Best Dayton Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Legal services and justice-focused 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Greater Dayton area can seek funding for programs that improve the practice of law and advance legal knowledge and services. Focused on legal services, The Dayton Foundation invites Dayton-area nonprofits and public entities to propose collaborative, innovative initiatives that benefit citizens across Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble, and northern Warren counties.

The African-American Community Fund aims to enhance African-American participation in philanthropy, supporting diverse non-profits in the Dayton/Greater Miami Valley region. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, focusing on initiatives that promote community resource efficiency, coordination among organizations, and volunteer involvement. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities with a diversity policy. The fund does not support general operations, individual pursuits, or endowments.

About

Since our founding in 1921, The Dayton Foundation and its fund holders have awarded $1.5 billion in grants to nonprofits to support education, arts and culture, animal welfare, housing and more. While the majority of grants are advised by our fund holders, our competitive grants are made possible thanks to donors who have placed little to no restrictions on their funds, allowing the Foundation’s volunteer Grants Committee and Governing Board to determine where need is greatest.

Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts Grant

Initially established as a trust fund in 1965 by Dayton leaders and supported by the community, the foundation carries forward the legacy of Miriam Rosenthal, a longtime volunteer, advocate and leader. It awards grants to professional nonprofit organizations that enrich the cultural life of residents in the Greater Dayton area.

The grant program of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts stimulates exciting and enriching cultural activities that elevate the quality and scope of programming available in the community, takes advantage of special opportunities which otherwise might be missed and provides avenues for cooperation among arts and cultural organizations. Since the financial capability of the Foundation to assist in financing cultural activities is directly related to the size of its endowed funds and their earnings, all grant recipients will be required to publicize the general purposes of the Foundation and its desire to increase its assets through gifts of principal from area residents. Public recognition must also memorialize Miriam Rosenthal and her many contributions to the cultural life of the Dayton area.

Focused on capacity building and community projects, established 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Greater Dayton region can apply for The Dayton Foundation’s discretionary grants, awarding US $7,500 - US $75,000. Funding supports new initiatives, capital improvements, and program expansion that benefit residents of Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble, and northern Warren counties.

The Brighter Tomorrow Foundation Fund Grant, established in 1989, supports organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County. Grants up to $10,000 are available for initiatives focused on housing, lasting equipment, education, and recreation. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local governmental agencies, while support is not available for capital campaigns or activities outside the county. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations supporting older adults in Dayton, Ohio and surrounding counties can apply for The Dayton Foundation’s Together We Thrive: Del Mar Grants for Older Adults. Funding supports programs that address the needs of seniors, and organizations in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, and Preble counties may be considered.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky region can seek support for education, arts, community development, health, and human services programming. With a mission to build strong, vibrant communities, Fifth Third Foundation manages multiple funds that may benefit Dayton, Ohio nonprofits serving youth, women and girls, low-income residents, and people with disabilities.

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact.

The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A. is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity. The Foundation Office administers Private Family Foundations that leave a lasting legacy. We review grant requests for private family foundations for which Fifth Third Bank serves as trustee or agent. Grants for programming in education, the arts, community development, and health and human services are considered, in addition to the specific funding interests originally identified by each of the individual donors. Our goal is to make the grant-making process as smooth and easy as possible.

Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund

Jacob Schmidlapp founded one of Fifth Third’s most important origin banks, the Union Savings Bank and Trust Co., in 1890 and served as its president until 1907. Regarded by many as one of the greatest philanthropists in Cincinnati’s history, he committed himself to improving the lives of others.

In the last 40 years alone, the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts and the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund have benefited our region through more than $120 million dollars in giving. The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts have funded countless programs and organizations aligned with improving and promoting education, caring for children and those in need, and improving health and living conditions. Among those organizations is Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund supports charitable or educational purposes; for relief in sickness, suffering and distress; for the care of young children, the aged or the helpless or afflicted; for the promotion of education and to improve living conditions. 

Foundation Office at Fifth Third BankThe Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank is committed to creating a meaningful impact on programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity. We aim to strategically align resources entrusted to us by connecting the needs of the community to private foundations. Grants for programming in education, historic preservation, the arts, environment and nature conservation, housing and food security, and community wellness are considered. Patricia Kisker Foundation GrantSupports organizations that benefit or serve children and educational, musical or arts organizations, as well as organizations which Ms. Kisker supported during her lifetime. 

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Greater Dayton can receive US $500 - US $7,500 for capacity building, capital improvements, or special project expansion through the Greenlight Grants program. The Dayton Foundation supports time-sensitive efforts in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble, and northern Warren counties that strengthen organizational effectiveness and address significant community needs.

Nonprofits, 501(c)(3) charities, governmental nonprofit agencies, and academic institutions providing direct services to people with disabilities can seek up to US $10,000 for programs and accessibility needs, including in Dayton, Ohio. The Dayton Foundation’s Disability Foundation Grants support service expansion, housing, equipment purchases, remodeling for accessibility, and other disability-related needs.

Current college students from Montgomery County high schools in the Dayton, Ohio area can receive up to US $1,000 to support their higher education costs through the Adam Broock Scholarship. Grants from The Dayton Foundation help students with financial need who are attending accredited nonprofit two- or four-year colleges and demonstrating academic success.

Graduating high school seniors in Dayton Public, Jefferson Township, or Trotwood schools seeking tuition assistance for accredited two- or four-year colleges can apply for this scholarship in Dayton, Ohio. Focused on higher education access, The Dayton Foundation’s Charles and Pat Meadows Scholarship awards up to US $1,000 to students with financial need, a 3.0 GPA, and extracurricular involvement.

The African-American Community Foundation's Deloris L. Winslow Scholarship for Community Excellence, established in 2013 by The Dayton Foundation, supports minority students from Clark and Montgomery Counties pursuing degrees in social work, political science, counseling, psychology, or addiction treatment. The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy, focusing on education, health, arts, and urgent regional needs. This scholarship reflects its commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and community service.

Undergraduate women enrolled full-time at Wilberforce University in Greene County who major in natural sciences, humanities, business, social science, or engineering can apply for the Dr. Yvonne Walker-Taylor Women for Women Scholarship, awarding up to US $1,000. This Dayton Foundation scholarship may benefit Dayton-area students connected to local nonprofit or community programs.

African-American high school students in Montgomery County, Ohio planning to attend a four-year college full time can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. The Hazel Carter Scott Scholarship offers up to US $7,550 based on GPA, test scores, and financial need. The Dayton Foundation provides this opportunity to advance college and career preparation.

Graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools planning to attend Central State University can receive up to US $1,000 to support higher education costs through the Idotha Bootsie Neal Scholarship. Grants from The Dayton Foundation help Dayton, Ohio students with demonstrated work or volunteer experience pursue college and strengthen their career and college preparation.

Graduating JROTC seniors from select Dayton-area high schools planning to attend accredited colleges, community colleges, universities, vocational, technical, or trade programs can receive up to US $1,000 for education costs. The Dayton Foundation’s African-American Community Foundation administers the Major John F. Harris, Jr., Memorial Scholarship to support students’ transition to postsecondary education in Dayton, Ohio.

African-American high school seniors in Montgomery County, Ohio planning to study education at an HBCU can receive up to US $750 toward college costs through the Paul R. and Frieda M. Miller Memorial Scholarship. Grants from The Dayton Foundation help Dayton, Ohio students with strong academics and financial need pursue higher education and career preparation.

College-bound students in Dayton, Ohio pursuing higher education and college preparation can receive up to US $1,500 through the African-American Community Foundation’s Pearl A. Dale and Audrey Parker Scholarship. Focused on education, the Dayton Foundation invites applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 21, and demonstrated financial need to apply.

The African-American Community Foundation - Robert S. Early, Sr. Memorial Youth Scholarship, established in 2017 by the Roosevelt High School Class of 1968, supports African-American graduates from Montgomery County high schools. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be accepted into an accredited college or vocational program. The scholarship emphasizes participation in sports, particularly golf, baseball, or softball, honoring Robert S. Early's legacy as a dedicated community member and scholar.

Montgomery County high school graduates who played organized sports and plan to attend an accredited college or university full time can apply for the Scott Neal Simpson Scholarship, awarding up to US $500 for higher education costs. Administered by The Dayton Foundation, this opportunity may benefit Dayton-area nonprofits supporting college and career preparation for local youth.

African-American business or accounting majors at Central State University or Wilberforce University with junior or senior status can apply for the Waverly Glover Scholarship, awarding up to US $1,000 for higher education costs. Students connected to the Dayton, Ohio area pursuing full-time study and maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA may be eligible.

Current college students in physical therapy or nursing programs at Wright State University, Kettering College, Sinclair Community College, or the University of Dayton can apply for up to US $1,000 from The Dayton Foundation. Awards support Dayton-area residents with financial need who plan to remain in the Dayton, Ohio region after graduation.

High school seniors in the Miami Valley planning to study liberal arts at Wilberforce University or Central State University can receive scholarship support through this program. Grants from The Dayton Foundation help Dayton, Ohio students with demonstrated financial need pursue higher education and college preparation, with awards up to US $1,000 for eligible recipients.

Environmental nonprofits serving Greater Dayton’s natural resources can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $20,000 to support conservation initiatives in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble, and northern Warren counties. Focused on environmental conservation, The Dayton Foundation invites established 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating collaboration and equity to propose projects that address unmet community needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing issues like the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, bullying, suicide prevention, or pollinator conservation in Dayton, Ohio and surrounding counties can seek project support, with awards up to US $30,000. With a mission to address community needs, Levin Family Foundation provides funding primarily benefiting the Greater Dayton Area.