Discretionary Grant Program

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. Donor Name: The Dayton Foundation State: Ohio County: Darke County (OH), Greene County (OH), Miami County (OH), Montgomery County (OH), Preble County (OH), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: 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 consider for discretionary support are located primarily in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble and Warren (north) counties. TDF Generally funds Capacity-Building Grants The Dayton Foundation’s discretionary grants support projects that provide for more efficient use of community resources; promote coordination, cooperation and sharing among organizations; and reduce the duplication of services in community. Through this process, they aim to strengthen not-for-profit agencies and institutions by reducing operating costs, increasing public financial support and/or improving internal management. The goal is to help build organizational capacity so that the charity can work more efficiently and effectively and raise more dollars. Capital Campaign or Capital Improvement Grants To help an organization expand services and capacity. Funding Information Discretionary grant requests range from $7,500 to $75,000. Typically, the Grants Committee awards grants for no more than 25 percent of a total project budget, not to exceed $75,000. The grant cycle takes place over a six-month time frame. Eligibility Criteria be recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, according to the Internal Revenue Code (established for at least two years and have a track record of sustainability) or have a fiscal agent with such status; benefit citizens in the Dayton Region  address needs that are not met fully by existing organizational or community resources; demonstrate systemic collaboration; and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in organizational strategic plans, policies or other documents, such as an equity statement. TDF Generally does not funds Projects that are narrowly focused in geography, impact and number of participants General organizational operations and ongoing programs Individuals Scientific, medical or academic research projects Operational deficits or reduced or lost funding Sectarian activities of religious organizations Scholarships and travel grants Annual fundraising drives, ceremonies, conferences, workshops, special or one-time events Public or private schools Endowment funds Art exhibits Cultural arts productions, with the exception of funding costs associated with creating original works Economic development projects Hospitals and universities for internal programs Matching grants (unless local dollars are needed to fulfill a condition for a state or federal grant) Multi-year or large-dollar requests (unless they are grants committee and governing board initiatives) Publications, including books, reports, research papers . For more information, visit The Dayton Foundation.