Community Impact –
Del Mar Encore Fellows

Since 2016, The Dayton Foundation has placed more than 35 older adults in paid Del Mar Encore Fellow positions addressing significant community issues. Through this innovative model, the initiative strengthens nonprofit capacity while demonstrating the extraordinary value older adults bring to building stronger, more vibrant communities. Their work has led to the creation of new tools, resources and insights, including:

• advancing the development of age-friendly communities across the region, creating environments where older adults can thrive, remain engaged and maintain a high quality of life;
• mobilizing community members to address the growing need for education, research and services related to brain injuries and health;
• expanding educational and credentialing pathways for early childhood educators and enhancing the quality of care and learning for young children;
• designing an innovative tiny home village model to increase access to safe, stable and affordable housing for vulnerable and emerging at-risk populations;
• launching a Health Equity Activation Think Tank focused on reducing disparities in maternal and infant health, improving outcomes and addressing Black infant mortality through collaborative, data-driven solutions; and
• developing a comprehensive regional strategy to increase workforce participation, migration and retention across a 14-county economic region, supporting long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

Each Fellow receives an annual compensation of $36,000 from The Dayton Foundation and works a part-time, flexible schedule of 20 to 24 hours per week.