The Youngstown Foundation Grant

The Youngstown Foundation Grant supports innovative projects and operational needs of local 501(c)(3) charities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. It offers various types of grants, including program, operational, capital investment, crisis assistance, and support fund grants. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on community responsiveness and collaboration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving the local population without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance community resilience and sustainability. Grant applications are reviewed annually, with specific funding caps for crisis assistance.

NOTE: The Foundation's distribution committee considers proposals submitted by these due dates of each year: January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15.
The Youngstown Foundation’s grants reflect our desire to be innovative, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our local community.
Program Grants
The Youngstown Foundation considers grants to support a specific project, connected to a set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost.
Funds are restricted to use for the program described and designed in the application serving residents of Mahoning County and/or Trumbull County.
Operational Grants
The Youngstown Foundation considers operational grants to support an organization’s overall activities, including operating expenses and overhead.
Organizations that consistently serve residents of Mahoning County and/or Trumbull County may use funds at their discretion -- wherever it is most needed.
Grantees are considered for operational funding based on strategic alignment, relationship with and knowledge of the organization.
Capital Investment Grants
All projects related to improving physical spaces must be located within Mahoning and/or Trumbull counties.
Emergency Grant Program
The Emergency Grant Program provides a resource for The Youngstown Foundation to respond quickly to emergency funding needs of qualified 501(c)(3) agencies in Youngstown and vicinity to ensure continuity of essential, direct services to clients. Criteria:
Emergency grants cap at $5,000.
One request per agency per year will be considered.
To qualify, records of the agency’s 501(c)(3), most recent audit, current board roster, executive staff roster, mission statement and history must be on file at The Youngstown Foundation or provided at time of request.
Completed applications will typically be processed within 48 hours of receipt.
Approved requests will receive funding within four business days.
Support Fund Grants
The Williamson Fund of The Youngstown Foundation invites small to midsize local charities to receive an additional matching grant for contributions received from individuals. Donors can simply make contributions directly payable to approved organizations. The Youngstown Foundation will provide support (valued at $5,000) that may include primetime television advertisement.

Eligibility

Eligibility to ApplyThe Youngstown Foundation welcomes applications and inquiries from local nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities that serve the people of Youngstown and vicinity (Mahoning and Trumbull counties) and do not discriminate in the hiring of staff or service providers.We will review one (1) grant application per agency per calendar year

Ineligibility

Grants are generally not awarded for:Film, video, radio or television projectsEndowments, debt reduction or budget deficitsPolitical projectsReligious organizations for religious purposesGrants or loans to individualsShort-term events (conferences, festivals, fundraisers, award programs)Travel, tours or tripsSabbatical leaves; scholarly research