Three exceptional community groups have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Award for Excellence in Community Leadership. The annual award recognizes community groups that have established Committee-Advised Funds through The Dayton Foundation and are making an impact in their communities by demonstrating best practices for community organizing, fundraising, collaboration and strategic planning.
The following recipients each received $850.
Engineering and Science Foundation of Dayton, a Dayton Foundation component fund group since 1995, is celebrating 30 years of investing in the community where STEM education has created opportunity. The foundation has played a significant role in helping organizations, such as Air Camp, the Dayton Regional STEM Center and SOCHE, launch innovative STEM programming through crucial early-stage grant support.
Left: Kettering Education Foundation, Right: Engineering and Science Foundation (MercyPets not pictured)
Kettering Education Foundation, a Dayton Foundation fund since 1993, has made significant progress since implementing its strategic planning process in 2020. Core to this has been strengthening its Advisory Board, which has helped the fund expand its reach within the Kettering City Schools community.
MercyPets, a fund since 2003, has partnered with organizations to provide relief in countries across the globe, making a direct, grassroots impact in regions where child malnutrition is a major concern.
“We are proud to recognize these groups that are doing meaningful and impactful work in the community and beyond,” said Kate Spencer, donor relations officer for The Dayton Foundation. “Our sincere thanks to them for being great examples of leadership and serving as resources for other Dayton Foundation component funds.”
Nomination forms for the 2026 awards will be available in January 2026, or by special request to Kate Spencer at (937) 225-9952 or kspencer@dayton foundation.org. Any advisor or member of a Dayton Foundation component fund may submit a nomination form by the May 15, 2026 deadline.