Grants in Action recognizes the results of notable grant awards, whether large or small, and the significant impact they have on strengthening Greater Dayton and beyond.
Grant Supports a Safe Space for Healing Through Art
We Care Arts, Inc.
Established in 1983 as a place for blending art and community to promote healing for individuals with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses, We Care Arts, Inc., serves hundreds of artist-clients each year.
After experiencing ongoing leaks at its Wilmington Pike facility, the nonprofit organization launched a fundraising campaign to replace its more than 20-year-old roof. The Dayton Foundation supported the project in 2024 with a $15,000 discretionary grant.
“The generous grant from The Dayton Foundation has been instrumental in helping replace our facility’s roof, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our artist-clients,” said Katie Neubert, executive director of We Care Arts. “The new roof has prevented leaks that could damage artwork, supplies and program space, allowing participants to focus on creativity, connection and healing without disruption.”
We Care Arts participants are referred by medical professionals, social workers or services, and support administrators who recognize the value of creative expression as part of a person’s journey toward wellness and independence. One referred client, Lana, is a gifted artist who nearly lost her creative passion after an abusive relationship resulted in her artwork being destroyed. For years, the emotional impact of that experience prevented her from returning to art. Today, she not only creates art again but also shares it proudly through exhibits across the Dayton Region.
“Art is medicine. Being creative is healing. It has a physical impact on the body and the mind,” Lana said. “I can’t thank you enough for putting this place here for me.”
“Our studios are filled with creative artists whose stories reflect both remarkable resilience and the transformative power of art. Grants like the one from the Foundation mean stability, opportunity and hope for our organization and the individuals we serve,” Katie said. “This support allows us to focus our resources where they matter most – empowering healing through art and community.”
West Dayton Youth Turn Popcorn into Profits, Thanks to Grant
The Greater Edgemont Community Coalition in West Dayton works to make its neighborhoods and the broader community better for all. Through efforts such as the revitalization of the Edgemont Solar Garden, Dayton’s first community garden formed in 1978, the nonprofit organization has blossomed to include several innovative initiatives designed to help Edgemont residents feed, teach and care for one another.
Greater Edgemont Community Coalition
One of these efforts, the Popcorn to Profits initiative, was awarded a $5,000 Greenlight Grant℠ from The Dayton Foundation in 2024. Thanks to the grant, GECC purchased equipment that streamlined popcorn planting, harvesting and processing, creating a true farm-to-business learning experience for West Dayton youth.
“The Foundation’s investment is a wonderful example of GECC’s approach in action,” said Chataun Denis, volunteer co-director of GECC. “Over the past two years, more than 70 youth have participated in the program, learning every step of the journey from seed to sale.”
“The Dayton Foundation’s grant is helping cultivate young entrepreneurs today while strengthen-ing the community infrastructure that will sustain West Dayton for years to come.”
–Chataun Denis, volunteer co-director of GECC
The journey includes students planting popcorn in the community garden, tending and harvesting the crop, then preparing and packaging the popcorn kernels to sell throughout the community. These efforts generated more than $2,000 in earned income and allowed participating youth to receive stipends for their work. Some participants also started selling popcorn independently, giving them their first experience in creating income through entrepreneurship.
“What makes this program successful is not simply the popcorn – it’s the relationships. Youth learn from gardeners, volunteers, teachers, mentors and neighbors who share their knowledge and encouragement. As confidence grows, individuals begin teaching others, creating a cycle of learning and leadership that continues beyond the program,” Chataun said. “The Dayton Foundation’s grant is helping cultivate young entrepreneurs today while strengthening the community infrastructure that will sustain West Dayton for years to come.”