About Us
Foundation Facts and Recent Accomplishments
The Dayton Foundation has become one of the truly innovative and fastest growing foundations among nearly 800 community foundations nationwide.
As of June 30, 2022, total assets of The Dayton Foundation currently stand at $1.04 billion and represent more than 4,000 donor funds. Last fiscal year, the Foundation awarded $67 million in total grants.
Facts
- The Dayton Foundation was founded in 1921 by Dr. D. Frank Garland, John H. Patterson, Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell and Robert Patterson. (Learn more about our history.)
- We are a tax-exempt organization that receives and invests charitable gifts from individuals, families, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and other foundations. These gifts help to support leadership initiatives in the community and not-for-profit organizations and institutions that meet our communitys changing needs.
Recent Accomplishments
- In the most recent ranking of nearly 800 community foundations nationwide, The Dayton Foundation ranked:
40th in the U.S. in grants (total dollars) made
39th in the nation for new gifts received
42nd in market value of assets
- Growth in assets from $3.3 million in 1979 to $1.04 billion (as of June 30, 2022)
- Growth in grants and charitable distributions from $4 million in 1980 to $67 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year
- Second among all community foundations nationwide in the number of charitable funds under management and the number of grants awarded - more than community foundations in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
- Nationally certified by the Council on Foundations for organizational and financial practices and has successfully met the National Standards set forth for U.S. Community Foundations, and
The Dayton Foundation’s federal tax returns (IRS Form 990 for each entity of the Foundation and 990-T) and audited financial statements are available upon request. For more information, contact Steve Darnell, vice president, Finance, at (937) 225-9969.
HERE TO HELP

“Let me tell you more about the financial benefits of establishing a fund through the Foundation.” – Michelle Lovely, senior vice president, Development and Donor Services, (937) 225-9948
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