OVERVIEW: The Dayton Foundation supports capacity-building, capital campaigns, and project and program support in the Greater Dayton area of Ohio. Its smaller funds support a wider variety of issues, including education, computer literacy, art, urban redevelopment, and youth and diversity.
IP TAKE: The Dayton Foundation is the “largest and oldest community foundation” in the region and has been serving the greater Dayton area for more than a century. This accessible funder makes it easy for new grantseekers and provides several opportunities for different types of support. The application process is clear and straightforward. Its grants, however, are competitive, which means applicants will be competing with each other for funding. Reach out to the foundation staff at info@daytonfoundation.org with general inquiries and at grantapplication@daytonfoundation.org with specific questions or concerns about the application process.
PROFILE: Established in 1921, the Dayton Foundation is a regional community foundation based in Dayton, Ohio. D. Frank Garland first suggested the idea of the foundation, and John H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Company, made the initial endowment. Today, the Dayton Foundation manages over 3,700 separate funds. The foundation aims to “help you help others through philanthropy and community leadership.” It funds local efforts for capacity-building, capital campaigns, and project and program support. Its smaller funds support a wider variety of issues, including education, computer literacy, art, urban redevelopment, and youth and diversity.
Grants for Community Development
The Dayton Foundation often looks to strengthen local nonprofits through capacity-building grants for technical support, community needs assessments, impact studies and marketing surveys. It also funds capital campaigns and projects that help nonprofits buy real estate and pay for construction, renovations and furnishings. Capital grants also go towards software, equipment, office relocations and technology upgrades.
Discretionary Grants range from $7,500 to $75,000 and are awarded for special projects as well as program expansion. Grantees are selected “based upon worthy community efforts and the greatest community need.”
Greenlight Grants offers small grants of $500 to $7,500 for project and program support, capital improvements, and capacity building.
There are also several smaller funds that accept grant applications. Priority areas for these funds include youth development, senior health and welfare, human services and basic needs, performing arts, and conservation efforts.
Partner organizations include the African-American Community Fund, Asian-Indian Community Fund, several smaller area community foundation affiliates and ten supporting organizations.
See deadlines for current open grant opportunities here.
This funder offers scholarships for seniors graduating high school and current college students in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble and northern Warren counties.
Important Grant Details
Grants range between $500 and $75,000. Grantmaking focuses exclusively on the Dayton region of Ohio. The funder focuses discretionary grants especially on Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble, and Warren (north) counties.
This foundation accepts unsolicited applications from nonprofits.
It hosts grant orientation sessions twice per year that are recommended but not required.
Current open grant opportunities and application instructions are listed here.
Reach out to staff with application questions at grantapplication@daytonfoundation.org.
Direct general questions to the staff at info@daytonfoundation.org or 937-222-0410.
PEOPLE:
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