African American Community Funds

Note: Due to the large size of this listing, it has been broken into multiple pages. Click on this pull-down menu to select the part of the alphabetical listing you wish to view.

Wahid Abdullah Memorial Fund – 1997 gives scholarships to Montgomery County graduating seniors to pursue studies in communications or journalism at a four-year institution. The fund was created by friends to honor Wahid Abdullah, a promising young man whose life abruptly ended in violence at the hands of another teen. 

African-American Community Unrestricted Fund – 1992 helps African-Americans overcome adverse social and economic conditions affecting their community. The unrestricted fund was the first of more than 20 funds under the umbrella of the African-American Community Fund that addresses specific needs within the Miami Valley's African-American community. The AACF is presided over by an advisory board of 18 African-American leaders from the Miami Valley and is a national model for promoting philanthropy in the African-American community.

Agape Charitable Endowment Fund– 2015 furthers the charitable interests of Gideon S. A. Adegbile, a family medicine physician, and Funmilayo O. Adegbile, a clinical pharmacologist, by awarding grants to selected nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and agencies of change in Christendom.

Charles and Barbara Jones General Purpose Fund – 1995 furthers the charitable interests of former Dayton Foundation Governing Board Chair Charles A. Jones, and his wife, Barbara. Charles Jones worked for the City of Dayton for nearly 25 years before retiring as Deputy City Manager in 1994.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Fund – 1993 fosters the scholastic and leadership aspirations of selected young people in the Miami Valley region. This fund was brought to the Foundation by three chapters of the fraternity, all located in Wilberforce.

Clarence E., Sr., and Olivia Bowman Fund – 1993 honors the parents of the late Clarence E. Bowman, Jr., who wished to encourage community service, youth service and leadership.

Louis M. "Lou" Brown Fund – 2000 memorializes this former Cinfed Employees Federal Credit Union Board of Directors president and Xavier University alumnus by conferring scholarships upon African-American students enrolled in the University's College of Business. Additional fund income will support the African-American Community Fund. 

Orlando V. and Leanora D. Brown Endowment Fund – 2000 is set up to provide financial assistance to The Piney Woods School for troubled and at-risk students and to Central Chapel AME Church, where the donors were tithing members for more than 45 years.

Herbert M. Campbell Fund for the American Cancer Society – 2007 provides assets to sustain the programs and services of The American Cancer Society in Montgomery County, Ohio.

Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton Fund – 2008 supports efforts to improve the health of underserved individuals in the Dayton Region by providing preventive and primary health care services, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

Fred Conway, Jr. and Anita R. Conway Endowment Fund – 2013 advances charitable causes important to Anita Conway, a retired Dayton Public Schools teacher and her husband, Fred Conway, a retired United States Air Force civilian employee.

Marva Cosby Endowment Fund – Marva Cosby Charitable Fund honors the charitable wishes of the late Marva Cosby, a longtime member of the Foundation’s Governing Board and the first African-American woman to serve as its chair. Marva was an active community volunteer and named one of Ten Top Women in 2012 by the Dayton Daily News. 

Pearl A. Dale and Audrey Parker Scholarship Fund – 2011 awards scholarships to Greater Dayton-area students wishing to further their education at an accredited college or university. The fund serves as a memorial to these two African-American sisters and longtime Dayton Public Schools educators, both of whom overcame odds to graduate with master’s degrees in the 1950s.

Dayton Chapter of the Links, Inc., Educational Fund – 1993 provides African-Americans with scholarships, and agencies and organizations with grants, to assist with educational programs designed to enhance skills and the quality of life for individuals of all ages. The Links, Inc., a volunteer organization for women, established this fund.

Dayton YWCA Endowment Fund – 2013 provides support for the organization’s continuing needs and helps sustain its financial health in order to carry out its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Dayton Youth Golf Academy Fund – 1998 generates operating revenue for Dayton Youth Golf Academy. DYGA was founded to teach area boys and girls to play the game of golf. Golf is used to develop courtesy, discipline, integrity and self-esteem.

Dr. Stanley A. Earley, Jr. & Charity Adams Earley Fund – 2002 was established to honor the memory of Dr. Stanley A. Earley, a longtime physician at Miami Valley Hospital and his wife, Charity, who was a strong advocate for higher education. This fund will contribute to educational and artistic programs that benefit African-Americans.

John W. Garland and Carolyn Farrow-Garland Non-Endowed Fund – 2017 supports Central State University and other causes and charitable organizations important to John W. Garland, a former president of CSU, and his wife, Carolyn.

The Gem City Medical Society Foundation – 2004 supports and promotes African-American health issues within the Greater Miami Valley community. The fund was established by five local physicians and dentists.

Gladys Turner Finney Social Work Scholarship Fund – 1998 aids Wright State University students who are junior or senior African-American social work students and who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to community involvement. Gladys Turner Finney is a retired social worker.

The First 200 Fund – 1995 honors the late Jeraldyne K. Blunden, founder and former artistic director of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and 1994 recipient of a genius grant from the MacArthur Foundation. This fund provides tuition assistance for minority young people to attend contemporary dance classes.

The Dr. Charles H. Fortson and Lois B. Fortson Family Scholarship Fund – 2006 awards scholarships to African-American students pursuing a course of study in surgery at the Wright State University School of Medicine.

Henry Garcia Fund – 1998 furthers the advancement of minority students by providing an annual scholarship to Wilberforce University. Henry Garcia was a retired faculty member of Wilberforce and Central State Universities.

The Waverly Glover Scholarship Fund – 2003 will assist African-American students in pursuing a business or accounting degree at Central State or Wilberforce Universities. Waverly Glover was a World War II veteran and one of the area’s first Black certified public accountants.

God’s Grace Charitable Fund – 2015 furthers the charitable interests of the donor by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations, particularly those that support education.

Golden Thirteen Naval Scholarship Fund – 1994 salutes the Golden Thirteen, the United States Navy's first African-American commissioned officers. Scholarships are awarded nationally to African-American students pursuing a career in the Navy.

The Charles, Ronald, and Reginald Hall Fund – 2003 will furnish annual unrestricted operating revenue for Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton. The late Charles Hall and his sons, Ronald and Reginald, were trustees of the church and 33rd Degree Masons.

Major John F. Harris, Jr., Memorial Scholarship Fund – 2006 affords Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps graduates from Dayton Public Schools the chance to further their education at an institution of higher learning. Major Harris, who was a JROTC instructor at Grace A. Greene Military Academy before his passing in 1995, believed that all students deserve a chance to earn an education to become self-sufficient.

Lorenzo and Nadine Harris Family Fund – 2000 benefits Mary Scott Nursing Home, Summit Christian Church and the University of Dayton with scholarships for minority students, three charities of interest to Nadine Harris and her late husband Lorenzo, former owners of Ren's Supermarket in Dayton, and their family. 

Edward Taft, Jr., & Carol J. Hinton Family Fund – 2001 remembers Edward Taft, Jr., a former flight simulator designer, by continuing his passion to provide African-American youth with opportunities for higher education and an appreciation of fine arts.

Jefferson Township Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund - 2016 helps graduating Jefferson Township High School students achieve higher education by awarding scholarships to two- or four-year colleges, universities or technical schools.

Moses H. Jones Fund – 1984 remembers a prominent African-American attorney who came to Dayton from West Virginia in 1900. The fund was established through his 1926 bequest to aid YMCAs in Dayton's primarily black communities.

Knights of St. Peter Claver - Northern District Scholarship Fund – 1995 assists African-American students from the Northern District States in attaining further studies at a Catholic high school and/or at an accredited institution of higher learning. The fund founders are the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, established in 1909 as a fraternity for blacks who were barred from membership in the Knights of Columbus.

Lloyd and Edythe Lewis Fund for Black Children's Health Care – 1989 will respond to pressing needs in our community, as identified by this couple. Lloyd Lewis, Jr., was a Dayton City Commissioner and an emeritus member of the Foundation's Governing Board. Edythe Lewis retired from the Miami Conservancy District and was an active community volunteer.

George W. and Irma D. Lucas Fund – 1992 assists high school graduates, who are members of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, in pursuing a college education.

Irma D. Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund – 2008 helps female African-American graduates of Dayton Public Schools to attend historically black colleges or universities.

The Mattie Lyle Fund to Benefit Bethel Baptist Church – 2006 celebrates the 100th birthday of Mattie Lyle by providing resources to support Bethel Baptist Church's missionary work.

The Mattie W. Lyle Fund to Benefit Mary Scott Nursing Center – 2006 assists the center in improving and maintaining quality care, while honoring the memory of Mattie Lyle, an emeritus member of its governing board.

Madden Women's Association Fund – 2013 provides annual income for this nonprofit organization to support the Greater Dayton Youth Golf Academy and continuing education for African-American female students. Madden Women's Association was founded in 1983 by women who love to play golf.

C. J. McLin, Jr., Scholarship Fund– 1992 provides for college scholarships to help Montgomery County residents who have demonstrated academic success or financial need, as well as an interest in their community. The fund is dedicated to the memory of this 22-year Ohio State Representative.

John and Hester Moore General Purpose Fund – 1992 pools resources to help overcome adverse social and economic conditions affecting the African-American community. John E. Moore, Sr., was a longtime member and former chair of the Foundation's Governing Board.

National Forum of Black Public Administrators Scholarship Fund – 1994 makes plans to assist African-American students. The Dayton chapter of this national organization looks to the future by using an insurance policy to sow the seeds of this fund.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Cal Lynn Crawford Scholarship Fund – 1991 provides scholarships to local college-bound African-American students from the Delta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Gewarren Owens Fund for Reading and Beyond – 2005 distributes funds to Reading and Beyond, a nonprofit organization in Fresno, California.

PARITY Education Fund – 1994 helps this organization realize its mission of improving the economic, educational and social conditions of African-Americans.

Lawrence and Shirley Porter Family Fund – 2015 supports the charitable interests of the donors. Community leaders Larry Porter, retired chief of management operations and facility divisions, Avionics Directorate, Wright Laboratory at WPAFB, and Shirley Porter, retired Dayton Public Schools teacher, established the fund to give back to the community they’ve called home since 1958.

Norma J. Ross and Robert P. Ross Sr. Foundation - 2016 honors the memory of Norma J. Ross and Robert P. Ross and benefits nonprofit organizations in Greater Dayton, with a special emphasis on supporting programs that expose African-American youth to the arts. 

The Hazel Carter Scott Fund to Benefit Bethel Missionary Baptist Church - 2006 celebrates Ms. Scott’s lifelong devotion to the church, where she also served as the director of the Bethel Dramatic Guild for more than 50 years and produced more than 150 plays. Ms. Scott also taught for the National Baptist Congress for more than 47 years.

The Hazel Carter Scott Fund to Benefit Mary Scott Nursing Center Legacy Program - 2006 provides unrestricted income for the Center and encourages the continuation of the annual Mary Scott Legacy Program, which honors women who exemplify the spirit of Christian service to individuals who are aging, homeless or disabled. Hazel Carter Scott was a longtime supporter and volunteer of the Center, as well as a 1999 Mary Scott Legacy Honoree.

The Hazel Carter Scott Scholarship for the National Association of University Women, Dayton Chapter - 2006 awards scholarships to the children or grandchildren of members of the National Association of University Women, which promotes education and equity for women and girls. Ms. Scott served as the president of the Association‘s local chapter for six years and attended its National Conference annually.

The Hazel Carter Scott Fund for the Benefit of the African-American Community Fund - 2006 will provide annual grants to address emerging community needs in the African-American community. A native of Dayton, Hazel Carter Scott taught kindergarten for over 35 years and was a longtime community volunteer.

Mary Scott Nursing Home Endowment Fund – 1991 nurtures quality health care and a pleasant living environment for senior citizens in the city of Dayton.

Herbert Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund – 2016 assists African-American Dayton Public School graduates in furthering their studies. Eligible students must be in or have aged-out of foster care and be accepted to an accredited technical school or a two- or four-year college or university.

Sigma Boule Fund – 1994 was established to endow educational and social-action initiatives sponsored by the members of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity's Sigma Boule Chapter.

Scott Neal Simpson Scholarship Fund – 1999 memorializes this gifted athlete and scholar by furnishing scholarships to Montgomery County high school graduates attending an accredited college or university. Scott Simpson died after lapsing into a diabetic coma while in his sophomore year at The Ohio State University, majoring in rehabilitation therapy.

Estus and Dorothy T. Smith Scholarship Fund – 1992 exists to offer scholarships to local residents wishing to attend Jackson State University, a historically black college. The late Dr. Estus Smith was an emeritus member of the Foundation's Governing Board.

Emma Brooks-Smith and Estus Smith Wiley College Fund – 2001 encourages the pursuit of higher education for Ohio students wishing to further their studies at Wiley College in Texas. The late Dr. Smith was an emeritus Governing Board member of The Dayton Foundation and retired vice president and COO for the Kettering Foundation.

Thyrsa Frazier Svager Scholarship Fund – 2000 honors with scholarship assistance African-American women majoring in mathematics at an accredited college or university. Aleksandar Svager established the fund in memory of his wife, Thyrsa, a former provost and executive vice president at Central State University.

James, Jr., and Betsy L. Thomas Endowment – 1992 benefits Bethel Baptist Church and the initiatives of the African-American Community Fund.

NAAIA J. L. Tillman Endowed Scholarship Fund - 2013 awards scholarships to help African-American students further their education in insurance, risk management, business, IT, actuarial science, finance or marketing and communications. The fund was established by the National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA) in honor of its founder, Jerald L. Tillman, a longtime Dayton and Cincinnati insurance professional.

Willis and Mary Bluford Turner Memorial Fund – 2003 was established by Gladys Turner Finney in remembrance of her parents. The fund assists individuals and organizations that affirm the values of peacemaking and work to bring about understanding and acceptance of one another and the elimination of conflicts or barriers of race, culture and language.

Twentig Incorporated Endowment Fund (Willis "Bing" Davis Scholarship) – 1990 pays tribute to this son of Dayton who has achieved acclaim as an internationally famous visual artist. Individuals eligible for this scholarship are African-Americans pursuing studies primarily in the visual and/or graphic arts. This fund was established by Twentig, a volunteer women's organization.

Diane D. and Rodger D. Walker Fund – 1998 benefits charitable, educational, religious and community activities, as advised by the founders. Rodger D. Walker was a pharmacist and businessman. His wife, Diane, is a speech pathologist and community volunteer.

Dr. Yvonne Walker-Taylor Women for Women Scholarship Fund II. – 2008 will perpetuate this former Wilberforce University president emeritus' lifelong commitment to higher education and to promoting women's leadership in the pursuit of freedom. The fund assists women majoring in natural sciences, humanities, business, social sciences and engineering at Wilberforce.

Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church Fund - 2016 benefits this Dayton church with annual income. Founded in 1833, Wayman Chapel is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal Church in the region.

Herman and Nancy Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund – 1991 awards college scholarships to members of the Dixon United Methodist Church. Nancy C. Williams is a retired educator, and her husband Herman was a retired chief master sergeant with the Air Force.

Miley O. Williamson Endowment Fund – 2007 was established by the women of Trinity Presbyterian Church to support youth Christian education and to honor the memory of Miley O. Williamson, a legendary leader in Dayton's early civil rights movement and a devoted church member.

Doris H. Wilson Scholarship Fund – 1997 grants scholarships to graduating Montgomery County high school seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year school in the state of Ohio. This fund honors the late Doris Wilson, the founder of Multi-Cultural Supporters.

Henry and Hazel Wilson Endowment Fund in Memory of Booker T. Webster and Bernice W. Wilson – 2014 honors the memories of Central State University alumni Bernice W. Wilson (Class of 1949), the late wife of Henry Wilson, and Booker T. Webster (Class of 1953), the late husband of Hazel Wilson, by providing annual income to the University. Grants will be awarded to support the College of Education and the College of Science and Engineering at CSU.

Deloris L. Winslow Scholarship Endowment Fund – 2013 helps selected Clark or Montgomery County minority students majoring in social work, political science or substance abuse treatment to further their education. The fund honors the memory of this Springfield native and retired City of Dayton employee, who provided many years of dedicated community service to support senior housing programs, drug rehabilitation and educational programs.

Alphonso Wofford Endowment Fund – 2014 furthers the donor’s charitable interests, such as supporting institutions that focus on African-Americans pursuing entrepreneurial education and development or STEM education. Al Wofford is a community leader and founder of two successful technology solutions companies.