The Warren Education, Civic & Cultural Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that funds programs and projects promoting cultural advancement, civic pride, and the enhancement and maintenance of educational opportunities in Warren and Trumbull County.
Established in 1991, the Foundation holds nearly $1 million. However, only the interest from this amount is used for grant funding. This approach ensures that future generations in Trumbull County will continue to benefit from these resources.
How to Request
Any group or organization in Trumbull County may submit a grant request, provided the project benefits Trumbull County residents. Applications may be downloaded below and submitted at any time.
Submission deadlines are:
February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees meets quarterly to review applications.
For questions, contact:
Cameron Sobnosky
Executive Coordinator, Regional Chamber
330-744-2131 ext.1217
Cameron@RegionalChamber.com
Foundation History
The Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Education, Civic & Cultural Foundation was created in 1991 by the former Warren Area Chamber of Commerce to support projects throughout Trumbull County. Over the past 34 years, it has awarded approximately $1.8 million, exclusively within Trumbull County, and continues to thrive.
The Foundation's beginning can be credited to the vision and dedication of two Warren attorneys: Paul Nader and Bob Cochran, a descendant of renowned attorney Clarence Darrow. Together, they facilitated the development of 10 parcels of land on East Market Street, across from what is now Old Avalon Golf Course.
At the time, the Warren Area Chamber operated the course and aimed to build a new one. While most property owners agreed to option their land for future purchase, one required immediate sale. Raymond John Wean purchased this key parcel on behalf of the Chamber, enabling the acquisition of the remaining land.
Paul and Bob, both members of the Chamber’s golf course committee, recruited famed Ohio-born architect Pete Dye to design the new course—Avalon Lakes Golf & Country Club—which opened in 1967. The course quickly became a success and remains one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.
In 1991, the Chamber sold Avalon Lakes to American Golf of California for $2.1 million and used the proceeds to establish two foundations. A few years later, American Golf sold the course to Avalon Holdings Corporation, where it continues to thrive under Chairman Ron Klingle.
One of the two resulting foundations is the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Education, Civic & Cultural Foundation. Since its founding, it has supported efforts to advance culture, foster civic pride and maintain educational opportunity across Warren and Trumbull County.
Beneficiaries include Warren G. Harding High School, the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, Trumbull Art Gallery, the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County, and Inspiring Minds. Notable programs funded include “Every Given Child,” a Kennedy Center collaboration with Warren City Schools, and Trumbull 100’s annual downtown Warren hanging baskets.
The Foundation also maintains an endowed scholarship for Trumbull County students attending Kent State University at Trumbull.
ECC Board of Directors
Jason Altobelli
President – Altobelli Real Estate
Joe DeSalvo
DeSalvo Construction
Jim Gasior
Secretary – Chamber Foundation President
Debbi Grinstein
Treasurer – Farmers Trust Co.
Ken Haidaris
Sunrise Entertainment
Eric Lanham
Seven Seventeen Credit Union
Michele Merkel
Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio
Wendy Miller
Howland Board of Education
Phil O’Hara
HBK