Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants Program

Strengthening Urban Communities through Civic Engagement and Supporting Social networks 

Summary    Program Goals   Grant Amount   Grant Eligibility  

Technical Assistance     Process     Workshops     Application

Grant Making Committee

The Raymond John Wean Foundation has created The Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants Program to enable grassroots community groups in Youngstown and Warren to take part in improving the well-being, safety, and overall quality of life in their neighborhoods.

The program offers grants which may be used for a wide array of resident-driven community projects. Grants awarded are intended to build on the assets and resources of the neighborhoods. Our aim is to stimulate the development of creative ideas which effectively address the most important concerns of neighborhoods.

PROGRAM GOALS

1. Develop community leadership and organizational capacity.
2. Stimulate the development of resident-driven projects which address neighborhood concerns.
3. Provide forum for groups to connect and collaborative.
4. Increase opportunities for positive community involvement.

GRANT AMOUNT

Grants will be awarded in amounts ranging between $500 and $5,000 to those groups with the most promising ideas for improving their neighborhoods. Grant seekers are required to match the amount they are seeking with contributions of volunteer labor (for the purpose of this program, the value of volunteer labor is $12.00 per person, per hour), cash, or in-kind donations of goods and services.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY  

Groups of residents, as well as neighborhood and non profit organizations are eligible to apply.  A resident, group of residents or neighborhood-based group need not be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) to apply for funding, but they do require a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent (eligible tax-exempt organizations under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)).  A letter indicating a willingness to function as a fiscal agent must accompany the application. The fiscal agent's 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter must also be included in the application.

OTHER INDICATIONS OF SUPPORT

Grant applications should include letters of support from community partners whose cooperation or involvement is necessary to the project's success. In addition, letters of commitment from agencies or schools should be included when appropriate. For example, if the project involves public property, a letter of support for the project from the governmental entity associated should be included.  

NEIGHBORHOOD SUCCESS GRANTS will NOT fund the following:

Capital campaigns                                

Individuals or individual businesses

Endowment funds                                

Political groups  

Lobbying efforts          

Projects that are not neighborhood-based

Fundraising events                             

Religious organizations for religious purposes 

For-Profit entities                                

Government agencies or departments                                                      

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Technical assistance helps groups complete their projects. In addition to grant funds, Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants Program will provide additional support for grant seekers. Program orientation meetings will be held each grant cycle to assist grant seekers in preparing their applications and to answer their questions.  Each session will include information on how to apply, what information applications should include, and how to seek help.  Visit The Raymond John Wean Foundation website (www.jrweanfdn.org) or call 330-394-5600 for information on dates and times of all sessions. 

This support will include workshops for grantees that address common issues and periodic meetings with technical assistance providers and Foundation staff.

PROCESS

The Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants Program is guided by a Grant Making Committee. Members are nominated by existing groups in the community.  Applicants are screened for eligibility.  Interviews are held with staff and board with recommendations made to a selection committee for final approval.

The Grant Making Committee is made up of a diverse group of 12 residents in Youngstown and 6 residents in Warren.  The group represents the diversity of cultures, thoughts, and ideas expressed in the community at large.  The committee reviews submitted grant applications for their respective cities and makes the final funding decisions.

Committee members have the opportunity to engage fellow residents, further develop their leadership skills, and strengthen communities through their work. 

There are two grant cycles per year with applications due March 31 and September 1. Grant periods are for up to one year.  Organizations may apply for one grant per funding cycle.  The Raymond John Wean Foundation will announce the availability of applications for the Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants Program through its website (www.rjweanfdn.org) as well as through networks that reach a wide range of city organizations.

Within eight weeks after proposals have been submitted, the Grant Making and Monitoring Committee will review all grant applications and a number of groups will be invited for an interview.  Up to three representatives may attend the interview on behalf of the group. Participants are permitted to bring supporting materials (visual aids, as well as program beneficiaries, are appropriate for these interviews).

Grant award decisions are based on program established criteria and all projects will be notified by mail. Grant award distribution is approximately 3 months after the application deadline. 

Prior to the release of funds, grant recipients and their fiscal agent will be required to attend an orientation session.  These sessions will outline the fiscal agent - grantee relationship and provide assistance with the implementation of the grant proposal. 

 PROJECT COMPLETION

Projects must be completed within one (1) year of the grant being awarded.  Within a month after grant activities are completed, grant recipients will be expected to provide a report regarding outcomes and accomplishments.  Selected grants may be subject to an in-depth evaluation. If chosen, a grantee will be expected to cooperate with all evaluation requests. Program staff will be available to provide assistance in successful grant management.

 INSTRUCTIONS

Please complete the application and submit to:

All materials must be submitted on an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of paper, preferably one sided.  for funding consideration, complete application materials must be received at The Raymond John Wean Foundation by 5:00 pm on the date applications are due.  No exceptions.

Upon receipt of your application, we will provide you with confirmation.  If you have questions about the application or program, please contact the Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants program officer at 330-394-3203, or email jroller@rjweanfdn.org.