How to Apply

The Youngstown Foundation works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to meet community needs. Applying is a multi-stage process and requires the use of our online grant portal:

1. Create an organizational profile.
2. Submit a full application.

The online portal reduces paperwork, increases transparency and makes organizing and submitting letters of inquiry, applications and support materials easier. Through the portal, nonprofits may check the status of applications, communicate directly with the Foundation and submit grant agreements, interim progress and final reports.

Get Acquainted Meetings

Please review our Eligibility and Grant Opportunities pages to learn about our funding priorities and determining if you are a fit.  We welcome the opportunity to schedule a meeting in advance of your application preparation.

Application Due Dates 

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 committee will make decisions in March, June, September and December.

Required Application Attachments

In addition to the written proposal, required documents will include budget form, organizational chart, most recent audited financial statements and a current board list.

Download our ORGANIZATIONAL BUDGET FORM (excel spreadsheet) here.

Download our PROJECT BUDGET FORM (excel spreadsheet) here.

Site Visit

Organizations submitting completed proposals are asked to participate in a site visit.  During the visit to your facility, the Youngstown Foundation staff and volunteers seek to:  1.) Learn more about your organization; 2.) Understand both the need for the grant and your capacity to deliver the proposed project; 3.) Hear updates and see progress from past grant awards; 4.) See an existing program in action.

Grant Agreement and Reporting

Approved applicants receive email notification and an electronic grant agreement for signature on the online portal. All payments are made by electronic check.

Final reports are an integral part of grantmaking at The Youngstown Foundation. Please make every effort to answer each question fully. Your follow-up reporting requirements are part of the grant agreement. For questions or technical issues, please contact our Grants Manager at 330-744-0320.

Fiscal Agent

For new organizations or those operating without formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, a fiscal agent could make a difference in your organization obtaining access to foundation funds.   A fiscal agent is an organization, typically an established nonprofit, that manages money and administrative tasks on behalf of another organization.  The fiscal agent takes legal responsibility for the funds. They accept donations, handle bookkeeping, file tax documents and ensure everything meets state and federal regulations. Meanwhile, the unregistered organization focuses on the actual mission-based work — running the funded grant programs and building community support.