The Raymond John Wean Foundation has announced $670,000 in donations to two community organizations in the Mahoning Valley.

The donations went to nonprofits Inspiring Minds and the Organización Cívica y Cultural Hispana Americana Inc (OCCHA).

According to a release from the Wean Foundation, the grants "reflect the Wean Foundation's dedication to equitable community building in the Mahoning Valley and a commitment to partner with more of the region's Black-led and Hispanic-led organizations."

Inspiring Minds plans to use the funds to provide after school and summer enrichment programs for youth in Warren and Youngstown. 

Inspiring Minds was founded in 2005 and focuses on career development for youth groups through education, college and career readiness, exposure to new experiences, health and wellness, and personal development. 

"We're grateful for the Wean Foundation's partnership and for believing in the work we do," said Deryck Toles, founder of Inspiring Minds. "They support us in doing what we know and do well but also provide counsel, connections and resources to ensure we can serve more young people year after year. They are a true partner."

Wean Foundation says OCCHA plans to use the funds to support their equitable compensation practices and workforce services program, which the Wean Foundation says supports its special race and equity inclusion initiatives by helping to diversify nonprofits in the valley.

"After half a century of service, OCCHA has embarked on a transformative journey to usher in another 50 years of impact through the recent completion of our strategic plan," said OCCHA Executive Director Angelica Diaz. "We are reimagining and enhancing our services for the community and promoting equitable compensation for our employees all in an effort to strengthen our role as a pillar for local Hispanic and multicultural populations."

"If our region wants to truly challenge the conditions that hold problems in place, funders like us must engage more deeply with organizations and initiatives that our Black and Hispanic community members are leading and make it easier for organizations doing good work to do so," said Wean Foundation President Jennifer Roller.

The Wean Foundation also sponsors the Raymond John Wean Foundation Park, under the Market Street bridge in Downtown Youngstown.