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. View our Discrtionary Grants Orientation video to learn more about our grant process.
3. Review the Foundation’s guidelines for discretionary grants.
4. Review the Foundation's Policy for Vehicle Purchases.
5. If your organization does not have an audit, please review the Audit Exemption Policy.
6. Submit an application. The application provides the Foundation with an overview of your funding request. The application is available on the Foundation's new grants application portal. A courtesy worksheet can be downloaded to help you collect your answers before entering them in the online portal.
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 |
| Application Due | January 3, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. |
| Application Due | July 7, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. |
| Application Due | October 3, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. |
| Grants Program Orientation (Virtual only) | A pre-recorded session is available here. |
Further Questions?
Contact Tania Arseculeratne, senior Community Engagement officer, at (937) 225-9966.