The Rotary Club of Dayton has awarded its first Signature Grant in the amount of $50,000 to The Gem City Market project, which is part of the Greater Dayton Union Cooperative Initiative (GDUCI). The check will be presented to Lela Klein, Director of GDUCI and will take place at the Dayton Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon on Monday, July 17, 2017, Noon, at Sinclair College Ponitz Center.
The Signature Grant was the first grant award of this type made by the Club’s Foundation. The Grant’s funding priority is to support a larger project or initiative in the City of Dayton that will make a meaningful and sustainable impact and long-term change in the community.
The goal of the Gem City Market project is to significantly improve food access and related health outcomes for families and individuals living in Northwest Dayton by opening and operating a full-service grocery store that provides access to healthy and fresh foods.
“We are excited about making this first award to such an exciting project and one that will have a significant, positive impact on the residents of Northwest Dayton and many residents in the surrounding area,” said Dona Vella, President of the Dayton Rotary Foundation. The Dayton Rotary Foundation received letters of interest from 60 organizations. The other finalists for the Signature Grant were East End Community Services and Catholic Social Services.
The Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the City of Dayton. The Dayton Rotary Foundation also accepts applications for non-profit program grants of $3,000 each quarter of the year.
The Rotary Club of Dayton is a fellowship of diverse business and professional leaders who commit their time and talent to staying informed and serving the club, the community and the world.