28 Warren and Youngstown groups received money

Staff report

WARREN

The Raymond John Wean Foundation has awarded nearly $100,000 in grants to 28 grass-roots organizations in Warren and Youngstown through its Neighborhood SUCCESS and Leadership Program for 2015.

Neighborhood SUCCESS 1.0: Engaging Residents awards grants of $500 to $5,000 to develop and implement resident-driven, grass-roots projects in the Foundation’s strategic priorities — community revitalization, economic opportunity, educational opportunity, including early childhood from birth to age 5, and public service leadership.

“Grass-roots groups in Warren and Youngstown with an intentional focus on encouraging, cultivating and supporting resident engagement and leadership development were encouraged to engage in a competitive process that involved a grant application and interview,” said Eres C. McKee, program officer for resident engagement.

More than 40 organizations applied, she said.

Among the 2015 grant recipients with $5,000 each are Phase 4 of the Perkins Rose Garden Revitalization, which includes installation of benches, assorted perennials and trees; Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, which exposes and enlightens 15 Youngstown high-school students during a weeklong leadership-development experience focusing on civil-rights history in the South; and Stop One Place Help is Available Inc., which provides relief to underprivileged residents of Warren with guidance and direction for immediate needs and emergency monetary assistance.

To be eligible for a Neighborhood SUCCESS 1.0: Engaging Residents grant, applicants must attend orientation, submit an application, match the requested grant amount with contributions that may include volunteer labor, cash and/or in-kind donations of goods and services and participate in an interview.

A resident council, which broadly represents the diversity of Warren and Youngstown residents, guides the program and makes final funding decisions.