During the first half of 2009, The Dayton Foundation awarded more than $14 million in grants from donor funds to a wide variety of charitable organizations in the Greater Dayton Region and beyond. A portion of the $14 million in grants was made through the Foundation’s discretionary grants program, which a number of donors have made possible by providing unrestricted or largely unrestricted funds to The Dayton Foundation to be able to act on opportunities for the community and address pressing needs throughout Greater Dayton.

Discretionary grants 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. Recently the Foundation made $445,250 in discretionary grants to assist the following organizations in helping Greater Dayton.

Building Bridges ($9,000): To assist in the rehabilitation of troubled youth by purchasing a new van to transport them to medical appointments, recreational programs and other meetings.

Children’s Medical Center ($50,000): To better serve child abuse victims in Montgomery County by expanding and renovating CARE House, a child advocacy center.

Citywide Development Corporation ($25,000): To help construct a water spray park in Dayton’s Fairview Commons civic area to provide enhanced recreational opportunities for low- to moderate-income families.

James M. Cox, Jr., Arboretum Foundation ($50,000): To help preserve the 189-acre Cox Arboretum MetroPark for future generations by expanding and renovating its gardens and facilities.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company ($20,000): To help students use dance to enhance their learning of traditional school subjects through the “Dancing to the Curriculum” program.

Dayton History ($75,000): To showcase Dayton’s rich history in business and scientific innovation by helping to create The Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship at Carillon Park.

Downtown Dayton Partnership ($10,000): To support a community-wide plan to create a more vibrant and thriving Downtown Dayton.

Greater Dayton Conservation Collaborative ($70,000): To aid the region’s environmental and conservation efforts by bringing the united goals of local organizations into action.

Hospice of Dayton Foundation ($25,000): To expand palliative care services to aid patients who have advanced illnesses, but who do not yet require hospice care.

Montgomery County Office of Family and Children First ($30,000): To help hire a homelessness prevention coordinator to assist individuals who are at risk of losing their homes.

The National Conference for Community and Justice ($11,250): To help create safer school environments by expanding the Conflict Management and Inclusion Program in Dayton Public Schools.

Project CURE ($20,000): To facilitate the purchase of specialized software to aid the agency’s efficiency and delivery of services to individuals who are addicted to drugs.

United Rehabilitation Services ($25,000): To help stimulate the sensory and motor skills of individuals with developmental or neurological disabilities by creating a Multi-Sensory Activity Gym.

Women’s Recovery Center ($25,000): To aid in renovating an apartment building to provide additional housing for women undergoing treatment for addiction, as well as housing for their families.