Why You Should Give to the Community Foundation
About the Foundation
The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is an Ohio not-for-profit corporation, incorporated for the benefit of the citizens of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The Foundation’s Institutional Membership is comprised of local trust companies, ensuring that all assets of the community are managed in the community for the benefit of the community by a group of community volunteers who are well versed in effective, strategic fund management. Along with a board of directors of nine well known and influential Valley leaders, the Foundation’s two-county footprint and operating practices are designed to ensure that the intentions of our donors are firmly imprinted in our Valley for perpetuity.
Philanthropic Distinction: A Higher Standard
The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Council on Foundations that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy, and places the Foundation in our nation’s top philanthropic tier. We are proud to be the first and only community foundation serving the Mahoning and Shenango Valley’s to achieve this very prestigious distinction. The seal affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grant-making includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes, whatever their philanthropic intent might be.
Philanthropic Leadership
The Foundation works to strengthen and enhance philanthropy across the Mahoning Valley through targeted and purposeful collaborations. The Mahoning Valley Grantmakers Association was convened by the Foundation as a network among grant makers focused on raising awareness and expertise. Under the Foundation’s leadership, 30 grant makers in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties work together to impact our Valley’s current needs and future well being.
The Young Philanthropist Initiative has been created to aid in the development of our Valley’s future philanthropists. Based on the understanding that a declining population often means a decline in wealth, the CFMV Board is helping to preserve the Valley’s long future of philanthropic giving through cultivation of a new generation of donors.
Professional Affiliations
It is our belief that strong community partners support strong community partners, and we are pleased to hold memberships in several organizations serving the Valley. In addition to our role as founding member of the Mahoning Valley Grantmakers Association, CFMV is also a member of Ohio Grantmaker’s Forum, the Better Business Bureau of Mahoning Valley, the Regional Chamber and the Fund for our Economic Future. Foundation board, staff and volunteers serve on boards of numerous valley-based organizations.