Staff report

At its March meeting, the Raymond John Wean Foundation board of directors approved $2.4 million of grants to four organizations to support community revitalization, economic opportunity, and public and civic sector leadership in the Mahoning Valley. The organizations that received grants are:

•Bridgeway Capital, in support of its Mahoning Valley operations over two years.

Founded in 1990, Bridgeway Capital is a Pittsburgh-based community development financial institution (CDFI) that seeks to combat injustices and advance opportunities by building small-business and nonprofit capacity, investing capital in low-income areas and supporting underserved entrepreneurs.

Bridgeway opened a Mahoning Valley office two years ago and has closed 14 loans totaling $6.2 million, delivered business accelerator programs and built strong community partners through sponsorships, collaborations and events. Ensuring support to historically underfunded minorities, including black borrowers, remains a priority in its lending practices. More than half of the organization’s total lending capital in fiscal year 2025 supported enterprises led by people of color.

•Economic Action Group for two years of operating funds in support of small business and talent development initiatives seeking to advance equitable growth and long-term community resilience. Founded in 2013, EAG bridges grassroots efforts and anchor institutions to address long-standing capacity gaps in regional revitalization. EAG employs strategies that combine capital-readiness education (i.e., business planning, startup expenses and budget development), workforce training tied to visible redevelopment (i.e., collaborative internship placements) and policy coordination to reduce fragmentation.

•Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership for general operating support over two years. TNP’s mission is to empower residents through programming and projects that improve the quality of life in Warren neighborhoods.

TNP’s work spans a range of activities, including home renovations and emergency repairs; collaborative strategies that address neighborhood conditions, systems change and equity; capacity-building and technical assistance for grassroots and neighborhood-based organizations; and the convening and facilitation of cross-sector, resident-informed initiatives.

TNP also operates the Trumbull County Land Bank and has led the demolition and rehabilitation of vacant properties in Warren.

•Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. (YNDC) for general operating support over two years. YNDC is a community development organization dedicated to stabilizing neighborhoods, expanding access to quality affordable housing and advancing resident-centered revitalization in the city of Youngstown.

The organization’s core work includes the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing; property management and land stewardship; neighborhood-based revitalization strategies; and coordination with public and private partners to improve housing conditions and overall quality of life.

TNP and YNDC are strategic partners of the Wean Foundation, which helped establish the organizations along with other partners more than 15 years ago. Today, both organizations are supported by a wide range of funding partners that reflect their growth and expanded reach.

“All of these grantees model resident empowerment and a commitment to race equity and inclusion,” said Jennifer Roller, president of the Wean Foundation. “They understand the persistent challenges we face in the Mahoning Valley and continually look for new ways to approach those challenges in support of a better quality of life for all residents.”

The Wean Foundation’s board considers Community Investment grants each quarter in support of viable solutions that address its strategic priorities. To learn more about the Wean Foundation’s grant opportunities, including its Resident Engagement grant program, which is now open, visit weanfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/.

In addition to these grants, the Wean Foundation announced the resurgence of its Resident Council. Composed of Warren and Youngstown residents, the Resident Council plays a critical role in executing meaningful decisions in various aspects of the Foundation’s programming, including grantmaking. Interested residents are encouraged to apply by May 31. Visit weanfoundation.org/partner-for-change for more information.