The Youngstown Foundation Grants

The Youngstown Foundation, based in Ohio and established in 1918, serves as a central philanthropic entity dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. With over a century of grantmaking history and more than $100 million awarded to local nonprofits, the Foundation reflects a deep commitment to community impact. It operates through a structured Distribution Committee that reviews and approves all funding awards. The Foundation supports a wide array of focus areas including animal welfare, arts and culture, community and economic development, education and youth development, environment and universal design, health and healthcare, scholarship, seniors, social/family services, and women’s initiatives. The Foundation offers multiple grant types tailored to the diverse needs of the region. Program Grants support specific projects with defined goals, timelines, and costs, and are restricted for use exclusively within the scope defined in the application. Operational Grants assist with general operations and overhead, provided the recipient organization regularly serves residents of Mahoning and/or Trumbull Counties. These are awarded based on the Foundation's knowledge and strategic alignment with the grantee organization. Capital Investment Grants are available for physical infrastructure improvements within the two-county area. An Emergency Grant Program exists to provide quick-turnaround funding (up to $5,000) to 501(c)(3) nonprofits facing urgent needs, with disbursement occurring within four business days of approval. Eligibility is reserved for local 501(c)(3) public charities that serve Mahoning and Trumbull Counties and do not discriminate in hiring practices or service provision. Applicants may submit one proposal per calendar year. Preference is given to applications that demonstrate innovation, local leadership, sustainability, and collaboration while avoiding duplication of services. The Foundation avoids funding political projects, religious activities, endowments, budget deficits, or short-term events. Organizations without formal nonprofit status may apply using a fiscal sponsor that assumes financial and legal responsibility. The application process is managed entirely through an online portal, streamlining the submission of profiles, applications, supporting documents, and reports. Required attachments include an organizational chart, budget forms (operational or project-specific), a current board roster, and audited financial statements. Applicants are encouraged to schedule pre-application meetings. Site visits are required for all proposals and allow Foundation staff and volunteers to evaluate organizational capacity and previous grant performance. Applications are due quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15. Decisions are rendered in March, June, September, and December. The Foundation does not use letters of intent or other gating mechanisms. While specific award amounts are not listed for standard grants, the emergency grants have a maximum of $5,000 per year per agency. Reporting is required for all awarded grants and is submitted through the portal. Grant awards are disbursed electronically. The Foundation does not explicitly indicate a recurring or multi-year structure for its grant programs, but its quarterly cycle implies recurring funding opportunities.

Schedule a pre-application meeting; demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and community alignment; avoid duplication of services.