The William Swanston Charitable Fund is a grant opportunity aimed at supporting children in Mahoning and Trumbull counties in Ohio who have faced crises, including abuse, neglect, or dependency. This fund is a legacy of a local farmer who was dedicated to uplifting the well-being of children in his community. The fund recognizes that children are not defined by their challenges and aims to provide equitable opportunities for success. In 2024, the fund will prioritize innovative projects that address risk factors contributing to disparities and create opportunities for children to thrive in various areas, including health, education, and children's services.

The primary purpose of the William Swanston Charitable Fund is to foster transformative change in the lives of children facing significant challenges. The fund seeks to support initiatives that improve health and wellness, enhance educational outcomes, and address the needs of children involved with the juvenile justice system or affected by parental substance abuse or incarceration. By focusing on these areas, the fund aims to mitigate the impact of societal neglect and community disinvestment on vulnerable populations.

Funding from the William Swanston Charitable Fund can be utilized for a range of initiatives. Projects that focus on health and wellness may include programs addressing mental health, asthma, maternal and infant health, and community conditions such as food access and safe recreational spaces. In education, the fund supports initiatives that tackle disparities in kindergarten readiness, reading and math proficiency, and high school graduation rates. Additionally, the fund is interested in projects that provide services to children affected by the child welfare system or juvenile justice.

Eligible applicants for the William Swanston Charitable Fund include nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions that are recognized as not-for-profit by the IRS. The fund particularly encourages applications from organizations that demonstrate a commitment to engaging individuals with personal knowledge or direct experience in the planning and implementation of their projects. Priority will be given to proposals that clearly define success, utilize qualitative and quantitative data, and address underlying social and economic challenges.

The application process requires organizations to submit detailed proposals that outline their project plans, expected outcomes, and strategies for evaluation. Strong proposals should also demonstrate collaboration with partners from various sectors, including public health, education, and government, to develop shared priorities and strategies. The fund does not require matching funds, making it accessible for a range of organizations.

The timeline for the William Swanston Charitable Fund includes a deadline for applications set for October 15, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should prepare their proposals in advance to ensure they meet this deadline. For further information, potential applicants can reach out to the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley via email or phone.

In summary, the William Swanston Charitable Fund offers a valuable opportunity for organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. By focusing on health, education, and children's services, the fund aims to create equitable opportunities for success and address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Organizations that align with the fund's objectives and meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply before the upcoming deadline.