Working together to create an equitable and economically stable Mahoning Valley

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 sponsored a 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.

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.

The cohort ran from September 2025 through March 2026. If interested in being alerted about similar opportunities in the future, sign up to be notified here.

Resident Engagement Workshops

Workshops are held each spring as part of the Resident Engagement Grant application process. During the workshop, attendees receive hands-on support in developing a budget and refining their narrative, have the chance to ask questions and connect with other local nonprofit organizations. 2026 workshops have passed. To receive information on 2027 dates when they are announced, please sign up using the link below.

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.

2026 Workshop Dates

October 14-15 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Wean Foundation

November 4-5 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Wean Foundation SESSION FULL

Interested in attending? Reserve your spot below.

Need a virtual option? The Wean Foundation will cover the cost for a limited number of Mahoning Valley residents to attend a ThirdSpace Action Lab virtual, two-day workshop. Please email capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org for more information.

Leadership Development

Nonprofit Leadership Cohort

The Raymond John Wean Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2027 Nonprofit Leadership Cohort, presented in partnership with Gradient Think Tank.

Beginning in late January 2027, up to 12 mid-career nonprofit professionals serving the Mahoning Valley will have the chance to participate in a highly interactive, six-month leadership and organizational capacity-building experience. The program combines practical management tools, leadership development, peer learning, individual coaching, assessments, case studies, guest speakers, and exposure to other nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

The Nonprofit Leadership Cohort is open to executive directors, senior leaders, and other nonprofit professionals with significant organizational or program leadership responsibilities at community-serving organizations in the Mahoning Valley, primarily serving Warren and Youngstown. The cohort will represent diverse groups of organizations, communities and areas of service within the Mahoning Valley, with an emphasis on the inclusion and development of Black, Hispanic and Latinx leaders.

This second cohort will retain many of the elements that were successful during the inaugural program in 2025 while strengthening program logistics, engagement and the connection between curriculum and the current capacity-building needs of local nonprofit organizations. 

Virtual info session:

A virtual info session will take place on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm. Please email capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org if you’d like to join the info session.

Session dates and times:

The locations for the monthly sessions will vary between the Wean Foundation and participating organizations.

1. Wednesday, January 27, 2027 – Virtual Orientation
2. Friday, February 26, 2027 – Welcome Dinner with Alumni
3. Saturday, February 27, 2027 – Opening Retreat / Cohort Launch (all day)
4. Wednesday, March 17, 2027 – Cohort Session, 9 am – 3 pm
5. Wednesday, April 21, 2027 – Cohort Session, 9 am – 3 pm
6. Wednesday, May 19, 2027 – Cohort Session, 9 am – 3 pm
7. Wednesday, June 30, 2027 – Closing Ceremony

Program goals include:

• Strengthen the leadership and management capacity of nonprofit leaders in the Mahoning Valley;
• Provide participants with practical tools that can be immediately applied within their organizations; 
• Increase participants’ self-awareness, leadership effectiveness and ability to lead teams and organizations; 
• Strengthen participants’ knowledge of core nonprofit management and organizational capacity-building practices;
• Create stronger relationships and networks among nonprofit leaders throughout the Mahoning Valley; 
• Expose participants to organizations, leaders, resources and approaches from across the region; 
• Help participating leaders identify and address organizational capacity needs; and 
• Establish an ongoing alumni network connecting participants beyond the formal cohort experience. 

By the conclusion of the program, participants should gain:

• Confidence and effectiveness as organizational leaders; 
• Understanding of individual leadership strengths, behaviors and development needs;
• Greater ability to think strategically about their organizations; 
• Improved knowledge of nonprofit financial management, fundraising, relationship-building, governance, operations and organizational sustainability; 
• Increased ability to develop and implement policies, systems and standard operating procedures; 
• Greater awareness of cybersecurity, technology and artificial intelligence considerations affecting nonprofit organizations; 
• Stronger peer relationships and professional networks; and 
• Increased access to coaching, tools, resources and organizations that can support their continued development. 

Applications are being accepted through Monday, November 2. Selected participants will be notified in January.

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

The Garden Level of the Wean Foundation is home to an Incubator for nonprofits whose values and strategic priorities align with our own. Created as a launchpad for nonprofits serving the Mahoning Valley, the Incubator provides space for small teams to think, plan, and build strong organizational foundations. The focus of the space is on organizational growth and development, not client-facing services or program delivery. The Incubator provides: 

• Access to a private office for one year, with the opportunity to renew, and group meeting spaces (take a virtual tour here!)
• Shared resources (printer, copier, workout room, communal kitchen, etc.)
• Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from other local nonprofits
• Priority registration to capacity-building and leadership development opportunities sponsored by the Wean Foundation

 Interested in learning more? Email capacitybuilding@weanfoundation.org for details on how to apply.

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Wean Park Events

Year-round

Experience all that the Wean Park complex offers, including the Great Lawn, Huntington Bank Community Alley and The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. Check the Wean Park website for event schedule, news and updates.