Strengthening Dayton Through Philanthropy
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation
Serving the changing needs of the Greater Dayton community
Founded in 1954, we are the philanthropic arm of the Rotary Club of Dayton. A separate entity with our own governing board, the Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation distributes grants to worthwhile nonprofit organizations throughout the Miami Valley that align with our funding priorities.
Applying for a Grant
We’ve made it simple to apply for a grant with our easy Grant Application. Create an account, save your progress, and track your grant status all in one place.
Grants are awarded on a rolling basis, with Trustees meeting quarterly to determine awards.
Reminder: you must be a registered 501(c)3 organization to apply for and receive a grant.
MISSION
Provide leadership to leverage the Foundation’s resources as an expression of service to the Dayton region and commitment for the Rotary Club of Dayton
VISION
Become a visible community force to support organizations that demonstrate commitment to service above self, help young people and families in need, improve quality of life and foster a strong partnership with the greater Dayton region
Community Impact
The Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation supports a broad range of nonprofits throughout the Miami Valley, maximizing our impact in the community through organizations that advance our funding priorities. Over the past four years, we have contributed nearly $250,000 to over fifty organizations serving our most vulnerable neighbors.
2025 – 2026
$61,000 awarded to 19 organizations
Two $5,000 special grants for youth violence prevention.
2024 – 2025
$104,000 awarded to 19 organizations
$50,000 Signature Grant awarded to Daybreak for youth mental health.
Grant Application Guidelines
The Dayton Rotary Foundation funding priority is to support proactive and meaningful programs and activities that meet the community needs in the Greater Dayton Region.
Basic Grant information:
- Dayton Rotary Foundation Funding Focus (in the Greater Dayton Region)
- At Risk Populations
- Education Initiatives
- Arts and Culture
- Proposing organizations must be an IRS qualified 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization
- Grant awards are for $3,000 for a single-year funding cycle
- Organizations will only be awarded funding every three (3) years
- Grants should be for program or project not for operations
- If awarded you agree to post grant recognition on your social media
- Grant deadlines are:
- March 31
- June 30
- September 30
- December 31
- Grant applications are reviewed the month after the grant deadline
- Applicants are notified via email by Rotary Executive Director following foundation meeting and a date set for presentation of the grant at a Dayton Rotary meeting
- A grant evaluation form must be received within three months following the program end to be considered for future grants
Our Funding Priorities
At-Risk Populations
Everyone deserves the dignity and security of having their basic needs met. We support a range of social service nonprofits dedicated to serving our most at-risk populations.
Past Grantees
- Agape for Youth
- Brigid’s Path
- Catholic Social Services Miami Valley
- Daybreak, Inc.**
- East End Community Services*
- Eastway Behavioral Healthcare
- Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley
- Graceworks Lutheran Services
- Omega CDC*
- United Rehabilitation Services
- We Care Arts
*Youth violence prevention grants made possible by a generous anonymous donor.
**2024 $50,000 Signature Grant
Education Initiatives
We invest today to shape a brighter future by supporting education initiatives that enhance our students’ experiences and cultivate leaders in our community.
Past Grantees
- Brunner Literacy Center
- Children’s Historical Publishing
- Crayons to Classrooms
- Dayton International Peace Museum
- Friends of StoryChain
- Girl Scouts of Western Ohio
- Miami Valley Nonprofit Collaborative
- The Montgomery County Mentoring Collaborative
- NCCJ of Greater Dayton
- NPower Ohio
- Sinclair Community College
Arts & Culture
Recognizing that a thriving arts community and cultural institutions are vital to a healthy and vibrant city, the Foundation proudly supports arts and cultural initiatives.
Past Grantees
- Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
- Dayton Pickleball Foundation
- Dayton Public Radio
- Greater Dayton Public Television
- K12 /TEJAS Gallery
- Levitt Pavilion Dayton
- The Medal of Honor Memorial Campaign Fund
Support the Foundation
The Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation depends on the support of your donations. A registered 501(c)3 organization, your contributions to the Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Funds may be contributed to the General Fund or designated toward any of our four Fellowships.
Contact Us
© 2026 Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation
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