African American Community Funds

Note: Due to the large size of this listing, it has been broken into multiple pages. Click on this pull-down menu to select the part of the alphabetical listing you wish to view.

Wahid Abdullah Memorial Fund, founded by Jim Bucher – 1997 gives scholarships to Montgomery County graduating seniors to pursue studies in communications or journalism at a four-year institution. The fund was created by friends to honor Wahid Abdullah, a promising young man whose life abruptly ended in violence at the hands of another teen. 

African-American Community Fund – 1992 helps African-Americans overcome adverse social and economic conditions affecting their community. The unrestricted fund was the first fund under the umbrella of the African-American Community Fund, which addresses specific needs within the Miami Valley's African-American community. The AACF is presided over by an advisory board of African-American leaders from the Miami Valley and is a national model for promoting philanthropy in the African-American Community. 

Alexander-Bickley Scholarship Fund – 2016 assists female Dayton Public Schools graduates, who are pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field, in furthering their education. The fund was established in honor of Manuel Bickley, a successful farmer and businessman whose innovative spirit helped him overcome the barriers he faced as an African-American growing up in the late 1800s.

Agape Charitable Endowment Fund – 2015 furthers the charitable interests of Gideon S. A. Adegbile, a family medicine physician, and Funmilayo O. Adegbile, a clinical pharmacologist, by awarding grants to selected nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and agencies of change in Christendom.

Clarence E. Bowman, Jr., Fund – 2020 honors the legacy of Daytonian Clarence E. Bowman, Jr., by meeting human needs and improving the quality of life in the Greater Dayton area, as determined by the African-American Community Fund Advisory Board. 

Clarence E., Sr., and Olivia Bowman Fund – 1993 honors the parents of the late Clarence E. Bowman, Jr., who wished to encourage community service, youth service and leadership.

Emma Brooks-Smith and Estus Smith Wiley University Fund – 2001 encourages the pursuit of higher education for Ohio students wishing to further their studies at Wiley University in Texas. The late Dr. Smith was an emeritus Governing Board member of The Dayton Foundation and retired vice president and COO for the Kettering Foundation.

Orlando V. and Leanora D. Brown Endowment Fund – 2000 is set up to provide financial assistance to The Piney Woods School for troubled and at-risk students and to Central Chapel AME Church, where the donors were tithing members for over 50 years.

Herbert M. Campbell Fund for the American Cancer Society – 2007 provides assets to sustain the programs and services of The American Cancer Society in Montgomery County, Ohio.

Marquetta D. Colbert/Colbert Family Health Scholarship Fund – 2018 awards scholarships to assist graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools in furthering their education. Eligible students must be planning to pursue a degree in nursing and demonstrate financial need.

Fred Conway, Jr., and Anita R. Conway Endowment Fund – 2013 advances charitable causes important to Anita Conway, a retired Dayton Public Schools teacher and her husband, Fred Conway, a retired United States Air Force civilian employee.

Marva Cosby Endowment Fund – 2013 honors the charitable wishes of the late Marva Cosby, a longtime member of the Foundation’s Governing Board and the first African-American woman to serve as its chair. Marva was an active community volunteer and named one of Ten Top Women in 2012 by the Dayton Daily News. 

Pearl A. Dale and Audrey Parker Scholarship Fund – 1990 awards scholarships to Greater Dayton-area students wishing to further their education at an accredited college or university. The fund serves as a memorial to these two African-American sisters and longtime Dayton Public Schools educators, both of whom overcame odds to graduate with master’s degrees in the 1950s.

Dayton Alumnae Chapter-Delta Legacy Endowment Fund – 2015 supports the charitable endeavors of this longtime nonprofit service organization that has helped transform lives and positively impacted the Dayton Region since 1936.

Dayton Chapter of the Links, Inc., Educational Fund – 1993 provides African-American women with scholarships, and agencies and organizations with grants, to assist with educational programs designed to enhance skills and the quality of life for individuals of all ages. The Links, Inc., a volunteer organization for women, established this fund. 

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Endowment Fund - 2021 provides annual income for this culturally diverse contemporary dance company, which is committed to reaching the broadest audience through exceptional performance and arts-integrated education. 

Dayton YWCA Endowment Fund – 2013 provides support for the organization’s continuing needs and helps sustain its financial health in order to carry out its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Robert S. Early, Sr., Memorial Youth Scholarship Fund – 2017 awards scholarships to African-American students in Montgomery County who participate in baseball, softball or golf. The Roosevelt High School Class of 1968 established the fund in memory of its beloved class vice president, Robert Early, Sr., who lived his life with a can-do attitude.

The Dr. Stanley A. Earley, Jr., and Charity Edna Earley Family Fund – 2008 was established to honor the memory of Dr. Stanley A. Earley, a longtime physician at Miami Valley Hospital and his wife, Charity, who was a strong advocate for higher education. This fund will contribute to educational and artistic programs that benefit African-Americans.

John W. Garland and Carolyn Farrow-Garland Non-Endowed Fund – 2017 supports Central State University and other causes and charitable organizations important to John W. Garland, a former president of CSU, and his wife, Carolyn.

The Gem City Medical Society Foundation – 2004 supports and promotes African-American health issues within the Greater Miami Valley community. The fund was established by five local physicians and dentists.

Gladys Turner Finney Social Work Scholarship Fund – 1998 aids Wright State University students who are junior or senior African-American social work students and who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to community involvement. Gladys Turner Finney is a retired social worker.

The Dr. Charles H. and Lois B. Fortson Family Scholarship Fund – 2006 awards scholarships to African-American students pursuing a course of study in surgery at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. 

Henry Garcia Fund – 1998 furthers the advancement of minority students by providing an annual scholarship to Wilberforce University for students pursuing a career in music. Henry Garcia was a retired faculty member of Wilberforce and Central State Universities.

The Waverly Glover Scholarship Fund – 2003 assists African-American students in pursuing a business or accounting degree at Central State or Wilberforce Universities. Waverly Glover was a World War II veteran and one of the area’s first Black certified public accountants.

God’s Grace Charitable Fund – 2015 furthers the charitable interests of the donor by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations, particularly those that support education.

Golden Thirteen Naval Scholarship Fund – 1994 salutes the Golden Thirteen, the United States Navy's first African-American commissioned officers. Scholarships are awarded nationally to African-American students pursuing a career in the U.S. Navy.

Gerry E. Griffith, Sr., Scholarship Fund - 2024 honors Gerry Griffith and his 52 years of exceptional educational leadership, both in teaching and administrative roles. This fund will aid a graduating Stivers School for the Arts senior with a four-year scholarship designed to stimulate an interest in the field of education.

The Charles, Ronald, and Reginald Hall Fund – 2003 furnishes annual unrestricted operating revenue for Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton. The late Charles Hall and his sons, Ronald and Reginald, were trustees of the church and 33rd Degree Masons.

Major John F. Harris, Jr., Memorial Scholarship Fund – 2006 affords Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps graduates from Dayton Public Schools the chance to further their education at an institution of higher learning. Major Harris, who was a JROTC instructor at Grace A. Greene Military Academy before his passing in 1995, believed that all students deserve a chance to earn an education to become self-sufficient.

Lorenzo and Nadine Harris Family Fund – 2000 benefits Mary Scott Nursing Home, Summit Christian Church and the University of Dayton with scholarships for minority students, three charities of interest to Nadine Harris and her late husband, Lorenzo, former owners of Ren's Supermarket in Dayton, and their family. 

Ellenae Hart Henry-Fairhurst Legacy Fund – 2024 supports the needs of the community in the Dayton Region, as determined by the African-American Community Fund of The Dayton Foundation. Ellenae Hart Henry-Fairhurst achieved groundbreaking milestones in her career as a car dealer, becoming one of only four African-American women in the nation to own a dealership during her lifetime.

Jefferson Township Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund - 2016 helps graduating Jefferson Township High School students achieve higher education by awarding scholarships to two- or four- year colleges, universities or technical schools.

Charles and Barbara Jones General Purpose Fund - 1995 furthers the charitable interests of former Dayton Foundation Governing Board Chair Charles A. Jones, and his wife, Barbara. Charles Jones worked for the City of Dayton for nearly 25 years before retiring as deputy city manager in 1994. 

Moses H. Jones Fund – 1984 remembers a prominent African-American attorney who came to Dayton from West Virginia in 1900. The fund was established through his 1926 bequest to aid YMCAs in Dayton's primarily black communities.

Pastor Robert E. and Karen Jones Urban Ministry Scholarship Fund – 2018 designates two universities, Yale University and United Theological Seminary, to receive unrestricted income.

Knights of St. Peter Claver - Northern District Scholarship Fund – 1995 assists African-American students from the Northern District States in attaining further studies at a Catholic high school and/or at an accredited institution of higher learning. The fund founders are the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, established in 1909 as a fraternity for blacks who were barred from membership in the Knights of Columbus.

Dr. Gary L. LeRoy Fund - 2009 will help the Foundation meet pressing community needs and opportunities, now and in the future.

Lloyd and Edythe Lewis Fund for Black Children's Health Care – 1989 responds to pressing needs in our community. Lloyd Lewis, Jr., was a Dayton City Commissioner and an emeritus member of The Dayton Foundation’s Governing Board. He also was co-founder of the African-American Community Fund. Edythe Lewis retired from the Miami Conservancy District and was an active community volunteer.

George W. and Irma D. Lucas Fund – 1992 assists high school graduates, who are members of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, in pursuing a college education.

William A. Lumpkin Endowed Scholarship – 2019 helps an African-American student, who has demonstrated leadership and academic success and is graduating from Dayton Public or Trotwood-Madison schools, attend an accredited two-or four-year college or university.

The Mattie Lyle Fund to Benefit Bethel Baptist Church – 2006 celebrates the 100th birthday of Mattie Lyle, by providing resources to support Bethel Baptist Church's missionary work. Mattie Lyle was chairperson of the church Deaconess Board for over 60 years.

Madden Women's Association Fund – 2013 provides annual income for this nonprofit organization to support the Greater Dayton Youth Golf Academy and continuing education for African-American female students. Madden Women's Association was founded in 1983 by women who love to play golf.

C. J. McLin, Jr., Scholarship Fund – 1992 provides for college scholarships to help Montgomery County residents who have demonstrated academic success, financial need and community involvement. The fund is dedicated to the memory of this 22-year Ohio State Representative.

Charles and Pat Meadows Scholarship Fund – 2021 assists students from Dayton Public, Jefferson Township or Trotwood Public schools in continuing their education. This fund honors the memories of the donors, who were strong proponents of education and believed it was the key to success for underrepresented students.

The Mi’Che Movement – 2018 supports and enhances charitable organizations in their quest to bring together abandoned, abused or neglected dogs with women who are suffering from mental illness, physical and/or mental abuse or who are physically challenged, resulting in the enhancement of quality of life for both the dogs and women.

Paul R. and Frieda M. Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund –  2008 awards scholarships to African-American Dayton Public Schools graduates, who plan to major in teaching at a historically black institution. Marilyn Miller-Lewis established this fund in honor of her aunt and uncle, both educators at and graduates of historically black institutions, who wanted to give others the opportunity for educational success.

Edmund H. Moore Designated Endowment Fund – 2018 designates 12 local and national nonprofit organizations, including the Cal Lynn Crawford Scholarship Fund of The Dayton Foundation, FAMU Foundation, Omega Baptist Church and Parity, Inc., to receive unrestricted income. 

John and Hester Moore General Purpose Fund – 1992 pools resources to help overcome adverse social and economic conditions affecting the African-American community. John E. Moore, Sr., was an emeritus member and former chair of The Dayton Foundation's Governing Board. Mr. Moore also was a co-founder of the African-American Community Fund.

NAAIA J.L. Tillman Scholarship – 2013 awards scholarships to help African-American students further their education in insurance, risk management, business, IT, actuarial science, finance or marketing and communications. The fund was established by the National African-American Insurance Association in honor of its founder, Jerald L. Tillman, a longtime Dayton and Cincinnati insurance professional.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Cal Lynn Crawford Scholarship Fund – 1991 provides scholarships to local college-bound African-American students from the Delta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Gewarren Owens Fund for Reading and Beyond – 2005 distributes funds to Reading and Beyond, a nonprofit organization in Fresno, California.

PARITY Education Fund – 1994 helps this organization realize its mission of improving the economic, educational and social conditions of African-Americans.

PARITY Non-Endowed Operations Fund – 2020 established by Edmund Moore in honor of The Dayton Foundation’s Centennial anniversary, generates revenue for the sustainability of Parity operations to benefit the community.

Lawrence and Shirley Porter Family Fund – 2015 supports the charitable interests of the donors. Community leaders Larry Porter, retired chief of management operations and facility divisions, Avionics Directorate, Wright Laboratory at WPAFB, and Shirley Porter, retired Dayton Public Schools teacher, established the fund to give back to the community they’ve called home since 1958.

Norma J. Ross and Robert P. Ross Sr. Foundation –  2016 honors the memory of Norma J. Ross and Robert P. Ross and benefits nonprofit organizations in Greater Dayton, with a special emphasis on supporting programs that expose African-American youth to the arts. 

The Hazel Carter Scott Fund for the Benefit of the African-American Community Fund - 2006 will provide annual grants to address emerging community needs in the African-American community. A native of Dayton, Hazel Carter Scott taught kindergarten for over 35 years and was a longtime community volunteer.

The Hazel Carter Scott Fund to Benefit Bethel Missionary Baptist Church - 2006 celebrates Ms. Scott’s lifelong devotion to the church, where she also served as the director of the Bethel Dramatic Guild for more than 50 years and produced more than 150 plays. Ms. Scott also taught for the National Baptist Congress for more than 47 years.

The Hazel Carter Scott Fund to Benefit Mary Scott Nursing Center Legacy Program - 2006 provides unrestricted income for the Center and encourages the continuation of the annual Mary Scott Legacy Program, which honors women who exemplify the spirit of Christian service to individuals who are aging, homeless or disabled. Hazel Carter Scott was a longtime supporter and volunteer of the Center, as well as a 1999 Mary Scott Legacy Honoree.

The Hazel Carter Scott Scholarship for the National Association of University Women, Dayton Chapter - 2006 awards scholarships to the children or grandchildren of members of the National Association of University Women, which promotes education and equity for women and girls. Ms. Scott served as the president of the Association's local chapter for six years and attended its National Conference annually.

Herbert Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund – 2016  assists African-American Dayton Public School graduates in furthering their studies. Eligible students must be in or have aged-out of foster care and be accepted to an accredited technical school or a two- or four-year college or university.

Sigma Boule Fund – 1994 was established to endow educational and social-action initiatives sponsored by the members of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity's Sigma Boule Chapter.

Sister to Sister Fund – 2023 provides support for organizations aiming to educate, empower and inform women and young females. 

Scott Neal Simpson Scholarship Fund – 1999 memorializes this gifted athlete and scholar by furnishing scholarships to Montgomery County high school graduates attending an accredited college or university. Scott Simpson died after lapsing into a diabetic coma while in his sophomore year at The Ohio State University, where he was majoring in rehabilitation therapy.

Estus and Dorothy T. Smith Scholarship Fund – 1992 exists to offer scholarships to local residents wishing to attend Jackson State University, a historically Black college. The late Dr. Estus Smith was an emeritus member of The Dayton Foundation's Governing Board.

Roane Smothers Fund for the Union Literary Institute Preservation Society – 2011 helps preserve and celebrate the historical legacy, cultural heritage and architecture of the Longtown Settlement. This area spans Greens Fork Township in Randolph County, Indiana, and Liberty Township in Darke County, Ohio. Founded in 1845, the Union Literary Institute became a pioneering educational institution, offering higher education to students of all races and genders before the Civil War.

Thyrsa Frazier Svager Scholarship Fund – 2000 honors African-American women majoring in mathematics at an accredited college or university with scholarship assistance. Aleksandar Svager established the fund in memory of his wife, Thyrsa, a former provost and executive vice president at Central State University.

Edward Taft, Jr., and Carol J. Hinton Family Fund – 2001 remembers Edward Taft, Jr., a former flight simulator designer, by continuing his passion to provide African-American youth with opportunities for higher education and an appreciation of fine arts. 

James, Jr., and Betsy L. Thomas Endowment – 1992 benefits Bethel Baptist Church and the initiatives of the African-American Community Fund.

NAAIA J. L. Tillman Endowed Scholarship Fund - 2013 awards scholarships to help African-American students further their education in insurance, risk management, business, IT, actuarial science, finance or marketing and communications. The fund was established by the National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA) in honor of its founder, Jerald L. Tillman, a longtime Dayton and Cincinnati insurance professional.

Willis and Mary Bluford Turner Memorial Fund – 2003 was established by Gladys Turner Finney in remembrance of her parents. The fund assists individuals and organizations that affirm the values of peacemaking and work to bring about understanding and acceptance of one another and the elimination of conflicts or barriers of race, culture and language.

Twentig Incorporated Endowment Fund (Willis "Bing" Davis Scholarship) – 1990 pays tribute to this son of Dayton who has achieved acclaim as an internationally famous visual artist. Individuals eligible for this scholarship are African-Americans pursuing studies primarily in the visual and/or graphic arts. This fund was established by Twentig, Inc., a volunteer women's organization.

Diane D. and Rodger D. Walker Fund – 1998 benefits charitable, educational, religious and community activities. Rodger D. Walker was a pharmacist and businessman. His wife, Diane, is a speech pathologist and community volunteer. 

Dr. Yvonne Walker-Taylor Women for Women Scholarship Fund II – 2008 perpetuates this former Wilberforce University president emeritus' lifelong commitment to higher education and to promoting women's leadership in the pursuit of freedom. The fund assists women majoring in natural sciences, humanities, business, social sciences and engineering at Wilberforce.

Professor E. Champ & Alma Warrick Scholarship Fund – 2017 aids select area high school seniors planning to major in the liberal arts at Wilberforce or Central State universities. Dr. Warrick Barrett established the fund in honor of his grandparents, both of whom were educators and members of the Wilberforce Class of 1908.

Washington-Monroe Family Charitable Fund – 2017 advances charitable organizations, as selected by donors Dr. Nodie Washington, a retired research chemist and manager for Proctor & Gamble, and her husband, Dr. Willie Washington, a retired professor.

Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church Fund - 2016 benefits this Dayton church with annual income. Founded in 1833, Wayman Chapel is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal Church in the region.

Herman and Nancy Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund – 1991 awards college scholarships to members of the Dixon United Methodist Church and Church of Christ. Nancy C. Williams is a retired educator, and her husband, Herman, was a retired chief master sergeant with the United States Air Force.

Doris H. Wilson Scholarship Fund – 1997 grants scholarships to graduating Montgomery County high school seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year school in the state of Ohio. This fund honors the late Doris Wilson, the founder of Multi-Cultural Supporters.

Henry and Hazel Wilson Endowment Fund in Memory of Booker T. Webster and Bernice W. Wilson – 2014 honors the memories of Central State University alumni Bernice W. Wilson (Class of 1949), the late wife of Henry Wilson, and Booker T. Webster (Class of 1953), the late husband of Hazel Wilson, by providing annual income to the University. Grants will be awarded to support the College of Education and the College of Science and Engineering at CSU.

Deloris L. Winslow Scholarship Endowment Fund – 2013 helps selected Clark or Montgomery County minority students majoring in social work, political science or substance abuse treatment to further their education. The fund honors the memory of this Springfield native and retired City of Dayton employee, who provided many years of dedicated community service to support senior housing programs, drug rehabilitation and educational programs. 

Alphonso Wofford Endowment Fund – 2014 furthers the donor’s charitable interests, such as supporting institutions that focus on African-Americans pursuing entrepreneurial education and development or STEM education. Al Wofford is a community leader and founder of two successful technology solutions companies.

Yokley-Gamblin Family Foundation and Scholarship Funds – support the charitable causes of the Yokley-Gamblin family, including supporting Montgomery County, Ohio, African-American students who are interested in continuing their educational pursuits. The Yokley and Gamblin families believe in the importance of education and providing opportunities to well-rounded students who are active in their school, church or community.