In 2006, a group of dedicated citizens, who recognized the importance of preserving our region’s natural resources, established The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund through The Dayton
Foundation. This fund supports work that encourages collaboration and regional land conservation, as well as protects the integrity of our community’s natural environment. Specifically,
grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that work to safeguard our natural environment through education, restoration, scientific research and more.
The Advisory Committee of The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund accepts applications for its revolving grant funding cycle. For more information, contact kspencer@daytonfoundation.org.
Help The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund continue to preserve and improve environmental health throughout the Dayton Region. Donate now to the Greater Dayton Conservation Fund.
Grant Opportunities
This fund supports conservation initiatives and programs that work to preserve Greater Dayton’s natural resources. The fund’s Advisory Committee has launched a strategic initiative to pursue new funding opportunities. In future grant cycles, the Greater Dayton Conservation Fund's distributions will be used to identify new, untapped sources of revenue to achieve positive outcomes for the collaborative work in our community.
The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund (GDCF) of The Dayton Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 grant application cycle, offering funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations and community partners working to protect and enhance the natural environment throughout the Great Miami and Little Miami River watersheds.
Applications must be submitted by August 7, 2026. The fund will award a total of $100,000 to support innovative conservation projects across the 19-county Southwest Ohio region.
