Youngstown Foundation announces recent grants

The foundation has experienced an increase in contributions this year.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Foundation recently announced its second-quarter grants, in which slightly more than $580,000 was awarded to 43 nonprofit organizations.

Among recipients was Youngstown State University, which got $30,000.

“The Youngstown Foundation has a history of generous support for YSU for nearly two decades,” said Ron Cole, university spokesman. “We certainly are grateful for their continued support.”

Beatitude House, which has a transitional housing program for disadvantaged mothers and their children, also received $30,000 from the foundation.

Teresa Boyce, development director at Beatitude House, said the money is for renovations including roof repairs, heating system, appliances and plumbing at three of its apartment buildings on the North Side.

Jan Strasfeld, executive director of the foundation, noted that “even during this challenging economy, local donors continue to demonstrate their commitment to the community and confidence in the Youngstown Foundation.”

She reported that the Youngs-town Foundation’s support fund, which provides 5 percent matching funds to designated local nonprofit organizations, has experienced an increase in contributions of 29 percent in the first two quarters of 2008. Year to date, the fund has received $317,530 compared with $245,696 in the first half of 2007.

In addition, Strasfeld confirmed the foundation’s recent receipt of $2 million from the William H. Kilcawley Trust.

The foundation, founded in 1918 by local industrial pioneers including John Stambaugh, Philip Wick, Henry Butler, L.A. Manchester and Frank Hitchcock, is a community foundation with a mission to provide a permanent source of financial assistance to charitable, scientific and educational institutions that promote the mental, moral and physical well-being of the inhabitants of Youngstown and vicinity.

With 42 philanthropic funds, $85 million in assets and annual grants totaling more than $3.3 million, it is the eighth-largest community foundation in the state and ranks among the top 100 in the country.

Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis.

The deadline for the third quarter distributions is Aug. 1. For grant request guidelines, contact The Youngstown Foundation at (330) 744-0320.