The Raymond John Wean Foundation announced Thursday that it had awarded more than $73,000 in grants to 21 neighborhood and grassroots groups in Warren and Youngstown.

“From increasing accessibility for all at a community garden to exposing youth to film and productions, these organizations are critical to the fabric of the Mahoning Valley,” said Fallon Peterson, senior director of Programs and Operations. “We are encouraged to be in partnership with them as they continue to build community.”

Previously known as Neighborhood SUCCESS, Resident Engagement Grants are awards of up to $5,000 that are intended for grassroots organizations and smaller, less established nonprofits that often operate without any paid staff. Each recipient participates in one of the Wean Foundation’s Resident Engagement Grant workshops, a prerequisite to apply for such a grant, where they have an opportunity to refine their narrative and budget before applying.

Lisa Robinson, founder of Youngstown nonprofit Unstoppable Dreams, said she plans to use the resources to support a summer learning and employment opportunity for area youth, focusing on landscaping and gardening. A first-time Resident Engagement Grant recipient, Robinson was grateful for the guidance she received during the workshop on how to fill out the application.

“I left out of there with knowledge,” she said. “It’s never too late to learn, it’s never too late to dream.”

The grants, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, went to:

Braceville Community Foundation, Building Neighborhoods of Youngstown, Community Connection, Country Roads Studios, Dress to Succeed Ohio, Free the Youth 21, Game Changers Leadership Development and Peer Mentoring Initiative, Garfield Community Gardens, HOLA Fest Youngstown, Hyer Merit Association, LIT Youngstown, Love Your Community, Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, Ministerio Caricias de Amor, Oak Hill Collaborative,

Ongoing Neighborhood Empowerment, The Greater Youngstown Community Dialogue on Racism, Torch Conference, Trumbull County Youth Organization, Unstoppable Dreams Foundation and Walking in My Truth.

Since 2008, more than 265 grassroots organizations have received more than

$2 million in funding.