Wean Foundation Awards Nearly $50,000 in Neighborhood Success Grants
WARREN, Ohio — This year, the Raymond John Wean Foundation awarded $49,575 to 13 resident-led organizations through its Neighborhood Success Grants program.
Since 2008, the Neighborhood Success Grants program has invested over $1.6 million in support of more than 525 resident-led projects in the Mahoning Valley, according to a press release. This year, the grant program was streamlined in response to the challenges experienced by residents because of the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racial inequity. Grantseekers and staff alike benefited from a streamlined application portal, rolling deadlines and on-demand virtual orientation and technical assistance.
“We are encouraged by the spirit of resiliency that we have seen in the 2021 grantees and our Resident Council in response to the challenges of the last two years,” said Corrie Adams, program officer for the Foundation. “The Foundation is honored to partner with their resolve and ingenuity, and to promote that same spirit to our local neighborhoods as we continue to combine our resources to strengthen Warren and Youngstown.”
Additionally, the Foundation’s Success Program Resident Council adapted its review process by conducting virtual interviews and bi-weekly meetings to expedite funding decisions, according to the release, leading to an infusion of $50,000 into community initiatives.
This year’s grantees are 46% Black-led, 16% Hispanic/Latinx-led and 39% White-led. Grants were equally distributed to Warren and Youngstown neighborhoods.
2021 grantees include:
- Black Boys Read
- Boston Avenue Neighbor Association
- Boulevard Park Block Watch
- Greater Youngstown Community Dialogue on Racism
- Handel’s Neighborhood Association
- Hunger Helpers
- Lit Youngstown
- Paradise Gardens Development
- Quilts from the Heart
- Stop One Place Help is Available (SOPHIA)
- The Harriet Taylor Upton Association
- Trive Mahoning Valley
- TNR of Warren
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
