursday, October 16, 5:30 p.m., Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp, 1810 Volney Rd, Youngstown
- Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m., virtual
Learning 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. Applications will be accepted from July 1 through July 15. Participants will be notified in early August and the cohort will run from September 2025 through March 2026.
Please email questions to capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org.
Resident Engagement Grant Prerequisite Workshops
Twice a year, the Wean Foundation offers a grant opportunity for those leading resident engagement efforts in Warren and Youngstown. To be considered for a grant, grassroots organizations and resident groups must first attend one of our Resident Engagement Grant workshops.
During these workshops, grantseekers have an opportunity to refine their application and budget, learn best practices for conveying their organization’s mission and impact to funders, and make valuable connections with other local organizations and groups they may want to partner with in the future.
Fall 2025 Resident Engagement Grant Workshops
Attend either:
- Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m. to noon, Wean Foundation
- Wednesday, September 17, and Thursday, September 18, 5 to 7 p.m., Wean Foundation (must attend both days)
Check back soon for registration information. Please email us with any questions.
Race Equity and Inclusion Trainings
Join us for this dynamic two-day workshop designed to develop the capacity of participants to better understand racism in its institutional and structural forms. Participants move away from a focus on personal bigotry and bias, to understand a historical, cultural and structural analysis of racism.
Since 2017, nearly 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.
2025 REI Workshop Dates
- August 6-7, 2025 (virtual)
Click below to register through ThirdSpace Action Lab.
Nonprofit Leadership Cohort
The Wean Foundation launched its first Nonprofit Leadership Cohort in early 2025 and is graduating its first cohort in July. Applications will be accepted for the 2026 Cohort this fall.
About the Program
Over eight months, the program provides mid-career nonprofit professionals with coaching, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities to implement skills learned within their organizations. The program is open to those currently employed at any nonprofit organization in the Mahoning Valley and prioritizes under-resourced individuals, including Black and Hispanic/Latinx leaders.
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 will begin and end 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
Opportunity
Upon completing the program, Cohort members’ organizations will have the chance to apply for a Strategic Partners Fellowship. The Fellowship enables them to grow within their organization and ensures they are fairly and appropriately compensated for their advancement.
This 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 Victor Ruiz, victor@gradientthinktank.com, or seniordirector@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, 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.