(June 25, 2026) Greater Dayton’s older adult population will benefit from programs focused on wellness and enrichment, thanks to $302,000 in Together We Thrive: Del Mar Grants for Older Adults through the DMH-Fund of The Dayton Foundation. The grants were awarded to 29 area not-for-profit organizations in recent months to support programs that are working to address issues faced by adults age 55 and older.
The next grant application cycle will open October 7, 2026, with a deadline of November 7, 2026.
The following organizations were awarded grants.
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) ($20,000) to enhance a long-standing, countywide legal assistance program to ensure older adults can remain safe, stable and self-sufficient.
American Red Cross Miami Valley Chapter ($6,000) to help reduce the risk of home fires through targeted prevention and preparedness education for older adults.
Aullwood Audubon Center ($9,000) to support a pilot program that provides accessible opportunities for older adults to engage with the 200-acre nature sanctuary and sustainable farm.
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley ($10,000) to support the Life Essentials Guardianship program, providing protection and safety for the well-being of residents living in isolation.
Choices in Community Living ($8,500) to improve emergency preparedness and safety for older adults by installing Automated External Defibrillators in residential homes.
Eastway Behavioral Healthcare ($8,000) to build a one-year pilot program to promote healthy aging, connection and improved quality of life for older adults.
Five Rivers Health Centers ($15,000) to start a Senior Resource Pantry for uninsured and under insured patients who have needs not covered by insurance.
Gala of Hope Foundation ($10,000) to provide financial assistance to older adults undergoing cancer treatment in Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties.
Golden Age Senior Citizens, Inc., dba Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center ($10,000) to help purchase a replacement vehicle to transfer older adults to medical appointments.
Good Neighbor House ($10,000) to support the Sustenance for Seniors food pantry to help combat food insecurity.
Goodwill Easterseals of Miami Valley ($6,000) to enhance and expand programming at Senior Adult Services in Trotwood and Beavercreek.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton ($15,000) to assist the Critical Repair Program in helping low-income senior citizens in Clark, Greene and Montgomery counties address health, life and safety issues.
Health Partners Free Clinic ($8,000) to launch a new program to assist with medical care, prescription assistance, nutrition support and Lunch & Learn events for older adults managing chronic conditions.
Home is the Foundation ($9,000) to support the Senior Home Repair Program by training volunteers to install grab bars in the homes of older adults throughout Preble County.
LifeCare Alliance (Diabetes Dayton) ($10,000) to provide critical diabetes testing supplies, emergency insulin, self-management education classes and diabetes-friendly, shelf-stable food to help older adults manage their condition and overall health.
Miami County Dental Clinic ($18,000) to make essential dental care accessible to uninsured and underinsured older adults.
Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra ($15,000) to implement a pilot program, featuring five Broadway musical titles, to address the needs of older adults through participation in a unique performing arts program.
New Life Furniture Bank ($15,000) to deliver furniture and essential household items to older adults who are overcoming homelessness, living with disabilities, fleeing violence or rebuilding after a crisis.
Omega Community Development Corporation ($8,000) to support the Senior Sustainability Program at Omega Senior Lofts, an 81-unit affordable housing development for low-to moderate-income seniors.
Pink Ribbon Good, Inc. ($6,000) to provide older breast and gynecological cancer patients with free healthy meals and rides to cancer treatments.
Rebuilding Together Dayton ($10,000) to provide essential kitchen appliances to low- and moderate-income older adult homeowners in Montgomery County.
SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center ($8,000) to offer older adult pet owners with free pet food and low-cost veterinary care.
Spectrum New Beginnings ($10,000) to implement a holistic wellness program, offering self-care labs, mindful movement, therapeutic arts and community circles, to promote healthy aging and combat social isolation and loneliness.
St. Mary Development Corporation ($7,000) to support the Aging-in-Place Risk Assessment pilot program serving low-income older adults.
St. Mary Food Pantry ($15,000) to purchase food and staples to meet the growing needs of the communities served by Twin Towers Senior Living.
StoryChain ($2,500) to support a literacy program connecting senior caregivers with the children of incarcerated parents through intergenerational storytelling.
United Church Homes dba The Trinity Community at Beavercreek ($8,000) to implement the NaviGuide service coordination platform for older adults living with dementia.
Yellow Springs Home, Inc. ($10,000) to assist older, low- to moderate-income adults with health, safety and accessibility home repairs.
YMCA of Greater Dayton ($15,000) to fund a mobile health and wellness program for senior citizens who are unable to attend activities at YMCA locations.
To learn more about the Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative and future grantmaking, visit www.daytonfoundation.org/del-mar-encore-fellows or contact Leigh Sempeles, executive fellow, at (937) 225-9949 or lsempeles@daytonfoundation.org.
About The Dayton Foundation
The Dayton Foundation has been the trusted charitable giving resource for thousands of individuals, families and organizations of all giving levels since 1921. Ranked among the oldest and largest community foundations in the nation, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants since its founding, with current assets from all funds totaling $1.3 billion. For more information about how The Dayton Foundation can help you help others, visit daytonfoundation.org or follow the Foundation on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube or Instagram.