During the first half of 2008, The Dayton Foundation assisted donors in helping the community by awarding $16 million in grants to charitable organizations in the Greater Dayton Region and beyond. Most of these grants come from donor funds that are restricted by the donors for particular charitable purposes.

Some donors, however, have provided discretionary funds to The Dayton Foundation, enabling the Foundation to address the most pressing community needs. Recently The Dayton Foundation awarded $210,900 in discretionary grants that are approved by the Foundation’s Governing Board to promote efforts in the areas of arts and culture, health, education, human services, philanthropy and other community-building endeavors in Greater Dayton. The recent discretionary grant awards helped the following organizations with the following efforts.

AIDS Resource Center Ohio ($25,000): To assist in hiring staff to build upon the agency’s fundraising efforts.

Clothes That Work! ($25,000): To help accommodate individuals seeking employment by renovating a larger, more consolidated facility that will increase workspace and provide an additional classroom.

Dayton 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center for Children ($8,400): To help develop a specialized library for children affected by dyslexia.

Greater Dayton Public Television ($20,000): To work with the American Lung Association of Ohio in developing DVDs, workshops and public service announcements to educate child- and family-care providers about ways to reduce the risks of serious asthma attacks.

GreatSchools, Inc. ($10,000): To assist in evaluating GreatSchool’s programs and services that help parents choose the best schools for their children.

The Human Race Theatre Company ($12,000): To help provide an innovative, hands-on summer camp program that exposes youth to all processes of theater production.

Kids Voting Ohio ($9,000): To assist in funding a media project aimed at engaging young people in the upcoming presidential election.

Life Enrichment Center ($15,000): To better serve hot meals to homeless individuals by renovating the Center’s kitchen and dining rooms.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society ($16,000): To aid in the development of a Dayton Lunch Bunch, a social network of fun and information for individuals whose lives have been touched by Multiple Sclerosis.

Oakwood Historical Society ($10,000): To assist in developing an interpretive plan to establish the historic Long-Romspert Homestead as an educational center.

Senior Resource Connection ($15,000): To aid in integrating core services, such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Dining Services and Visiting Home Care, into a one-stop shop for seniors and caregivers.

Widows Home Foundation ($30,000): To help expand the Widows Home facility to better serve clients’ short-term rehabilitative care needs.

YMCA of Greater Dayton ($15,000): To help fund the construction of a Miracle League Field baseball facility for use by individuals with disabilities.