YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is now accepting applications for its three programs serving children with chronic and terminal illness: DreamCatchers for Kids™, the Financial Assistance Program, and the Community Impact Grant. Applications are open now and close January 31, 2027. The Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2027, two decades of helping more than 3,500 children and families, and these programs are the heart of that work.
“We want every family and organization that could use us to know the door is open,” said Dr. Amy McKee, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Every application is read personally by people representing the community, and every dollar goes directly to helping a child.”
DreamCatchers for Kids™
Launched in 2016, DreamCatchers for Kids™ grants wishes to children facing life-threatening illness, from a day at the zoo to a family trip. The program covers the wish experience itself, travel and lodging for the child and immediate family, and all costs connected to making the dream happen. Children must be ages 3 to 18 with a life-threatening or terminal diagnosis and live in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana County (out-of-area applications are accepted, with priority to those counties). Parents, guardians, or anyone who knows a child may nominate.
Financial Assistance Program
The program helps families with expenses tied directly to a child’s diagnosis, including medical treatments not covered by insurance, prescription medications, transportation to specialists, and adaptive equipment or home modifications. Assistance of up to $2,500 is paid directly to the provider, pharmacy, or vendor. Children must be chronically or terminally ill, ages 3 to 18, and live in Trumbull, Mahoning, or Columbiana County. Applicants submit a physician letter and supporting documentation; previous recipients must wait three years before reapplying.
Community Impact Grant
The Community Impact Grant funds nonprofits whose programs directly benefit children with chronic or terminal illness, such as pediatric therapy, adaptive recreation, family respite and mental health support, and transportation to care. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Mahoning Valley. Applications are reviewed by the Grant Committee, with final approval by the Board of Trustees, and recipients submit an impact report within six months.
How to apply
- All programs: hopemv.org/programs
- Deadline: January 31, 2027
- Review timeline: About 4–6 weeks from submission
- Questions before applying: info@hopemv.org or (330) 406-1048. The team will help determine eligibility.
The programs are funded by community generosity, including the Foundation’s annual Wine for Hope gala, set for April 9, 2027, and its donors like you. This is our year-long “20 Years, One Mission.”
