Eligibility
The 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. Because of the volume of requests and limited resources, we are unable to fund all requests submitted. Please review our Grant Restrictions and Preferred Qualifications sections before applying for a grant.
Applications Per Agency
We will review one (1) grant application per agency per calendar year so that we can help as many organizations as possible.
Preferred Qualifications
The Youngstown Foundation’s grantmaking decisions reflect a preference for innovative proposals that:
- Originate from a local organization or the local office of a larger organization
- Target a population that lives in Youngstown and vicinity
- Demonstrate strong volunteer leadership and involvement
- Promote collaboration and reduce duplication of services
- Strengthen the ability of our community to respond effectively to needs
- Build on strengths of the community
- Apply the Foundation’s resources optimally
- Confirm the agency's sustainability/strategic plan, with no expectation of annual funding from the Youngstown Foundation
Grant Restrictions
Grants are generally not awarded for:
- Film, video, radio or television projects
- Endowments, debt reduction or budget deficits
- Political projects
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Grants or loans to individuals
- Short-term events (conferences, festivals, fundraisers, award programs)
- Travel, tours or trips
- Sabbatical leaves; scholarly research