Community Investment Grants

Community Investment Grants is sponsored by The Raymond John Wean Foundation. 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, leverage resources, and enhanc…

Apply for Grants – Raymond John Wean Foundation 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.

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. 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.

We focus support on viable solutions well-aligned with our mission, values, racial equity outcomes and the strategic priorities of: Public and Civic Sector Leadership 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. Community Investment Grants 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.

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 The initial step in the Community Investment Grants process is to email or call 330-394-5600 . Submissions are accepted year-round for board review in March, June, September and December.

Resident Engagement Grants 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 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) Faith-based organization (including integrated auxiliaries and conventions or associations of churches) Participation in a Resident Engagement workshop 2026 workshop dates have passed.

Workshops will be offered again in spring 2027. 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. 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.

Must be a 501(c)(3) organization Organizations without a 501(c)(3) status may apply with a qualified sponsor Requests should be submitted at least two months prior to info@weanfoundation. org Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis Jan 1 – Oct 1and may be considered while funds are available within a given calendar year.

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. 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. 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.

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 Funding the development and implementation of viable solutions led by organizations whose leadership reflects the racial demographics of the communities in which they work.

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.