The Dayton Foundation awards discretionary grants to a full spectrum of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations – from social service to the arts to health and the environment – based upon worthy community efforts and the greatest community need. Generally, grants are awarded to help launch new projects not addressed by existing organizations or to support special efforts of already-established, not-for-profit organizations in the Dayton Region. The programs we consider for discretionary support are located primarily in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble and Warren (north) counties.
The size and number of grants awarded varies for each grant cycle. This is directly related to the amount of money available and the restrictions our donors place upon the use of certain funds. Additionally, requested grant amounts must be more than $7,500 and up to $75,000 and no more than 25 percent of the overall cost for projects below $300,000.
Steps to Apply
1. Ensure that your organization is eligible to apply for a Dayton Foundation discretionary grant.
2. Review the Foundation’s guidelines for discretionary grants.
3. Review the Foundation's policy for Letters of Intent for Vehicle Purchases.
4. If your organization does not have an audit, please review the Audit Exemption Policy and complete the Audit Exemption Form.
5. Submit a Letter of Intent. The LOI provides the Foundation with an overview of your funding request. LOIs must be submitted to Tania Arseculeratne, senior Community Engagement officer, along with the required documents before 4:00 p.m. on the deadline date in order to be considered for the next grant cycle.
6. We have added a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Form as a required document to our Discretionary Grants application process. If your organization is selected from the LOI to continue the application process, a link to complete the form will be emailed to you with the full application. As a reference, you may review the Foundation’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Form.
Please Note: If your organization has received a discretionary grant from The Dayton Foundation, you must submit a final report on how the grant was used.
Deadline:
Grant Schedule
| What | When |
| Letter of Intent Due | January 5, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. - PASSED |
| Full Grant Application Due (Invitation Only) | March 15, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. - PASSED |
| Letter of Intent Due | July 5, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. |
| Full Grant Application Due (Invitation Only) | September 27, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. |
Further Questions?
Contact Tania Arseculeratne, senior Community Engagement officer, at (937) 225-9966.