Dayton Foundation: Discretionary Grants

The Dayton Foundation offers discretionary grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the Dayton Region, supporting projects addressing community needs. Grants typically range from $7,500 to $75,000 and prioritize capacity-building, special projects, and program expansions. Eligible organizations must have a two-year operational history and demonstrate collaboration and community impact. The Foundation seeks to enhance efficiency, promote volunteerism, and improve equity for marginalized populations. Applications are reviewed by the Grants Committee, with notifications provided via email.

Note: The first step in the application process is to submit an application ( pre-application above). The application provides the Foundation with an in-depth understanding of your funding request. After the review, if the Grants Committee decides to approve or decline your request, an email notification will be sent. If the Committee decides to table your request, a Request For Information email will be sent asking for additional information. RIFs will be reviewed in the following cycle.
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 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.
Capacity-Building Grants
To strengthen not-for-profit agencies and institutions and provide for more efficient use of community resources, promote coordination, cooperation and sharing among organizations while reducing the duplication of services in our community.
Examples
Technical support to explore significant collaborations or mergers with other not-for-profit organizationsCommunity needs assessmentsImpact studiesMarketing studies and surveys
Capital Campaign or Capital Improvement Grants
To help organizations expand services and capacity.
Examples
Capital campaign projects, including the purchase of real estate, construction, renovation and furnishingsSoftware for development/fundraising programsHard goods, such as special equipment, a bus, or a walk-in cooler (Find the policy here.)Office relocation expensesTechnology upgrades (Discretionary grants do not fund computer hardware, such as desktop computers or printers.)
Special Projects or Program Expansion Grants
For new projects or initiatives, to seed funding for strategic growth, or for an expansion of an existing project or initiative. Additionally these grants help an organization test or demonstrate new approaches and techniques for solving important community problems.
Examples
Educational effortsComputer literacy programsArtistic residenciesUrban redevelopment projectsYouth mentoring expansionDiversity projects
Grant Priorities
When awarding a discretionary grant, The Dayton Foundation gives priority to projects that meet one or more of the following criteria.
Provide for more efficient use of community resources, promote coordination, cooperation and sharing among organizations, and reduce the duplication of services in our community
Test or demonstrate new approaches and techniques for solving important community problems
Promote volunteer participation and citizen involvement in community affairs
Strengthen not-for-profit agencies and institutions by reducing operating costs, increasing public financial support and/or improving internal management

Eligibility

To be eligible for a grant, your organization must:be recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, according to the Internal Revenue Code;
be established for at least two years and have a track record of sustainability;
benefit citizens in the Greater Dayton region, (Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble and Warren (north) counties);
demonstrate diversity, equity and inclusion in organizational strategic plans, policies or other documents such as an equity statement;
demonstrate systemic collaboration;
address needs that are not met fully by existing organizational or community resources; and
have submitted the final report for any previously received Foundation Greenlight GrantSM or discretionary grant.Only one LOI per organization per grant cycle may be submittedIt is expected that an organization will have additional committed funders for the project/campaign.Organizations that are funded are eligible to apply again after the grant funds have been paid and the final report has been submitted and approved.The programs we consider for discretionary support are located primarily in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble and Warren (north) counties.

Ineligibility

If an LOI is denied, the organization may not apply for the same project again.If an organization’s final report is past due and no attempt has been made by the organization to extend the final report deadline, the organization will become ineligible to apply for a grant for a period of two years after the report is submitted.We generally do not award discretionary grants for:general organizational operations, ongoing programs, operational deficits, or reduced or lost funding;
fundraising drives;
special or one-time events, annual fundraising drives, ceremonies, conferences and workshops;
hospitals and universities for internal programs;
matching grants (unless local dollars are needed to fulfill a condition for a state or federal grant);
neighborhood or local jurisdiction projects;
newly organized not-for-profit organizations (less than a two-year track record as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization);
publications, scientific, medical or academic research projects, research papers;
art exhibits; or
cultural arts productions, with the exception of funding costs associated with creating original works.In addition, multi-year or large-dollar requests (unless they are initiatives approved by the Foundation's Grants Committee or Governing Board) rarely are considered.