From the Dayton Business Journal
By Caleb Stephens
The Dayton Foundation launched in 1921, during the last days of the Woodrow Wilson administration and a few short years after the end of World War I. It hit the 100-year milestone in April and now embarks on its next steps toward $1 billion in assets.
The Dayton Foundation — the region’s largest community foundation — assists people and organizations across the Miami Valley. This includes coming to action after the region was battered by tornadoes in 2019, and then following The Oregon District mass shooting, and also assisting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year alone, it provided $66 million in grants, marking the most in a single year in its history. In addition it received $74 million in new contributions and now has $653 million in assets.
“As The Dayton Foundation embarks on its second century of service to the Greater Dayton community, we remain committed to making our region stronger for the next generation,” said Michael Parks, foundation president. “Beyond perpetuating the foundation’s role as the region’s leader for charitable giving, we are focused continuing to turn the dialog of diversity and inclusion into action so that all individuals have equal opportunities for civic, social and economic success. It’s imperative that we work together to make Greater Dayton a better place for everyone to live, work and play.”
Here’s a breakdown of some of its accomplishments:
The foundation ranks No. 2 among nearly 800 community foundations nationwide in the number of charitable funds under management and the number of grants awarded – more than community foundations in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Currently the foundation has nearly 4,000 charitable funds under management.
In the most recent ranking of community foundations nationwide, The Dayton Foundation ranked 41st in the U.S. in grants (total dollars) and 30th for new gifts received.
37th in market value of assets.
$1.08 billion awarded in grants since 1921 (397,282 grants).
“The Dayton Foundation has been an anchor for stabilizing the community during times of crisis and energizing the region during times of change,” said Tom Lasley, CEO Emeritus at Learn to Earn Dayton. “It acts as a ballast for the work that all the different community groups engage in, with its broader vision to help a wide variety of stakeholders to leverage their efforts to build a stronger and more robust community. Learn to Earn Dayton is but one example of how the Dayton Foundation has been able to foster a stronger community by support-ing and partnering with a non-profit stakeholder group.”