Foundation steps up to aid recession-pinched agencies

Nonprofit groups in the Youngstown area battered by the economic slump are eligible.

Staff Report

YOUNGSTOWN — The economic woes facing the country put strain on individuals, as well as the organizations trying to aid individuals in need.

A decrease in donations to non-profit agencies that serve others, prompted the Youngstown Foundation to implement a Crisis Assistance Program for 2009.

The program would allow the Youngstown Foundation to assist non-profit organizations in need of quick emergency funding in Youngstown and the surrounding area.

“Any non-profit that is providing a direct service could be in crisis,” said Jan Strasfeld, executive director of the Youngstown Foundation.

What’s important about the program is that the agencies that apply and receive the grant will see “an immediate turn around on a request,” she said.

The program is not exclusive to specific agencies, but to qualify for the Crisis Assistance Grants agencies must be a 501c3, Strasfeld said.

“A lot of non-profits are using reserves to operate, because the need continues to grow in the community,” said Duane Piccirilli, director of the Help Hotline Crisis Center.

Grants provided by the Youngstown Foundation will help non-profits deal with unforeseen events. For instance, if an organization’s furnace breaks or freezer dies, these funds would help rectify the situation in a timely manner, he said.

“These are critical times for many non-profits,” Piccirilli said. “[The Crisis Assistance Grants] are really needed; they could be a life saver.”

For grant consideration, qualifying 501c3 organizations need to complete the Crisis Assistance Grant application. Applications are available at www.youngstownfoundation.org or by calling the Foundation at (330) 744-0320.

Community members are also encouraged to donate to the Crisis Assistance Program through the Youngstown Foundation. The Youngstown Foundation manages more than 40 charitable funds from which more than $3 million in grants is distributed each year and is committed to supporting the quality of life of citizens in Youngstown and vicinity.