Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley - Emergency Grants

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (CFMV) provides emergency grants to support not-for-profit organizations serving the Mahoning Valley that face urgent, unexpected funding needs. These grants are designed to address events that significantly disrupt essential services tied directly to the immediate health, safety, or overall wellbeing of residents in the area. The fund is structured to respond to emergencies rather than routine operational gaps or long-term planning challenges. CFMV prioritizes applicants who have previously received funding from the foundation, reflecting a preference for established relationships with grantees. Eligible applicants must hold not-for-profit status as recognized by the IRS, including 501(c)(3) organizations, religious institutions, schools, and government entities. Organizations that are not formally registered as nonprofits can still apply if they do so through a fiscal sponsor. The foundation has clarified that debt reduction and general operating budget shortfalls do not qualify as emergencies under this grant program. The intent is to focus strictly on critical, time-sensitive situations that were unanticipated and beyond the normal scope of organizational planning. Most grants awarded under this program do not exceed $5,000, indicating a modest scale targeted toward urgent intervention rather than long-term financial support. The application process begins with an email submission. Applicants must send a short written request to info@cfmv.org, using the subject line "Emergency Grant Request." This initial contact should include an explanation of the urgency of the situation and the reasons it could not be anticipated. If the request meets eligibility criteria, the foundation will follow up by providing a link to a short online application form. There are no formal application deadlines for this opportunity, making it continuously available throughout the year. CFMV aims to respond swiftly to requests, with all efforts made to issue funding decisions within two weeks of receiving a completed application. This rapid turnaround underscores the program’s commitment to emergency response and community support during times of immediate need.