New Charitable Funds Established Reach All-Time High, Donors
Contribute $120 Million, and Grantmaking Tops $120.7 Million
(September 14, 2026) The Dayton Foundation announced a record-breaking fiscal year 2026, with 367 new charitable funds established, the highest number of funds added in a single year. Donors contributed $120 million across all funds, marking the second-highest amount in the Foundation’s 105-year history. Together, the Foundation and its fund holders also awarded nearly $121 million in grants, supporting charitable organizations and causes that strengthen communities in our region and beyond.
The grantmaking total represents more than double the amount awarded just five years ago during The Dayton Foundation’s centennial celebration in 2021. This remarkable growth in giving highlights the nearly 4,400 fund holders’ investment in charitable causes.
Since its founding in 1921, The Dayton Foundation and its fund holders have awarded nearly 529,000 grants totaling $1.6 billion, helping to strengthen communities locally and beyond. The Foundation also manages assets totaling more than $1.4 billion across all funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations committed to strengthening communities and improving lives.
“The generosity of our fund holders continues to inspire us,” said Cassie B. Barlow, chair of The Dayton Foundation’s Governing Board. “As the region’s community foundation, The Dayton Foundation upholds the legacies of our fund holders and their investment in the future of our children, grandchildren and successive generations. These dollars and the generous individuals behind them are working for the good of the whole. We are humbled to carry out their wishes and good deeds, ensuring their charitable values continue making a difference for generations to come.”
The record number of new funds established during fiscal year 2026 reflects a heightened awareness of The Dayton Foundation’s philanthropic services and a growing desire among individuals and families to create lasting charitable legacies.
“Our community’s generosity reached unprecedented levels this past year,” said Michael M. Parks, CFRE, president of The Dayton Foundation. “Every fund established represents an individual or family’s story of caring and compassion. Thanks to them, we are strengthening the nonprofit organizations that serve our region and help ensure Greater Dayton remains a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.”
Through the Foundation’s “Your Charitable Story Starts Here” campaign, individuals and families are encouraged to think about how they want to make a difference through charitable giving, whether by establishing a fund during their lifetime or including philanthropy in their estate plans.
“Everyone has a charitable story worth telling,” Parks said. “We believe philanthropy is one of the most powerful ways people can reflect their values, honor loved ones or create lasting change. Imagine the impact your generosity can have, both today and for generations to come.”
To learn more about The Dayton Foundation, visit daytonfoundation.org/leave-a-legacy or call (937) 222-0410.
About The Dayton Foundation
The Dayton Foundation has been the Greater Dayton region’s trusted charitable giving partner for individuals, families and organizations since 1921. Ranked among the oldest and largest community foundations in the nation, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 billion in grants since its founding and currently manages assets totaling $1.4 billion across more than 4,400 charitable funds. 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.