Greenlight Grants

The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, has awarded $1.4 billion in grants to nonprofit organizations in support of a broad range of causes, including education, arts and culture, animal welfare, housing, and more. While most grants are advised by fund holders, competitive grant programs like Greenlight Grants are funded by donors who have placed little or no restrictions on their funds. This enables the Foundation’s volunteer Grants Committee and Governing Board to direct funding where it is most needed. Greenlight Grants are small, quick-turnaround grants awarded on a quarterly basis. The program is designed to support nonprofit organizations serving Greater Dayton with funding for special projects, program expansions, capital improvements, or capacity building. The grant awards range from $500 to $7,500, providing flexible financial support to qualified applicants. All nonprofit organizations applying for Greenlight Grants must submit their applications through the Foundation’s online grants application portal. To assist with the application process, a courtesy worksheet is available for download, allowing applicants to prepare their responses prior to entering them into the portal. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines set for March 3, 2025, June 2, 2025, September 2, 2025, and December 1, 2025. All applicants are notified within two weeks of the submission deadline regarding the outcome of their grant request. Eligibility is open to nonprofit organizations serving Greater Dayton. Specific eligibility details, such as required tax status or additional qualifications, are not explicitly detailed in the provided source, so applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation for clarification if needed. For further assistance or questions regarding the Greenlight Grants, applicants may contact Tania Arseculeratne, Senior Community Engagement Officer, at (937) 225-9966.