Eighteen discretionary and Greenlight GrantsSM totaling $847,100 were awarded by The Dayton Foundation’s volunteer Grants Committee and approved by the Foundation’s Governing Board to address emerging needs and opportunities in the region. These grants, made possible thanks to individuals who have established unrestricted or lightly restricted charitable funds, promoted efforts in the arts and culture, health, education, human services, philanthropy and other community-building endeavors.
Discretionary grants totaling $795,000 were awarded to the following organizations and initiatives.
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance ($30,000) to establish the Dayton Ballet Studio Company, an apprentice company for dancers who have graduated from high school but are not yet ready for full membership in a professional company.
Dayton Workforce Coalition ($500,000) to support this new Dayton Foundation leadership initiative that will work to ensure a robust pipeline of human capital for in demand jobs within the region over the next five years. In partnership with Air Camp, Engineering and Science Foundation, Entrepreneurs’ Center, General Motors, Learn to Earn Dayton and National Aviation Heritage Alliance, the initiative will prepare 20,000 individuals per year across the region for local jobs.
Hannah’s Treasure Chest ($75,000) to purchase and renovate a permanent facility to provide a safe and efficient home for the organization to carry out its mission, expand its programs and serve more children.
Miami Valley Urban League ($40,000) to create and release the 2024 State of Black Dayton Report, a tool to help raise awareness and understanding of issues facing Black communities, build coalitions around priorities for collective impact and advance policy changes to achieve equity.
Preble County Youth Foundation ($75,000) to construct a new gym at the YMCA in Eaton, Ohio.
Wright Dunbar ($50,000) to construct a Medal of Honor Memorial that will pay tribute to the 40 Medal of Honor recipients living in the Dayton area and 100,000 local veterans.
Yellow Springs Home ($25,000) to provide eight new, affordable rental units for low-income older adults, in close proximity to numerous amenities that will directly improve residents’ quality of life and well-being.
The Foundation’s Greenlight Grants program assists organizations seeking quick, small grants for special projects, program expansions, capital improvements or capacity building. In recent months, $52,100 in Greenlight Grants was awarded to the following organizations.
Dayton Dream Center ($6,000) to purchase software to assist in logging guest visits, program participation and connecting clients to community resources.
Felons with a Future ($5,000) to provide supplies and automotive training for five participants.
Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers ($3,000) to support strategic-planning services for the organization’s pro bono program, ultimately expanding its reach.
Greater Edgemont Community Coalition ($5,000) to automate the organization’s popcorn shelling and harvesting processes, helping to turn its popcorn pilot project into a sustainable business model and educational tool for the Edgemont community.
Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton ($4,100) to commission playwright Michael London to complete an adaptation of the Holocaust memoir, Anschel's Story.
Joshua Recovery Ministries ($7,500) to purchase two homes for additional client lodging.
Kids in New Directions (KIND) ($5,000) to purchase a van to serve an additional 12 students.
Omega Community Development Corporation ($7,500) to create a community garden, with an intergenerational design and structure focusing on seniors, residents and youth.
RaiseSTEM! ($2,500) to purchase hardware and equipment to manufacture, build and program a 120-pound robot for outreach and recruiting events.
Spectrum New Beginnings ($2,500) to develop a strategic plan.
United Rehabilitation Services ($4,000) to complete the organizations Adapted Therapy Apartment, including purchasing and installing assistive technology to better serve clients.
More information about The Dayton Foundation and its competitive grants programs is available at https://www.daytonfoundation.org/ or by calling (937) 222-0410.