Supporting resident-centered, equitable and viable solutions
The Wean Foundation believes a healthy community is one where residents are engaged, civic organizations are operating at a level of excellence, and strong networks form alliances around shared interests and ambitions.
A key principle guides our work: Resident engagement is essential for authentic, lasting change to occur. Led by our values, we fund the development and implementation of viable solutions led by organizations whose leadership reflects the racial demographics of the communities they serve.
Grantmaking Philosophy
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
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.
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.
Capacity Building
We support the sustainability (strong leadership, thoughtful strategy and impact) of organizations with a focus on Black and Hispanic/Latinx-led organizations. The Wean staff seeks to engage new organizations year, identifying potential for capacity building opportunities including best practices, networking opportunities and leadership development.
How we support resident centered, equitable and viable solutions through grant making.
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
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
- Values 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 reviewed year-round for quarterly board review.
Resident Engagement Grants
$500 to $5,000
Description
Funding in support of the strategy, leadership and impact of resident-led efforts seeking to:
- Center race equity and inclusion in the project, from start to finish
- Expand meaningful participation and leadership of residents
- Leverage financial, human and material resources
Eligibility
- Grassroots organizations and groups in Warren and Youngstown
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) status or operates under the fiscal sponsorship of a valid 501(c)(3) or qualifies as a place of worship
- Participation in pre-requisite workshop(s). For information on next workshop, email or call 330.394.5600.
Application Process
- During workshops, grantseekers will have the opportunity to refine their application and budget to submit their application for funding.
- Submissions are accepted two times a year, in the spring and fall
- Award decisions are made, in most cases, within one month of receiving an application
We’ll Keep You Posted
Funding recommendations are presented to the Board of Directors at its quarterly meetings held in March, June, September, and December.
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.