The Dayton Foundation Report to the Community
Our Message to the Community
ur fund holders remind us daily, through their generosity and volunteerism, that no act of kindness is too large or small. But collectively, we can make a significant difference and drive change in the causes that matter to each of us.
The Dayton Foundation has helped grow giving in the Greater Dayton region and beyond for more than 100 years. In this report, we share a few stories of our fund holders who make up the Foundation’s family and devote their time and resources to lift up local nonprofit organizations and effect real change in the lives of others. These individuals, families and organizations represent the heart of our mission – We Help You Help OthersSM through philanthropy and community leadership. We thank you for your trust in the Foundation to turn your charitable giving passion into purpose.
Report on Fiscal Year 2024
We’re delighted to report that our fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, was another outstanding year for The Dayton Foundation and its fund holders. Individuals, families and organizations established 276 new charitable funds, bringing the total number of current and deferred funds to 4,137 in support of both current and future needs.
Thanks to our donors, nearly $109 million was awarded in grants to assist nonprofit organizations and in scholarships to help aspiring students. This represents the second-highest dollar amount awarded in a single year. Since the Foundation’s inception in 1921, more than 474,000 grants totaling nearly $1.4 billion has flowed out of funds to help others “be the change” locally, nationally and around the world. These dollars provided children with access to educational and recreational activities, alleviated hunger through food distribution, fostered artistic creativity, shared spiritual values with others and so much more.
New contributions made to all funds remained strong at $67.5 million. In addition to these gifts, strong investment performance by our investment managers, with oversight provided by our volunteer Finance Committee and supported by our independent investment
evaluation firm, Fund Evaluation Group, resulted in The Dayton Foundation holding nearly $1.2 billion in total community assets. This generosity, particularly for a region of our size, truly is exceptional and illustrates our donors’ continued confidence in the Foundation to steward their charitable endeavors.
Also core to the Foundation’s mission is our leadership role in critical community initiatives and our ability to bring others together in these regional efforts. When we unite for the well-being of our community, it becomes a powerful strategy for solving complex problems
positive change. Significant strides were made last year with the Employers’ Workforce Coalition (formerly Dayton Communities Center for Talent Development), which is aligning career pathways to meet industry demands and enhance our region’s workforce; Learn to Earn Dayton, which is working to enrich the educational opportunities of our children; and the Brain Health Collective, which is coordinating services and resources to aid individuals and families afflicted with traumatic brain injuries. More about some of these efforts and the Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative, which has been harnessing the talents of highly skilled, older adults since 2017 to assist area nonprofits in new efforts, are included on pages 4 and 5 of this Report to the Community.
Thanks to you and all our philanthropic partners, we’re changing our region for the better now and for the years ahead. We are energized by our fund holders and their daily acts of compassion, and we are grateful for the opportunity to fulfill their giving near and far. On behalf of The Dayton Foundation’s Governing Board and staff, thank you for your continued support and for being a force for change in our community. k
Janice L. Culver, CPA Chair, Governing Board
Michael M. Parks, CFRE President
Janice L. Culver
Michael M. Parks
Be the Change... Initiatives
rom empowering African-American women to take charge of their health, to bolstering the pipeline of skilled workers in our region, The Dayton Foundation collaborated with community partners to “be the change” through its leadership initiatives in fiscal year 2024. Among these initiatives is the Nonprofit Capacity-Building Partnership, a collaboration between the Mathile Family Foundation and The Dayton Foundation. The Partnership provided 21 Black-led and Black-serving Montgomery County nonprofits with ongoing networking and professional development
training and services to strengthen their organizations.
The Brain Health Collective, a University of Dayton effort and Foundation initiative, received assistance from Del Mar Encore Fellow Brett Hart and Foundation staff to help with its mission of providing coordinated care and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Through events and activities, such as BHC’s fall resource fair that connected 72 participants and numerous vendors to critical TBI information and resources, individuals and families are learning ways to better navigate these life-altering injuries.
The Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative continued utilizing the talents of skilled, older adults to address community needs by employing eight fellows to work on issues, such as innovative housing communities to address homelessness and equity in early childhood classrooms. Del Mar Encore Fellow Sharon Hawkins, a registered nurse and former professor of nursing, also is working through the University of Dayton’s Fitz
Center for Leadership in Communities’ Health Equity Activation Think Tank to increase Black infant and maternal vitality in Montgomery County, which has some of the worst outcomes in Ohio. Sharon worked with local literacy experts, pediatricians, OB/GYNs, doulas and moms to create the Compassionate Care Guide, which guides women to selfempowerment during doctor visits and teaches them what equitable care entails. She also developed and implemented a doula initiative, an innovative certification program that is gaining national attention and already has trained 10 doulas with plans to launch a second cohort.
Progress continues with the Employers’ Workforce Coalition, a leadership initiative dedicated to addressing workforce gaps by equipping a diverse pipeline of students,
educators and workers with the skills needed for high-demand STEM and technical careers. EWC recognizes that the region faces several challenges beginning in 2025, with high school graduating classes projected to decrease and baby boomers exiting the workforce. With the rapid growth of new industries, there is a critical need to attract, retain and upskill workers of all ages and backgrounds to meet Greater Dayton’s workforce demands. These efforts are creating
pathways for career advancement and economic mobility for Ohioans.
Led by Executive Director Joe Sciabica with support from Del Mar Encore Fellow Dan Foley and others, EWC recently established an Executive Leadership Group of 19 nonprofit and business leaders that is chaired by Dayton Foundation President Mike Parks, CFRE. EWC has made significant progress in setting measurable targets for workforce participation, retention and migration, which includes a pilot effort to engage five employers in establishing a pipeline from the United States territory of Puerto Rico to Ohio. Nearly $1.2 million in initial funding has been raised to date, but ongoing fundraising is critical to implementing special projects and initiatives that will ensure our region is ready to meet future workforce demands. k
For more information on these and other Dayton Foundation leadership initiatives, visit daytonfoundation.org or contact Barbra Stonerock, vice president of Community Engagement, at bstonerock@ daytonfoundation.org or (937) 225-9951.
“Inequities in health access, care and outcomes can hinder our community’s potential. By addressing health inequities and facing the challenges of poor health outcomes in Black and Brown communities, The Dayton Foundation is empowering children and families to thrive in every aspect of life,” said Del Mar Encore Fellow Sharon Hawkins, RN. “Black infant mortality, along with preterm births and low birth weights, has been a blight on the Gem City. As a fellow, I was able to address the issue with the people affected and in the neighborhoods affected, which started a chain reaction of caring. Let’s continue to stand together and make a positive impact in Dayton!”
“Our region has experienced tremendous growth with businesses expanding or relocating here. While this is good news, it happens at a time when our population growth is slowing and baby boomers are retiring,” said Lucious Plant, an advisor for the Employers’ Workforce Coalition. “When our region competes for major projects or business expansions, we must demonstrate our ability to meet their workforce demands. With The Dayton Foundation and other partners’ support, EWC will focus on the workforce goals for in-demand jobs from a regional perspective to ensure we are able to meet business needs now and in the future, sustaining growth and livable wage jobs.”
Be the Change... Grantmaking
ore than 4,100 Dayton Foundation fund holders helped others “be the change” in fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024) through grants and program distributions totaling nearly $109 million.
Included in this amount are awards from several competitive grantmaking programs that assist local nonprofit organizations in their essential work. The Basic Human Needs Grants program awarded $252,410 in grants to address the needs of our region’s most vulnerable populations. The Robert and Helen Harmony Fund for Needy Children, established by two former factory workers to give area children opportunities they didn’t get to experience themselves, awarded $37,500 so underserved youth could attend camp.
In addition, nearly $2 million in discretionary grants, Greenlight Grants,SM and special project and initiative awards was distributed to 52 area nonprofits for innovative and impactful projects that are harnessing the power of change in Greater Dayton. Support for these efforts is made possible by donors who place little or no restrictions on the grants awarded from their funds, allowing the Foundation to respond to pressing community needs and find proactive, systemic solutions. Organizations awarded discretionary, special project/initiative or Greenlight Grants of $5,000 or more are highlighted here.
Culture Works ($50,000) national arts grant match
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
($64,000) organizational development plan
Dayton Dream Center ($6,000) “Roadmap for Recovery” software program
Dayton Live ($75,000) critical facility renovations
Dayton Metro Library ($75,000) new Bookmobile
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance ($30,000) ballet apprentice company
Emerge Recovery and Trade Initiative
($5,000) new greenhouse
Employers’ Workforce Coalition
($635,000 over three years) labor development
Felons with a Future ($5,000) automative training and supplies
Fisher-Nightingale Houses, Inc. ($25,000) new generator
Goodwill Easterseals
Miami Valley ($24,991)
adaptive equipment scholarship support
Greater Edgemont Community Coalition
($5,000) popcorn production automation
Hannah’s Treasure Chest ($75,000) new facility and program expansion
The Human Race Theatre Company ($50,000) new artistic equipment
Joshua Recovery Ministries ($7,500) additional client housing
Kettering Health Foundation ($25,000) Ukrainian student humanitarian support
Kids in New Directions (KIND) ($5,000) new transportation vehicle
Learn to Earn Dayton ($175,000) Northwest Dayton nonprofit grant support
Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission ($20,000) technology and connectivity assistance
Miami Valley Urban League
($40,000) 2024 State of Black Dayton Report
Nonprofit Capacity-Building Partnership ($200,000) nonprofit training and development
North Star Community Association ($50,000) park revitalization
Omega Community Development Corporation ($7,500) community garden program
Parity Inc. ($12,000) Black Leadership Development Program scholarships
Pink Ribbon Good ($7,000) financial software upgrade
Preble County Youth Foundation ($75,000) new Eaton YMCA gym
Preschool Promise ($7,500) funding opportunities consultant
Preservation Dayton, Inc. ($5,000) historic property renovations fund
ThinkTV ($25,000) new solutions-driven community affairs program
Valor Therapeutics, Inc. ($6,500) long-term strategic plan
Wilberforce University ($30,000) grant match for future sustainability
Wright Dunbar ($50,000) Medal of Honor veterans memorial
Yellow Springs Home ($25,000) lowincome, older adult housing k
Grant Guidelines
The Dayton Foundation welcomes discretionary and Greenlight GrantsSM requests from Greater Dayton organizations that have been recognized as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for at least two years. The Foundation’s discretionary grants are intended to benefit the community through new efforts or expansions of existing projects or initiatives, as well as capital and other special projects that enable organizations to expand services. Projects must represent unique and unduplicated efforts that will affect a substantial number of people. Greenlight Grants are small, quick grants awarded to local, nonprofit organizations in need of funding for special projects, program expansions, capital improvements or capacity building. For more information on these and other grant opportunities, visit daytonfoundation.org or contact Tania Arseculeratne, senior Community Engagement officer, at (937) 225-9966.
“The yearly grant from the Robert DeMarse Arts and Cultural Development Fund helps Culture Works continue its mission to support the Dayton arts and cultural community, both financially and through advocacy and promotional efforts,”said Lisa Hanson, president and CEO for Culture Works. “Through regranting efforts to partners, such as Muse Machine and other outstanding organizations, this support allows us to continue working toward a bright and exciting future, showcasing our community through the arts. We intend to ensure that this vibrant cultural ecosystem continues to grow and evolve.”
“We are incredibly grateful for The Dayton Foundation’s generous grant, which is an investment in the future of the children we collectively serve. Thanks to this support, our new home now is equipped with a safe and welcoming entrance for our community supporters, volunteers and partners,” said Deanna Murphy, executive director for Hannah’s Treasure Chest. “The Foundation’s commitment to supporting our project is a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together to support our most vulnerable citizens.”
Dayton Foundation | 2023-24 Report to the Community
Be the Change... Donor Stories
andalia residents Debbie and Michael Carter believe the greatest changes happen when people work together. Through their deep community involvement and a charitable fund through the African-American Community Fund of The Dayton Foundation, they are working to “be the change” to make Greater Dayton better not only for themselves but also for others.
“We believe that to whom much is given, much is required,” said Debbie, a teacher at Miami Valley Career Technology Center. “This sentiment is a reminder of our duty and stewardship. We have been abundantly blessed and want to use our blessings for God’s glory and to help others.”
From putting money in the offering plate at Sunday school in Debbie’s hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama, to collecting canned goods for Michael’s elementary school in Springfield, Ohio, charitable giving was instilled in the Carters from a young age. This drive to give back has grown stronger throughout their lives, thanks in part to individuals who have inspired them along the way.
“We had great mentors! For me, it was Pat Meadows, and for Michael, it was James E. Brown. They taught us to practice compassion and empathy, and instead of complaining, to get involved in making our community a better place,” Debbie said.
The Carters put this philosophy into action through their service to local nonprofit organizations. As a former president of AACF, Debbie helped launch two of its most popular events, the annual breakfast meeting and the annual golf outing, which have raised significant funds to support nonprofits. She currently serves as president of the Trotwood Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Lambda Omega Chapter. Michael, who is the senior advisor to the president and chief diversity officer for Sinclair College, serves on the boards of Dayton Early College
Academy and Sinclair’s African-American Male Initiative and is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Boule Fraternity, Inc.
In addition to volunteering their time, the Carters give to causes important to them through a Charitable Checking AccountSM
they established through AACF in 2013.
“The Dayton Foundation makes it easy and convenient to support the organizations and causes we care about with a few clicks of a computer mouse,” Debbie said. “No more writing checks and keeping track of donations for tax purposes.”
“Also, The Dayton Foundation helps to align all the players and coordinate efforts and contributions to make the biggest impact,” Michael added. “The Foundation helps us all rise!”
Mostly, though, the Carters give back to Greater Dayton because they, their children and grandchildren have thrived in this community, which they credit to their careers, family, affordable living, good schools, safe neighborhoods and more.
“Community is your tribe and your ‘peeps,’ who become your family through shared experiences and values and love for each other. Community is your chosen family,” Debbie said. “We want to be remembered for planting trees so others could sit in their shade and build wells from which others might be able to drink.”
“We want to leave Dayton a little bit better than we found it,” Michael said. “We have not gotten to where we are on our own. We had help. The time is now for us to help others.” k
ollege sweethearts and Centerville residents Kat and Blair Cornell share a passion for helping others. This joint belief is rooted in family values and personal experiences, a philosophy they instill in their four children and demonstrate through their charitable giving.
“We’ve always enjoyed helping others but became passionate about it when our son, Carter, was born with challenges that changed our outlook on
life in a significant way,” said Kat, a member of the board of trustees for The Disability Foundation, a supporting organization of The Dayton Foundation, and a certified public accountant. “This experience has helped shape our family as we view others and the world.” Carter was the inspiration behind the creation of JoyRide Cars, Inc., a car club and nonprofit organization that brings together children with special needs and car enthusiasts.
“I had an ‘aha’ moment in 2016 when I noticed how taking Carter for a car ride helped to reset him if he was struggling or frustrated. I realized we could create our own organization to potentially help other kids,” said Blair, a certified financial planner and private wealth advisor who serves as managing director, Wealth Management for UBS Financial Services. “We want to bring joy to as many kids with special needs as possible through JoyRide.”
In addition to JoyRide, the Cornells give back using several charitable funds they established
Be the Change... Impact
In Fiscal Year 2024, Dayton Foundation donors invested $108,900,191 in their community and beyond through
25,213 grants and program distributions.
In Fiscal Year 2024, $1.17B in total assets was held in 4,137 charitable funds, and 276 new funds and Charitable Checking AccountsSM were established.
Since 1921,
474,121 grants totaling $1.4B have been awarded to benefit charities in Greater Dayton and beyond.
Be the Change... Scholarships
hanks to our scholarship donors, whose funds awarded $3.3 million from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, 1,418 students are gaining the knowledge they need to “be the change” in the world. Included in this amount are 507 scholarships totaling $2 million from 324 Dayton Foundation funds, as well as $1.3 million in scholarships awarded to 911 students through the Dayton-Montgomery County Scholarship Program and Montgomery County Ohio College Promise, both of which are component funds of The Dayton Foundation.
More than half of the scholarship funds created through the Foundation since its founding in 1921 have been established to memorialize loved ones and other individuals who have impacted the lives of others. Among them is the Schoemann Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was established in 2020 in memory of two longtime Dayton Public Schools educators. Sandy and Steve Schoemann had no children of their own, but they impacted thousands of students who passed through their classroom doors. They also left a lasting legacy on their four nieces and two nephews, who were inspired to create the fund after
Steve passed away suddenly in 2019 and Sandy died from cancer during the COVID19 pandemic. After Sandy’s passing, family and friends joined together on Zoom for a beautiful tribute.
However, they felt that saying goodbye to her virtually was incomplete.
“Losing them both so close together impacted all of us, so we wanted to honor their generosity to us and so many others.
We knew The Dayton Foundation would be the perfect place to help create and administer the scholarship,” said the Schoemanns’ niece, Melissa Recht, who spoke on behalf of the family.
“We greatly appreciated the patience and kindness Michelle Brown, director of scholarship services, offered us as we tried to figure out the details. Within a year of Sandy’s death, the scholarship was created and endowed, thanks to the generosity of family and friends.”
Steve, a DPS graduate
$3.3M in scholarships awarded to 1,418 students in FY24 In the last 20 years,
$35.2M in scholarships helped nearly 24,000 students.
and lifelong Daytonian, and Sandy, who taught in DPS her entire career, loved being a part of the Dayton community and helping students through challenging times. They loved to travel, had many hobbies, were longtime volunteers and left many family and friends to cherish their memories.
“Creating this scholarship has alleviated some of the sadness. We’ve done something that creates joy and possibility for others. It extends our aunt and uncle’s legacy of generosity and reminds us of how much they gave back to others. It also allows us to keep their memory top of mind, because each year, when we award another scholarship, it’s an opportunity to reflect and remember their lives,” Melissa said. “It’s extremely rewarding to get a thank you letter from a scholarship awardee and hear how the fund has impacted his or her future. I hope it encourages others to pay it forward, however they can.”k
For information on how you can help youth further their dreams by establishing a scholarship fund, visit daytonfoundation.org or contact Michelle Brown, director of scholarship services, at mbrown@daytonfoundation.org or (937) 225-9965.
“My family created the Schoemann Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide a way to give back to the community that Sandy and Steve Schoemann loved so much and to help students pursue their dreams, just as they did,” said Melissa Recht, the family spokesperson. “This fund is a way to keep their memories alive and allow the many friends and family who cared about them to donate to a cause they loved –education.”
“My biggest fear is being able to pay for college without being a burden to my family. I am grateful for this scholarship, which helps with those costs,” said Jeffrey Wall, Jr., a University of Cincinnati sophomore and recipient of the Adam Broock Scholarship Fund, which memorializes this beloved Oakwood High School student who passed away in 1990. “I read about Adam, and I am thankful to have been selected to represent his memory. I hope to make the fund holders proud, and I will continue to serve our community and reach back when I become a working adult.”
Leadership of The Dayton Foundation
he Dayton Foundation and its charitable activities are governed by a Board of 15 experienced civic leaders, who also serve as the Board of Trustees for charitable organizations within the Foundation and on standing Board committees. Additionally, hundreds of community volunteers serve on fund grantmaking and scholarship committees. Learn more at daytonfoundation.org.
Governing Board
Janice L. Culver, CPA, retired chief fiduciary officer, KeyBank NA, Cleveland, chair
Cassie B. Barlow, president, Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education, and retired 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, vice chair
Rakesh Arora, CEO, CIC AMERICA Group of Companies
Thomas J. Becker, past CEO, Becker Electric Supply
George E. Forest, retired lieutenant colonel, United States Air Force, and director of logistics, Special Operations Forces Group
Art Harlan, director, Henny Penny Corporation
Lori Kershner, founder and president of LMK Advocacy
Valerie Lemmie, director of Exploratory Research, Charles F. Kettering Foundation
Alice O. McCollum, retired judge, Montgomery County Probate Court
David T. Miller, retired vice president of Finance and CFO, Dayton Children’s
L. Tony Ortiz, faculty emeritus, Wright State University
Alonzo Patterson III, MD, pediatrician, Kettering Health, Miami Valley Hospital, Primed Physicians and Dayton Children’s
Martha Shaker, president, Concept Rehab, Inc.
Josh Stucky, proprietor, Square One Salons & Spas
James M. Vaughn, vice president of Finance, Taylor Communications, Inc.
Senior Management Team
Michael M. Parks, president
Anna Demmitt, executive assistant to the president
Stephen D. Darnell, vice president, Finance
Jill A. Koorndyk, vice president, Donor Services
Michelle L. Lovely, senior vice president, Development and Donor Services
Christine L. Smith, vice president, Marketing and Public Relations
Barbra A. Stonerock, vice president, Community Engagement
Amy Wagner, senior vice president, Operations
See a complete staff listing at daytonfoundation.org.
Martha Shaker Josh Stucky
L. Tony Ortiz Alonzo Patterson III
George E. Forest
Art Harlan
Cassie B. Barlow, vice chair
Lori Kershner
Valerie Lemmie
Janice L. Culver, chair
Rakesh Arora
James M. Vaughn
Thomas J. Becker
Alice O. McCollum
David T. Miller
Past Board Members
Charles F. Kettering 1921-25
D. Frank Garland 1921-28
William D. Chamberlin 1921-36
Francis J. McCormick 1921-38
Milton Stern 1921-43
John G. Lowe 1925-27
Donald A. Kohr 1927-58
Ezra M. Kuhns 1928-60
Harry B. Canby 1936-56
H. Beckman Ohmer 1939-41
Charles J. Brennan 1942-62
Jack R. Silverman 1945-46
Samuel L. Finn 1946-58
Edward L. Kohnle 1957-73
Milton H. Wagner 1958-71
David L. Rike 1961-78
William Kuntz 1962-73
Robert A. Stein 1972-73
John E. Moore, Sr. 1972-91
Louis S. Goldman 1973-82
Robert S. Oelman 1974-80
Charles W. Danis 1974-84
Frederick C. Smith 1979-89
Anne S. Greene 1980-90
Jesse Philips 1983-92
Richard F. Glennon, Sr. 1984-98
Lloyd E. Lewis, Jr. 1988-94
Burnell R. Roberts 1989-2000
Thomas J. Danis 1990-99
Charles Abramovitz 1990-01
John W. Berry, Sr. 1991-97
Charles S. Brown 1992-01
Douglas L. Hawthorne 1993-02
Robert S. Neff 1993-02
Caryl D. Philips 1993-02
Betsy B. Whitney 1993-02
Clayton L. Mathile 1994-96
Rajesh K. Soin 1994-01
Estus Smith 1994-02
Paula J. MacIlwaine 1994-04
David R. Holmes 1998-01
Thomas G. Breitenbach 1998-10
John N. Taylor, Jr. 1999-03
Judy D. McCormick 1999-08
Franz J. Hoge 2000-09
Fred C. Setzer, Jr. 2001-10
Laura B. Pannier 2002-06
Charles A. Jones 2002-11
Fred E. Weber 2002-11
Helen E. Jones-Kelley 2002-14
Leo E. Knight, Jr. 2003-07
Jamie King 2003-09
Douglas C. Scholz 2003-12
Richard W. Schwartz 2004-10
Gary L. LeRoy 2004-13
Jerome F. Tatar 2004-15
Ellen S. Ireland 2005-16
Vicki D. Pegg 2006-11
Colleen M. Ryan 2009-18
Craig J. Brown 2009-20
Charles G. Schroeder 2010-16
Anita J. Moore 2010-22
Ratna Palakodeti 2011-20
Maureen A. Lynch 2011-22
James R. Pancoast 2011-22
J. Norman Eckstein 2011-24
William L. Gillispie 2012-22
Lisa E. Hanauer 2012-22
Rick Omlor 2014-18
Marva Cosby, 2015-24
Operating Fund Contributors
housands of individuals, corporations and financial institutions contribute to funds
of The Dayton Foundation, including the Foundation’s operating fund, each year.
Operating gifts help the Foundation help others by undertaking critical leadership initiatives and collaborative efforts to benefit our community, maintaining and improving services for donors and not-for-profit organizations, and ensuring the Foundation’s dedication to improving the quality of life throughout the Dayton Region.
We deeply appreciate all Dayton Foundation donors and what they do for Greater Dayton. In this report, we recognize the following individuals who contributed to the Foundation’s operating fund in fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).
For those donors who wish to remain anonymous, we respectfully honor their preference.
Visionary ($5,000 or above)
Anonymous Donors; Lois & Don Bigler; The Ariel Alexandra & Kenneth Paul Bosch Fund; Frederick J. Caspar, Esq.; Janice Culver & Eugene Kurtz; Roberta A. & J. Norman Eckstein; Kay A. George; Glennon Family Foundation; Lisa E. Hanauer & Susan G. Spiegel; Elizabeth Hardy, PhD, & Richard Omlor; Maureen Lynch & Richard Lapedes; Elaine C. Musick; David H. Ponitz, PhD; Marcia L. Schade; Harry A. Toulmin, Jr., and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund
Partner ($1,000 - $4,999)
Anonymous Donors; Carol & Jack H. Adam; Janice R. Anderson; Veni & Soma S. Avva; Arthur R. Bauer; Becker Family Foundation; Charlene Moskal Burges & Bill Burges, PhD; Elizabeth & James Butts; Mr. & Mrs. Gwyn Carlisle; Clara L. Conner; Rebecca C. Corson; Marva Cosby; Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Easterling; Melvin C. Eifert; James Flynn; Mary C. & Joseph M. Geraghty; Dr. & Mrs. John P. German; Arthur L. Harlan; Joanne Hawkins, MD, & Patrick Hawkins; Donald Heinrich; Mr. & Mrs. Franz J. Hoge; Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Hunt, CPA; Ellen & Jeff Ireland; Mr. & Mrs. Lonn E. Jackson; Mr. & Mrs. John Jahoda; Mr. & Mrs. Laurence R. Klaben; Robert C. Laumann; Hon. Alice O. McCollum; Jackie & Pat McGohan; Mr. & Mrs. David Miller; Gerald M. Miller & Carole A. Miller Family Foundation; Anna & John Monnett; E. Lee Monnin; Mr. & Mrs. Bradford J. Murphy; Darrell L. Murphy; Susan & Shaun P. Nicholson; Barbara N. O’Hara; Joseph C. Oehlers, Esq.; Mr. & Mrs. James R. Pancoast; Laura B. & Peter W. Pannier; Gerald Parisi; Amy & Mike Parks; Carole E. Remick; Kathleen P. Rupp; Susan Sandro; Agata & Jamie Schade; Rev. Katharine Schaefer; Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Schwartz; Mr. & Mrs. Mark Shaker; Ann M. Shaw-Kremer; Mr. & Mrs. Richard Siefring; Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Siler; Geoffrey W. Smith; Ricki Stern & Evan Guillemin; Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Tatar; Mr. & Mrs. James M. Vaughn; Mr. & Mrs. Charles Voelker; Ron Wagner; Nodie M. Washington, PhD, & Willie J. Washington, PhD; Betsy B. Whitney; Mr. & Mrs. Gerald M. Woodley; Mr. & Mrs. John York; Deanna & Bob Zikias; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Zimmerman
Friend ($500 - $999)
Anonymous Donors; Rebecca Appenzeller & Craig Brown; Richard L. Blessing; Mr. & Mrs. Tony Boland; The Borland Group; Mr. & Mrs. Dale Brunner; Mr. & Mrs. Donald Burke; Allen Byrum; Jane A. Dunwoodie; Jack T. Eddington; Mr. & Mrs. George E. Forest; Joyce E. Gibbs & Janice E. James; Lynn & David Goldenberg; Janet A. & Donald L. Grieshop; Donald F. Harker III, Esq.; Barbara A. Hayde & Ronald F. Budzik; Jean & Stephen Henrich; James Hickey; Michael E. Hosford; Dr. & Mrs. Neil M. Kantor; William F. Keck; Mary & David Mathews; Mr. & Mrs. Douglas F. Mays; Judy D. McCormick; Susan B. McCoy; Dr. & Mrs. Tom Melzoni; Katherine W. Miller; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nelson; L. Tony Ortiz; Catherine A. Ponitz; Carolyn Ray; Lt. Gen. & Mrs. Richard V. Reynolds, USAF (ret); Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Roedersheimer; Colleen M. Ryan; Beth & Alan Schaeffer; Ann & Bill Schuerman; Debra J. Serie; Barbra A. Stonerock & Bear Monita; Mitzi & John Stuckey; Joshua Stucky; Mary T. Tymeson; Mr. & Mrs. John L. Watson; Tom Young
Supporter ($200 - $499) Anonymous Donors; Funmilayo O. Adegbile, PhD, & Gideon S. Adegbile, MD; Dr. & Mrs. Douglas Almoney; Martha M. Amongero; Avni Arora, MD, & Rakesh Arora; Daniel Baker; Eileen Baker; Joy & Fred Bartenstein; Nicky Beckwith; Mr. & Mrs. Brian W. Beebe; Mr. & Mrs. John R. Beran; Mr. & Mrs. Peter M. Bloch; Mr. & Mrs. William Breetz; Mr. & Mrs. Jean Luc Caillat; Krista & Jim Caley; Richard Cammerer, MD; Rick Carlile; Mr. & Mrs. J. Andrew Chance; Mr. & Mrs. David J. Clancy; Mr.
& Mrs. Robert F. Clark; Eva M. Conley-Williamson; Anita R. Conway & Fred Conway, Jr; Christopher M. Cooper; Willis Bing Davis; Richard M. DeLon; Deborah L. Dulaney; Ronald E. Footer; Elaine K. Gaglione, MD; Nancy & Tom Gaudion; Kelly & Tim Gockel; Carol Graff; Eugene L. Gross; Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Herbert; Marilyn & Dick Hoback; Jeanne
S. & L. Leo Holihan; Bernard J. Holtgreive; Louis G. Homan; Helen Jones-Kelley & Tom Kelley; Nancy & Jack Koepke; Jill & Scott Koorndyk; Col. Greg Kuehner; Marcia L. Kurtz; Mr. & Mrs. Paul Labbe; Amanda Wright Lane; Kelly Marie & Joseph Robert Lehman; Regina E. Lewis; Lawrence J. Litscher, MD; Mr. & Mrs. Samuel W. Lumby; Mr. & Mrs. Stephen McHugh; Susan McNamara-Ten Eyck & Raymond Ten Eyck, PhD; Richard J. Metzgar; Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Naveau; William D. Pflaum; Mary Catherine Plogman; Kay L. Price; Karen K. Purdum; Mr. & Mrs. Ronald E. Rearick; Marian S. Rodgers; Mr. & Mrs. William A. Rogers, Jr.; Mr. & Mrs. Jack R. Royer; Mr. & Mrs. Edwin L. Ryan, Jr.; Paula Saunders, PhD; Ann & Gerald Schmidt; Mr. & Mrs. C. Miles Schmidt, Jr.; The Kent Scholl Family; Leigh Sempeles; Pam & Gary Smiga; Christine L. & Christopher J. Smith; Mr. & Mrs. Eric Spina; Mr. & Mrs. James D. Stahler; William T. Thorn, CPA; Dr. & Mrs. Terence P. Torbeck; Dr. & Mrs. John H. Voorhies, Jr.; Amy & P.J. Wagner; Dr. & Mrs. Bradley A. Weber; Mr. & Mrs. Frank W. Weyler; Rich Whitney; Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Wilson; The Wilsons; Mr. & Mrs. Dwight S. Woessner; Joseph Zehenny
Donor (Under $200)
Anonymous Donors; Lucy & Tim Baker; Phyllis Beal; Peggy Beavin; Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Bertke; Harry
L. Bradbury; Mr. & Mrs. Clinton J. Brown; Kendall D. Cobb; Megan Cooper & Scott Murphy; Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. Crim; Carrie & Nathan E. Dalrymple; Greg Darling; Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Darnell; Dayton Lasertoma Club; Jo & Cliff Dech; Ron Deger; Regina A. Dixon; Mr. & Mrs. Wolfgang H. Ege; David P. Eller; J. Elliot; Karl Frydryk; Linda & William Gillispie; Amy Hart; Mr. & Mrs. James R. Haynes; Carol Siyahi Hicks; Mr. & Mrs. Frederic Hill; Peggy & Emerson L. Horner III; Charles A. Jones; Mr. & Mrs. Byron L. Kentner; Roy A. Kouts; Barbara Kuhns; Mr. & Mrs. Anthony M. Lacon; Melinda Lair; Sandy & Regis Lekan; Judith W. Lindner; Amy MacDonell & Randall Shepard; Laura Marshall & Howard Horstman; Mr. & Mrs. Norval D. Martin; Mary & Kevin McDonald; Thomas McGlinchey; Kenneth R. McHenry; Mr. & Mrs. Timothy B. McHenry; Karen & Dale Medford; Carol Ann Miller; Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Molfenter; Vicki & Lee Morgan; Mr. & Mrs. William F. Moroney; Eleanor H. Must; Ronald L. Nischwitz; Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Olinsky; Dr. & Mrs. James M. Pacenta; Jena & Joe Pado; Ronald D. Patrick; Dr. & Mrs. C. Daniel Raisch; Ellen F. Rice; Mr. & Mrs. Brian Roberts; Mr. & Mrs. Albert F. Schneider; Gerri A. Sheehan; Dr. & Mrs. Surendra Singhvi; Bernard L. Smith; Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Smith; Toni & Bob Sprinkel; Mr. & Mrs. J. P. Stahler; Janice & Bill Staler; Mr. & Mrs. Hallock F. Swift; John N. Taylor, Jr.; Felicity F. Tuttle & James A. Weisman; Janis L. Vargo; Susanne & Paul Weaver; Sara E. Woodhull; Karl L. Zengel k
Ten Ways The Dayton Foundation Can Help You “Be the Change”
We are the region’s oldest and largest community foundation.
Since 1921, The Dayton Foundation has been helping individuals, families and organizations help others in Greater Dayton and beyond. Thanks to them, more than 4,100 charitable funds have awarded $1.4 billion in grants to date.
We build permanent endowment funds that benefit the community forever and help create personal legacies.
Each year we assist thousands of donors and award tens of millions of grant dollars to nonprofit organizations, helping to carry out their charitable dreams during their lifetime and for years to come.
We multiply the impact of gift dollars by pooling them with other gifts and grants.
Combining contributions from Community Impact Endowment and Field-of-Interest Funds helps the Foundation respond to community needs through its Discretionary Grants and Greenlight GrantsSM programs and leadership initiatives. In addition, our Partners in Giving program and grants from donor funds are supporting innovative, collaborative and impactful work in Greater Dayton.
We provide highly personalized service, tailored to each individual’s charitable and financial objectives. Whether you want to give now or in the future, locally, nationwide or even internationally, we can customize a charitable-giving plan to make your giving and financial goals a reality.
Our charitable funds help you invest in the causes you care about most.
We offer an array of endowed fund options that allow your fund to be positioned for growth over time and to provide lasting support for the charitable causes most meaningful to you. The Foundation’s free Charitable Checking AccountSM Service also provides a great way to handle your regular charitable gifts.
We accept a wide variety of assets and can facilitate even the most complex forms of giving. You can gift appreciated stock, real estate, cash via checks or other assets and receive maximum charitable and tax benefits. You also can plan future gifts through bequests, lead trusts, life insurance policies and other arrangements.
If you gift a qualified charitable distribution from your traditional IRA to one of our select charitable fund options, particularly if you are of an age when you must take a required minimum distribution, you could benefit from significant tax savings as well.
Our staff has broad charitable giving expertise, as well as firsthand knowledge of community issues and needs.
We employ a staff of local experts, including CFREcertified fundraising executives, grantmaking professionals, and former presidents and CEOs of area nonprofits. More than being experts in their fields, our staff are actively involved in the community as volunteers, neighbors, parents and enthusiasts.
We partner with professional advisors to help them serve their clients’ charitable- and estateplanning needs.
We work with you and your trusted advisors to develop the best and most tax-wise, customized and effective charitable-giving plans. Plus, financial advisors may retain management of their clients’ assets in charitable funds if they exceed $250,000.
We offer maximum tax advantages under state and federal law.
Gifts of cash to The Dayton Foundation are deductible up to 60 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI), and gifts of appreciated, long-term capital gains property are deductible at fair market value, up to 30 percent of AGI. We also can offer solutions to help reduce estate-tax liability.
We are a community leader, convening agencies and coordinating resources to create positive change.
The Dayton Foundation brings together community leaders and nonprofit organizations to identify emerging problems and opportunities, as well as meet challenges, in our region. Our leadership initiatives address large-scale community issues, may involve major, long-term grant commitments and foster partnerships. By combining the knowledge and resources of multiple organizations, these partnerships have the opportunity to create a greater impact on our community than any one organization could accomplish alone.
To learn how The Dayton Foundation can help you “be the change,” visit daytonfoundation.org or call (937) 222-0410 to speak to a member of our Development and Donor Services department.
their hope of helping to make the world a better place.
“Giving back is a part of our family’s identity. It’s important to us that our kids see the impact we can have on others through generosity,” Kat said. “Community is about being engaged and helping each other. We believe we are stronger together and are here to leave things better than we found them.”
“We give out of gratitude for our good fortune and our deep appreciation for our community,” said Vernon, who came to Dayton in 1986 for a job opportunity after graduating from Purdue University. “Giving is important because it is a part of the social contract that binds us together and can help right a wrong.”
As owner of FourJay Industries, a worldclass loudspeaker through The Dayton Foundation. In 2017, they opened a free Charitable Checking AccountSM to facilitate their current giving and several deferred funds to support organizations important to them for future generations.
“The Dayton Foundation makes giving easy. I help my clients maximize their giving by encouraging them to use the Foundation and to give appreciated stock or directly from their IRA through a qualified charitable distribution,” Blair said. “By using one of these two options, clients can take full advantage of their gift rather than just using cash.”
“Giving through The Dayton Foundation is a great way to make a charitable gift that is impactful to others,” Kat added. “The Foundation has helped to create awareness of all the wonderful people who live in the Greater Dayton community and are looking to ‘be the change.’”
The Cornells use their charitable funds and acts of kindness to “be the change,” with
“We would like to be remembered one day for understanding the importance of making a positive difference,” Blair continued. “We all only have so much time and money, but how we choose to use them is what will define our legacy.”k or Dayton transplants Janet and Vernon Fernandes, changing Greater Dayton – and the world – for the better is at the heart of their desire to give back.
Charitable giving and volunteerism have been a priority throughout their lives, habits they began as young children putting money in the donation box at church.
manufacturing company, Vernon is a strong advocate for the arts. He served for eight years on the board for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, including a term as chair during the pandemic. He currently serves on the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District Board and is the chair of its Grants Committee.
While the arts are important to the Fernandeses, they also believe in supporting urgent community needs, such as cleaning up environmental contamination in low-income areas and achieving equitable opportunities for all our region’s citizens.
“By some estimates, 40 percent of children in Dayton live below the poverty level. There are some neighborhoods in Dayton where life expectancy
is ten years less than in affluent neighborhoods like Oakwood,” Vernon said. “Although Janet and I have thrived, we are saddened to see all the people who haven’t been given a fair shake. Trying to make a difference helps us not feel hopeless and embarrassed by our failure to do better.”
In 2022 Janet and Vernon established a Charitable Checking AccountSM through The Dayton Foundation to manage their current charitable giving. They also established a designated deferred fund through the Foundation earlier this year to support organizations long after they are gone, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Metro Library Foundation and WDPR.
“The Dayton Foundation allows us to donate to our favorite causes in a disciplined, tax-efficient manner,” said Janet. “It also helps guide our planned giving through inspiration from other like-minded individuals.”
Being a part of The Dayton Foundation family helps the Fernandeses to “be the change” in the community they’ve grown to love since they made it their home in the 1980s.
“It is important to have The Dayton Foundation to draw attention to the needs of our community and to help coordinate efforts to alleviate those needs,” Vernon said. “Community means loving and caring for everyone around you. The folks who live in the Greater Dayton community are my extended family because we choose to call this Gem City home.” k
ince the moment they met at a Bible study class, faith has served as the foundation of Kettering residents Nancy and Bob Roberson’s 40-year marriage. Whether it’s serving at church or encouraging clients to leave behind charitable legacies, they have built a life centered on sharing their blessings of time, talent and treasure to help others.
“It’s important for us to live out our faith, and it’s fun to use our talents and interests to bless others,” said Nancy, founding attorney at Roberson Law. “Our faith is the source of our giving.”
While Bob and Nancy credit their parents and church for teaching them the value of giving back, their desire to “be the change” also was inspired by challenging life circumstances. Growing up, Bob dedicated his time to helping his mother, who had
disabilities, and his aging grandparents. This led him to become a caregiver at their church, where he regularly prays for and visits with ailing parish members. When she was only 27 years old, Nancy’s first husband, David, passed away, leaving her to raise their daughter, Amy, as a single parent. This motivated her to co-found and facilitate several support groups
for widows for more than 30 years. It also led her to put herself through law school so she could help others like her plan for sudden, life-changing events. For many years, she has spoken free of charge to religious and civic organizations about the importance of death and disability planning.
Professionally, Nancy often encourages her clients to take advantage of The Dayton Foundation’s planned giving options. A volunteer on its Development Committee since 2010, Nancy is a longtime champion of its services. She and Bob also opened a Charitable Checking AccountSM in 2006 to support the causes and organizations they care about most.
“Our CCA makes it easy for us to give money to the organizations we want to help. We appreciate getting one statement at the end of the year that enumerates our charitable gifts and facilitates preparing our income tax returns,” said Bob, a retired State of Ohio employee whose 30 years of service included tenures with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Greenon Schools. “The Dayton Foundation
staff are so helpful, friendly and efficient. We enjoy having an easy, anonymous way to give.”
“The Miami Valley needs The Dayton Foundation to provide a neutral community foundation to promote charitable giving,” Nancy added. “We do not want to use a commercial charitable giving vehicle because giving through the Foundation connects us to the community and enables us to contribute to causes that most need our support.”
Connecting to community causes and helping their neighbors is important to the Robersons, who feel that “God has blessed us to be blessings for others.”
“The Greater Dayton community is like an overgrown small town in which people are connected to each other in many ways – professionally socially and spiritually, to name a few,” Nancy said. “Belonging to the Greater Dayton community means working to build and protect its shared goals. The Dayton Foundation helps us do this.” k
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Area Community Foundations Affiliated with The Dayton Foundation
Ruth and Emerson Booher Committee-Advised Fund for Versailles, Ohio
Centerville-Washington Foundation Community Foundation for Kettering Community Foundation of Miami Township
Vandalia-Butler Foundation
Editorial Content: Gina Sandoval, Brandon Sutherland, Christine Smith, Soteria Brown
Design: Bridge Communications
Printing: Progressive Printers, Inc.
Donor Feature Photography: Catapult Creative
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
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