Discretionary Grants - Dayton Foundation
Forecasted
The Dayton Foundation’s Discretionary Grants support Greater Dayton nonprofits with new projects, program expansions, capital improvements, and capacity building to address unmet community needs.
Funder: Dayton Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (3rd Cycle) | July 2027 (1st Cycle) | October 2027 (2nd Cycle)
Funding Amounts: Requests of $7,500–$75,000; typical awards cover no more than 25% of the project budget, up to $75,000
Summary: Supports new projects, program expansions, capital improvements, and capacity building by nonprofits serving Greater Dayton.
Key Information: Applicants must have at least two years of nonprofit history; projects cannot begin before the funding decision.
Description
The Dayton Foundation’s Discretionary Grants support tax-exempt nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Dayton region. The program helps launch new projects addressing needs not fully met by existing organizations and supports special efforts by established nonprofits. Funded work includes capacity building, capital improvements, and new or expanded programs across fields including social services, arts, health, and the environment.
The Foundation awards discretionary grants three times a year through its competitive grantmaking program. Donors’ largely unrestricted funds allow the volunteer Grants Committee and Governing Board to direct support toward the greatest community needs. Priorities include using community resources more efficiently, reducing duplication, testing new approaches to community problems, strengthening nonprofit organizations, and promoting volunteer participation and citizen involvement.
