YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN, Ohio – Last month, representatives from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (CFMV) and Leadership Mahoning Valley (LMV) gathered for a meaningful check presentation, marking a significant partnership aimed at enhancing leadership skills among local professionals. The $6,041 grant, awarded through the Young Philanthropist Fund at CFMV, will support LMV’s general operations and provide tuition assistance for participants of its leadership program.
Applications for the Young Philanthropist Fund were due mid-April this year, and the review committee received ten requests for funding. As in past years, representatives from Mahoning Valley Young Professionals reviewed the applications and made funding recommendations to the Community Foundation. A board member with MVYP, Kurt Hurdley led the group that evaluated this year’s submissions.
“We are thrilled to partner with Leadership Mahoning Valley to support their mission of cultivating effective leaders in our community,” said Kurt Hurdley, board member for Mahoning Valley Young Professionals and head of the review committee for the Young Philanthropist Fund 2024 grant application. “This grant not only assists in their operations but also ensures that talented individuals have access to crucial training through scholarships, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
The Young Philanthropist Fund is dedicated to engaging young professionals in philanthropy, offering them a hands-on role in the grant application and review process. This unique initiative empowers the next generation of leaders to contribute to their community by investing in programs that promote growth and development.
The grant funds will help Leadership Mahoning Valley continue its essential work in providing leadership training that equips local professionals with the skills they need to excel in their careers and positively impact the community. By fostering a diverse pool of leaders, the organization aims to create a more inclusive and innovative local workforce.
“Support from the Young Philanthropist Fund is invaluable to our mission,” said JoAnn Stock, executive director of Leadership Mahoning Valley. “With this grant, we can expand our reach and ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to develop their leadership potential. We are excited to see the positive outcomes this investment will bring to our community.”
The partnership exemplifies the Community Foundation’s commitment to building a vibrant, engaged populace by involving young professionals in meaningful philanthropic activities. By investing in programs like Leadership Mahoning Valley, the Foundation reinforces its vision of fostering a brighter future for all.
Since it was created in 2006, the Young Philanthropist Fund has awarded 25 grants totaling nearly $66,000. This is the first year Leadership Mahoning Valley has received funding from the Young Philanthropist Fund.
For more information on the Young Philanthropist Fund or to make a donation, visit CFMV.org/young-philanthropist-fund.
About Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley
The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley strives to be a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents. The Community Foundation is the only local foundation with certification from the Community Foundation National Standards Board. Visit CFMV.org for more information.
About Leadership Mahoning Valley
Leadership Mahoning Valley is a non-profit corporation created to identify individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who demonstrate leadership talent and community commitment. Created in 1994 and governed by a volunteer board, Leadership Mahoning Valley is one of more than 500 community leadership programs in the United States. LMV is a member of the Association of Leadership Professionals (ALP). Visit regionalchamber.com/initiatives-programs/leadership-mahoning-valley for more information.