Community Foundation for Kettering Grant

The Community Foundation for Kettering, a fund family of The Dayton Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Kettering, Ohio, through impactful local philanthropy. As a locally focused foundation, it emphasizes supporting innovative, charitable, educational, recreational, and cultural projects that directly benefit Kettering’s community. The foundation operates with a commitment to fostering initiatives that are not currently being addressed by existing organizations, ensuring that funded projects provide fresh, meaningful services to residents. The primary objective of the foundation's grantmaking is to launch new or start-up projects rather than provide ongoing general operating support. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are structured to serve as one-time funding opportunities that help initiate sustainable, longer-term efforts. The foundation seeks proposals that demonstrate creativity in addressing local needs and encourage efficient use of community resources. Proposals that promote collaboration among organizations, volunteerism, and the elimination of duplicative services are especially valued. The Foundation generally does not fund endowment creation, individual travel, religious activities, annual fundraising drives, or projects that primarily support a single organization’s operational budget. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. While the organization need not be based in Kettering, the project itself must clearly benefit Kettering residents through social, cultural, recreational, or educational activities. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposal meets an unmet community need and aligns with the foundation's grant priorities. To apply, organizations may download the application form from the Community Foundation for Kettering’s website or fill it out online, though submissions must be mailed physically. Completed applications, along with all required attachments, must be mailed to the Grant Review Committee, c/o Kate Spencer, at 1401 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Dayton, OH 45409. Applications are reviewed twice annually, with submission deadlines of April 15 and October 15. All sections of the form must be completed, including detailed narratives on the project’s purpose, anticipated outcomes, target populations, key personnel, collaboration plans, and evaluation strategies. Applicants are also required to submit a detailed project budget and supporting documentation such as a copy of their IRS determination letter and a list of their board members. The Board of Trustees evaluates proposals based on how well they address the foundation’s objectives and may follow up with phone calls or site visits to clarify application content. Notification of funding decisions occurs within 90 days of the application deadline. If awarded, the grantee’s executive officer must sign an implementation agreement, which includes acknowledgment of the foundation’s support in project publicity and the provision of interim and final reports on the project’s progress and outcomes. The required status and final reports are due within 90 days of project approval and completion, respectively. Contact information is provided for further inquiries, with Kate Spencer available at 937-225-9952 or [email protected]. The foundation’s approach demonstrates a commitment to responsive, community-focused philanthropy, supporting projects that can have a lasting, sustainable impact on the lives of Kettering residents.

Prioritize projects promoting collaboration, volunteerism, and innovation while avoiding duplicative services.