Discretionary Grants
The Dayton Foundation’s Discretionary Grants fund innovative nonprofit projects in Greater Dayton that address unmet community needs through research and creative solutions.
Funder: Dayton Foundation
Due Dates: October 2, 2026 (Dayton Foundation Discretionary Grants) | September 15, 2027 (Vandalia-Butler Foundation Discretionary Grants)
Funding Amounts: No fixed minimum or maximum; recent awards range from $500–$2,300 per recipient, based on project scope and community impact.
Summary: Supports innovative new projects or special initiatives by nonprofits serving the Greater Dayton area, addressing unmet or unique community needs.
Description
The Dayton Foundation’s Discretionary Grants program offers competitive funding to tax-exempt organizations serving the Greater Dayton region. The program is designed to help launch innovative new projects or support unique initiatives within established nonprofits that address unmet needs in the community. Funding is flexible, drawing from donor-advised funds with few restrictions, and is awarded based on the potential for public benefit and alignment with the Foundation’s charitable mission. The Vandalia-Butler Foundation, affiliated with The Dayton Foundation, also offers a similar discretionary grant cycle focused on projects benefiting Vandalia and Butler Township.
