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Dayton Foundation

Grant Helps Bridge Digital Divide For Students

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Thousands of Greater Dayton students lack the devices or Internet connectivity to engage productively in remote learning experiences, according to Learn to Earn Dayton. To reduce the digital inequity that has been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Dayton Foundation recently awarded a $70,000 discretionary grant aimed at assisting Learn to Earn Dayton in buying Chromebooks for schools in Dayton and Montgomery County’s high-poverty school districts.

“In order for students to be successful in today’s connected environment, they need the devices to do their schoolwork remotely,” said Barbra Stonerock, vice president of Community Engagement for The Dayton Foundation. “We see this award as an investment in the future of our community’s students and leveling the opportunities for low-income families.”

The Foundation’s grant joins with grants from Mathile Family Foundation, The Frank M. Tait Foundation, The Charles D. Berry Foundation, The Berry Family Foundation, Louise Kramer Foundation and the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton established by The Dayton Foundation and United Way of the Greater Dayton Area. Total commitments exceed $300,000.

Together, these regional philanthropic partners will help address the first of a three-phase connectivity plan. In the first phase, Learn to Earn Dayton will provide and distribute approximately 900 devices to targeted schools in Dayton, Jefferson, Northridge and Trotwood Madison school districts. Phases two and three of the plan focus on the mid- and long-term larger strategy around access to connectivity, quality remote learning experiences, maintenance of devices and more.

According to Thomas Lasley, PhD, chief executive officer of Learn to Earn Dayton, one out of four students in high-poverty households access remote learning as little as once a week or less. By contrast, 83 percent of students in families with incomes of $100,000 or more are engaged in remote experiences every day.

“Remote learning is the new normal in education, and the divide in schools between who has access and who doesn’t is getting worse,” Lasley said. “If we’re going to be able to solve the challenges of remote learning associated with COVID-19, then access to connectivity, quality remote educational opportunities and devices must be addressed. Thanks to this grant from The Dayton Foundation, support from other philanthropic institutions and resources aligned with regional and statewide organizations, we can do just that.”

While Learn to Earn Dayton and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) will purchase and distribute the Chromebooks, the Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and other stakeholders will be investigating the best options for connectivity and developing a plan for increasing hot spots and/or Internet connections. MCESC also is a key strategic partner in both facilitating student connectivity and addressing the instructional needs of teachers.

Dayton Foundations COVID-19 Respone Fund Awards First Grants

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The Dayton Foundation and United Way of the Greater Dayton Area (UWGDA) announced today the first grant distributions from the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton. A grants distribution committee composed of representatives from The Dayton Foundation, UWGDA and initial funders approved grants totaling $70,500 to five local not-for-profit organizations. These funds will aid them in providing emergency, basic human services to individuals and families throughout Greater Dayton.

These grants include:

Senior Resource Connection ($30,000) to assist in purchasing 8,000 frozen, home-delivered meals for senior citizens.

Hannah’s Treasure Chest ($15,000) to assist in providing care packages of essential items for children in need.

Health Partners Free Clinic ($15,000) to aid in meeting the needs of an influx of patients needing supplies and medications.

Dayton Right to Life ($6,000) to help fulfill an increased need for diapers and infant formula.

Victory Project ($4,500) to help in providing weekly care packages of food and cleaning supplies to families in need.

“The COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton is an excellent start to what will be ongoing efforts to remedy the impact of COVID-19 on our community,” – quote J. Thomas Maultsby, president and CEO of the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area.

Nonprofit organizations that are helping individuals and families with immediate, basic needs, such as food, housing, mental health and safety, in response to COVID-19, are encouraged to apply for a grant atwww.daytonfoundation.org. Applications are being reviewed by the distribution committee on an on-going basis to meet immediate funding needs.

Contributions to the fund currently total nearly $700,000, however more will be needed in the days and months ahead.

“COVID-19 affects all of us, but none more than our most vulnerable neighbors who already struggle with hunger, homelessness and poverty,” said Michael M. Parks, president of The Dayton Foundation. “We have shown time and time again over the past 10 months that we are a resilient and caring community, and all of our support and generosity is needed during this crisis. No gift is too small.”

Donations via credit card or Dayton Foundation fund transfers are preferred to the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton and may be made online at www.daytonfoundation.org. The Dayton Foundation is paying all credit card processing fees and waiving administration fees so that 100 percent of donations go to charity.

Please note that The Dayton Foundation is operational during this time, however its physical office is closed until at least April 6, 2020. Postal mail will not be received until after that time. Any checks mailed to the Foundation will be processed as quickly as possible once health authorities lift the mandatory shelter-in-place restriction.

Individuals who are 70 1/2 or older and have an IRA also may choose to support these efforts through a qualified charitable distribution to a Field-of-Interest Fund established at The Dayton Foundation. Visit here or contact Michelle Lovely or Joe Baldasare in our Development Department for more information.

UWGDA’s HelpLink 211 is also available 24 hours a day for individuals needing information about community resources, basic needs assistance and other social services.

Other partners in the COVID-19 Response Fund coalition include the Mathile Family Foundation, Montgomery County, The Physicians’ Charitable Foundation of the Miami Valley and Sinclair Community College.

African-American Community Fund Accepting Applications

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The African-American Community Fund (AACF) of The Dayton Foundation is accepting grant requests for its 2019 grant application cycle. All potential applicants must submit an application. The application deadline for this grant cycle is September 30, 2019.  AACF 2019 Grant Cycle applications are available at http://aacfdayton.org/apply-for-grants/.

 

In 2018, AACF awarded over $23,000 to local nonprofits. A few examples of funded grants include diversity projects, youth initiatives, homeless outreach, cultural events and marketing. Typically amounts awarded are between $500 – $1,000. In the 2018 grants cycle, AACF awarded over $23,000 to local non-profits. The size and number of grants is determined by the amount of money available each year. A historical listing of past grant recipients can be found at http://aacfdayton.org/historical-grants/.

Organizations planning to apply for funding must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications will be accepted from organizations that benefit communities in the Dayton/Greater Miami Valley region.

Additional information is available on the African-American Community Fund’s website at www.aacfdayton.org, by e-mail at aacf@daytonfoundation.org or by calling The Dayton Foundation at 937.222.0410.

Nearly $70,000 Raised Thanks to Benefit Concert

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The Dayton Oregon District Tragedy Fund of The Dayton Foundation received an additional $68,634 in contributions on Sunday, August 25, thanks to thousands of Dayton-area residents who attended the Gem City Shine Oregon District Benefit Concert hosted by Dave Chappelle, the Oregon District Business Association, Downtown Dayton Partnership, City of Dayton, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and others. One hundred percent of all contributions to the fund will assist the families whose loved ones were taken and individuals who were severely injured in the August 4 Oregon District mass shooting.

“Gem City Shine was an incredible event for our citizens to come together to honor the lives that were lost in the tragedy and show support for our community,” said Phil Parker, president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. “We sincerely thank our other partner organizers of this event, as well as the dozens of other businesses and organizations both near and far for helping to raise charitable dollars for the Dayton Oregon District Tragedy Fund. The outpouring of support and compassion for the victims, their families and our community has been heartwarming.”

Thanks to donations received to date, plus pledges and other contributions, the fund’s assets have surpassed $2.5 million. Donations to the fund may be made online at www.daytonfoundation.org/oregontragedy or by texting DAYTON to 20222 for a one-time $10 donation. Checks also may be sent to The Dayton Foundation (please note the new address) 1401 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Dayton, OH 45409. “Dayton Oregon District Tragedy Fund” should be designated on the check or in the credit card form”s fund name field. The Dayton Foundation is waiving all administrative fees and paying all credit card processing fees for donations to the fund.

Del Mar Encore Fellows Search for New Projects To Help

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Linda Mercuri Fischbach

Linda Mercuri Fischbach spent 20 years running the nonprofit Womanline Counseling Center and another 13 as clinical director of Family Service Association. She’s an active community volunteer – think Italian Festival or Goodwill’s Miracle Clubhouse. She has four kids, a husband and 11 grandchildren. But somehow, retirement wasn’t really in the cards.

She’s spent the last two years with The Dayton Foundation as a Del Mar Encore Fellow, tackling significant community problems. Her current assignment is with the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), exploring how our community addresses issues of diversity and inclusion.

Linda is one of five Encore Fellows assigned to area nonprofits as part of an initiative aimed at using older adults to provide expert resources to nonprofits and to change the community conversation around aging along the way. The program, The Dayton Foundation Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative, is built on the understanding that retired professionals have a lot of wisdom and experience that can continue to benefit the Dayton Region.

 

The Dayton Foundation is now seeking new Host Organizations for three new Encore Fellows, older adults who have finished their primary careers but are still interested in giving back to the community. They are employed by The Dayton Foundation but placed with community groups to work on major projects for a minimum of one year, and up to three.

The Encore Fellows work about 25 hours a week and their role has three aspects. The first is the Host’s initiative – help solve a community problem. The second is to engage older adults as Encore volunteers, identifying equally skilled folks who don’t want the year-long commitment of the Fellow’s role, but are interested in making a meaningful contribution to our community. The last is to change the conversation around aging, to help our community recognize that we can more effectively solve problems if we thoughtfully employ the experience and wisdom of older adults.

Frieda R. Bennett

Frieda R. Bennett is another Encore Fellow who has a hard time staying retired. After 30 years at Sinclair Community College, where she was a professor, dean of the business technologies division, and served as assistant to former President Ned Sifferlen, she retired, only to start teaching again at Wright State University. Five years later, she retired again. Sort of.  She began her new role in August as an Encore Fellow with St. Mary Development Corp., trying to figure out how technology can be used to help low income senior residents have better access to health care.

Sherrè Collier

Sherrè Collier left a 33-year career at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 2017 and a week later began her new role as a Del Mar Encore Fellow with the Brunner Literacy Center  in Trotwood. (She hasn’t even tried retirement!) At Brunner, Sherrè and the staff are working to address the widespread challenges of adult illiteracy and low literacy by helping to recruit and train volunteer tutors, and document the literacy and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) resources in our community.

Vel Hux

Vel Hux was a volunteer leader of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) who had worked in communications for corporations, nonprofits and with her own business, before she joined Learn to Earn Dayton as a Del Mar Encore Fellow. Vel coordinates the Summer and After School Collaborative, which helps providers offer high quality programming and document their impact on children in our community.

Kaye Manson Jeter

After multiple careers in the law and education, including serving as general counsel to the Tennessee Department of Education, Kaye Manson Jeter actually did retire as Dean of the Central State University-Dayton Campus in 2013. But the lure of an interesting Del Mar Encore Fellowship pulled her back into the workforce. In August, Kaye began working with the Dayton Metro Library, reviewing their nascent Homework Help programs and making plans to expand the program into more branches across their service area.

Each of these Encore Fellows has brought a wealth of experience to their Host Organizations and an even broader view of the needs and gaps in our community. If you think your organization has a project that could benefit from the contributions of a highly skilled, retired professional, check out our Request for Proposals. And if you still have questions, give me a call.

A Day of Philanthropy- Giving Tuesday

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giving-tuesday-logoCelebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources.

Created by a team of influencers in New York City who joined forces, collaborating across sectors, offering expertise and working tirelessly, to launch #GivingTuesday and have continued to shape, grow and strengthen the movement.

#GivingTuesday harnesses the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities; it provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners— nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals—to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness.

According to Whole Whale in 2015 about 700,000 donors in the US donated with an average gift of $137 , which was a 145% growth over 2014.

 

Locally The Yellow Springs Community Foundation is supporting efforts by offering up to $10,000 in matching funds for #YSGivingTuesday to the following organizations:

The 365 Projectgivelocal
The Antioch School
Antioch College
Antioch Writers’ Workshop
Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions
Chamber Music Yellow Springs
Glen Helen
John Bryan Community Pottery
Little Art Theatre
NAMI of Clark, Greene and Madison Counties
Tecumseh Land Trust
Yellow Springs Arts Council
Yellow Springs Home, Inc.
YS Kids Playhouse
Yellow Springs Schools
Yellow Springs Senior Center

In order for your donation to help organizations become eligible for matching funds, you must give online and you must donate on #GivingTuesday, November 29th.   Visit www.ysgivingtuesday.com to make your gift!

spreadthegoodkickoffprofilepicThe Dayton Foundation launched it’s #SpreadtheGood Campaign on November 21, asking nonprofit’s to solicit their supporters to vote for their nonprofit’s photo, by clicking the heart image in the right-hand corner. The three organizations with the most votes on their photos by #GivingTuesday will receive this year’s #SpreadtheGood Grants (first place – a one-time $2,000 grant; second place – a one-time $1,000 grant; or third place – a one-time $500 grant). Voting will end at noon on November 29, #GivingTuesday. You may vote up to ten times per day, allowing you to support multiple organization or divide your votes among many.

Celebrate The Good In Your Neighborhood With Mayor’s Grant!

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neighborhoodWhat makes your Dayton neighborhood special?  Showcase the reasons for your neighborhood pride by highlighting your good food, great sportsmanship, music, craft or festival event.  You may be awarded a grant of up to $500 form The Dayton Mayor’s Fund of the Dayton Foundation.

 

Grant Guidelines
Purpose: To celebrate the GOOD in your Dayton Neighborhood with a culturally-focused
on-site event that might feature music, dance, food, games, sports, theater, poetry – something that speaks to your neighborhood (and/or partnering neighborhood(s)).

 

Amount: A maximum of $500 per event may be awarded to purchase consumable supplies for the event.
Eligibility: Applicant must be an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, or apply through a fiscal agent with an organization that has such designation; e.g. another Dayton neighborhood with a 501(c)(3) designation, a place of worship with said designation, or a neighborhood agency that is a non-profit organization.
Reporting Requirements: A final report with receipts attached for the grant money expended will be due thirty (30) days after the date of the event.
Application: The grant application may be downloaded at www.dayton.gov/mayorsfund or requested from Keith Klein, Cultural Coordinator, City of Dayton, via e-mail at  keith.klein@daytonohio.gov or by calling (937) 333- 3812.
Deadline: Completed grant application and required tax identification document may be e-mailed, mailed, or hand delivered and must be postmarked or received no later than 4pm. on Friday, December 19, 2014. Applicants will be notified of awards on Monday, February 2, 2015.
Review Committee: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee of  community volunteers and ranked on criteria.

Grant Application Contact:
Mr. Keith Klein
Cultural Coordinator
101 West Third Street #430
PO Box 22
Dayton, Ohio 45401-0022

Together We Are Greater…Dayton

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Shoes

“Morrison elementary students bring hundreds of cards to Dayton Children’s Hospital as part of Shoes4theShoeless “Kindness Matters” campaign!”

Together, individuals and communities across the region create Greater Dayton. And through working together, we are a greater Dayton. It’s simple. It’s true. And now, that spirit of volunteerism – those people who make Dayton greater – get a moment in the limelight. The Dayton Foundation invites individuals and groups to connect right now through their newest social media campaign.

Last month, The Dayton Foundation launched the “Together we are Greater…Dayton” social media campaign on the Foundation’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to increase engagement and dialogue with fans about the philanthropic and leadership efforts happening in the Dayton Region.

Chris and CP Mentee

“I truly believe in the mission of the College Promise program in helping to give students from lower income families the same opportunities as other kids. My College Promise mentee is such a beautiful and kind young lady. I’m so proud to be helping to lead her to her dreams of an education and a bright and promising future. #Togetherwearegreater…Dayton”

The campaign encourages Dayton-area residents to show how they are making Dayton greater. Fans on the Foundation’s social media pages were asked to share photos and short stories about how their volunteer activities or charitable support is helping to make a difference in the community. Photos get uploaded to the Foundation’s “Together we are Greater…Dayton” Tumblr account.

 

The Dayton Region has a long history of individuals helping others in times of need. It is this passion and commitment of everyone working and participating together that helps make Greater Dayton great. This was celebrated at The Dayton Foundation’s annual meeting November 6 with highlights demonstrating the camaraderie of donors, not-for-profits, volunteer and the community.

GET INVOLVED: The campaign concludes this Thursday on November 14, 2013.  So, hurry up and snap an action shot or submit a photo and tell The Dayton Foundation (and the wider community) what’s happening to make Dayton GREATER.

To see more “Together we are Greater…Dayton” photos and upload your own, visit http://togetherwearegreaterdayton.tumblr.com/.

Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School students and faculty participated in Join Hands Miami Valley, our area’s celebration of National Make A Difference Day, organized by the United Way of Greater Dayton. More than 150 members of the CJ community spent Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26 volunteering at 13 different service sites in greater Dayton. In this photo, a student volunteer is harvesting seeds on the prairie at the Marianist Environmental Education Center at Mt. St. John (Bergamo) in Beavercreek.

A CJ student volunteer is harvesting seeds on the prairie at the Marianist Environmental Education Center at Mt. St. John (Bergamo) in Beavercreek.

Together for FB WV

“Our World Ventures team is making a difference in the community by making what we like to call “Blessing Bags” and passing them out to people on the street and people in need. It’s amazing to be a blessing to someone in Dayton, the city that we love. #Togetherwearegreater…Dayton “

 

 

 

My Summit Story: Who Knows You?

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A lot of people have different reasons for attending the Summit and being a part of updatyon. Some people want to network with community leaders. Others want to voice their concerns on important issues. Many people are looking for professional development opportunities. Some attendees come to find new ways to give back to the community. Heck – a few people just want to take off a couple hours of work, see what it’s all about, and enjoy the after-party. Whatever reason YOU have – register now to attend the 2011 Young Creatives Summit.

Over the next week, we’ll highlight some of the people who have been a part of updayton. Maybe they’re still active, maybe they enjoyed their experience and moved one. But we’ll reflect back on some of the great people who have been involved. Where do you fit in?

You want opportunities? A past professor used to say: “It’s not what your know; it’s not even WHO you know; it’s who knows YOU.”

Katy Crosby, one of the original updayton volunteers, shares her recommendations for Summit participation and covers all bases – learn more about the region, network with community and business leaders, and share your ideas to make an impact on the region.

Q: What was your involvement with updayton?

I was one of the original members of updayton.  I was recruited as one of 32 catalysts for the DaytonCreate project.  The catalysts were divided into 5 or 6 groups.  Our group wanted to address the needs of young professionals by creating a venue for us to provide input on issues affecting the Greater Dayton community.  I served as the co-chair of updayton for approximately one year with Scott Murphy taking the lead role in making connections to help us build the organization and identify community partners that would assist in helping us develop the summit and execute various ideas that grew from the summit.

Q: What have you been doing since then?

I am currently the Assistant Director of the Dayton Human Relations Council.  I was in this position when I was selected as a catalyst, but my responsibilities have increased significantly. Secondly, I’ve been investing more time and energy with family. My daughter is a competitive dancer with Chenaulte’ Dancers in Trotwood, so I am now a dance mom.  I am enjoying being part of something she is so passionate about.  It allows us to spend more time together and it shows her that I support something that is very important to her.  It’s been a very rewarding experience to increase the amount of time with her and to see her development as a dancer.

Q: Do you believe updayton provided you with any valuable experiences or connections?

Yes.  Through updayton, I have been asked to serve on The Dayton Foundation’s Marketing Committee.  The Dayton Foundation is a great organization that impacts so many individuals in the City through their various community funds.  I have met a lot of great people that I have reached out to when assistance was needed or work related and personal projects.

Q: Would you recommend that local YPs attend the Summit?

I would definitely recommend the Summit to local YPs.  The Summit is a great opportunity to not only learn about what’s happening in the City, but to provide input on projects that can address major issues in the Greater Dayton area.  Often times, young professionals need a one stop shop to find ways to use their talents for good.  The Summit is a great start.  It’s also a great networking opportunity because many of the leaders in the region support updayton and will attend the Summit.

Q: What is your vision for a Dayton region that successfully attracts and retains young talent?

Venues that foster informal social networking, Thriving night life with options, Great job opportunities, Diverse neighborhoods…

Thanks to Katy Crosby for telling her Summit Story!  Want to move ahead? Remember: “It’s who knows YOU.” Register for the Summit to let a few more people in this community know about your ideas. Register now!