Wean Foundation: Resident Engagement Grants

Wean Foundation: Resident Engagement Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Raymond John Wean Foundation
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: February 23, 2026

Summary

The Wean Foundation's Resident Engagement Grants aim to boost community engagement by funding grassroots organizations in Warren and Youngstown. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 support initiatives that prioritize race equity and inclusion, enhance resident participation, and leverage local resources. Participation in a prerequisite workshop is required, ensuring that funded projects align with the foundation's commitment to sustainable community development and racial equity. For more information, visit the Wean Foundation's website.

Overview

NOTE: Participation in pre-requisite workshop is required. This is listed as the pre-proposal rolling deadline. Workshop registration opens on Tuesday, February 24. There are 3 workshops schedule. These are: Tuesday, April 14, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Michael Kusalaba Branch, 2815 Mahoning Avenue, YoungstownWednesday, April 15, from 5-7:30 p.m. at OCCHA, 3660 Shirley Road, YoungstownThursday, April 16, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Wean Foundation, 147 West Market Street, Warren About Us 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 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. 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. 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 WeanFolio, when reviewed by staff, includes the identification of potential capacity building opportunities including best practices, networking opportunities and leadership development. Resident Engagement Grant 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 Funding $500 to $5,000

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grassroots organizations and groups in Warren and YoungstownNonprofit 501(c)(3) status or operates under the fiscal sponsorship of a valid 501(c)(3) or qualifies as a place of worshipParticipation in a Resident Engagement workshop.Organizations that received funding in spring 2025 are eligible to reapply in 2026. Organizations that received funding in fall 2025 are eligible to reapply in 2027.