End of ’08 delivers $700K in funding

The Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way received more money from the Youngstown Foundation in 2008 than in 2007.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Foundation distributed more than $700,000 in the last part of 2008.

The money, which has been awarded to 65 nonprofit organizations, is from donor-advised funds and special interest funds as well as the foundation’s unrestricted fund.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary as the fourth-oldest community foundation in the country, the foundation’s 2008 distributions will exceed $3 million.

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

Among some of organizations receiving the highest donations are the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, Youngstown State University, Goodwill Industries of Youngstown and the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.

Mike McBride, executive director of Goodwill Industries of Youngstown, said the organization received about $25,000 that will be used to renovate a conference room.

“We going to put windows and air conditioning in the room,” he said. “The room has old steel windows that aren’t energy-efficient and need to be replaced.”

McBride said the money is something the organization looks to for capital improvements.

“Getting the money is something we tried to do to maintain our building,” he said. “Youngstown Foundation is one of the organizations that’s helped us out with capital needs.”

Bob Hannon, president of the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way, said his organization received $110,000, which is more than last year.

“Last year we got $105,000, and we were just hoping to get the same amount again this year,” he said. “We appreciate most of all that they felt enough confidence to support us with $110,000 in a difficult economy.”

Hannon said the money will be used in the United Way’s general campaign to aid the 28 agencies and 70 programs it funds.

Strasfeld said the Youngstown Foundation’s Support Fund, which adds 5 percent to the contributions for approved local nonprofit organizations, has experienced an increase in contributions of 23 percent in December 2008 compared with December 2007.

In 2008, to date, the support fund has received more than $770,000.

Strasfeld also said, “New funds continue to be established at the Youngstown Foundation as donors recognize the value and long-term impact of charitable gifts.”

For more information, to establish a fund or for support fund information, contact (330)744-0320, or visit the Web site, www.youngstownfoundation.org.