Establishing a strong foundation for our community’s future is a vision shared by donors who have endowment funds at The Dayton Foundation. The following funds are some of the new endowments established by donors in recent months to support their special charitable causes and our region, now and in the future.
Ted and Irita Black Legacy Gift originally was established as a deferred fund to meet human needs and improve the quality of life in Greater Dayton. Ted Black, founder of Gem City Controls, and his wife, Irita, a longtime community volunteer, were married for 64 years.
Fund for the Mound Cold War Discovery Center awards grants to Dayton History to support the Mound Cold War Discovery Center. As the nation’s first permanent Atomic Energy Commission site, Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg was an innovative research site from 1948-1995 that developed and manufactured the initiators of the early atomic bomb.
Stanley R. and Elaine L. Donenfeld Fund carries on the charitable legacies of Stanley Donenfeld, co-owner of Donenfeld’s department store, and his wife, Elaine, a jewelry designer and creator. The Donenfelds were married for 55 years.
Generational Futures Fund provides support for the Agraria Center for Regenerative Practices in Yellow Springs, whose mission is to cultivate community resilience by modeling regenerative practices that restore ecosystem health, heal our relationship with the land and grow just and equitable food systems.
Ron Hill Noble County Scholars Fund awards scholarships to help graduating seniors from Noble County, Ohio, further their education. The fund remembers Ron Hill, a successful business owner and family man who found great joy in the small things in life.
House of Bread Funds support this nonprofit organization that prevents hunger by offering free lunchtime meals and assistance in accessing local resources to individuals in need.
James P. Hudson Legacy Fund helps address emerging local needs and supports innovative, collaborative and dynamic community projects, as directed by The Dayton Foundation’s Governing Board.
Macy P. Janney Advanced Teacher Training Seminar (ATTS) Scholarship helps teachers attend a five-day, arts-immersive learning experience in New York City. The fund honors longtime Muse Machine supporter Macy Janney, the mother of Oscar-winning actress Allison Janney.
Jude 2 Foundation in the Name of Jesus Christ supports Christian-centered charities in the Miami Valley and internationally.
The Braxton Miller Foundation* empowers tomorrow’s leaders through education, sports and mentoring. With the power and platform of this former Ohio State University football player and graduate and NFL superstar, and the help of generous donors, sponsors and volunteers, The Braxton Miller Foundation is expanding youth sports opportunities, STEM education and mentoring to make a transformative impact on kids in Ohio.
Jean Penny Scholarship awards scholarships to help Greater Dayton students further their education. Jean Penny, who co-founded Penny and Penny Advertising with her husband, Robert, in 1949, loved to travel and play golf. Her generous spirit and value for education will live on through helping students complete their college degrees.
Richard H. Schaefer Legacy Fund provides discretionary grants to enhance the quality of life in Greater Dayton.
The Schaeffer Family Fund furthers the charitable interests of the donors. Beth Schaeffer, a retired attorney, and Alan Schaeffer, a partner for the law firm Pickrel Schaeffer and Ebeling, are ardent supporters of the arts in Greater Dayton.
Doug Weikert Memorial Scholarship helps select athletes graduating from Kettering Fairmont High School further their education at a two- or four-year university or college. Doug Weikert, an award-winning teacher and coach who was known as “Mr. Algebra,” took great pride in teaching his students math in a creative and fun way. He was equally dedicated to coaching track and field and basketball throughout his career.
Cheryl A. Young Scholarship honors the memory of this devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. The fund was established to honor Cheryl’s generous spirit by helping select Dayton Public Schools graduates or Sinclair Community College students further their education with scholarship assistance.
Coach Ed Zink Scholarship honors the 46-year career of this Beavercreek City Schools coach by awarding scholarships to help students further their education. When Coach Zink retired in 2021, he was the all-time winningest girls’ basketball coach in Ohio, with 810 wins and three state titles.
*African American Community Fund