Wean Foundation: Resident Engagement Grants

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.

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
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.
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

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.