The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund (GDCF) of The Dayton Foundation is soliciting grant proposals from organizations that benefit the natural environment of the communities in the Great Miami and Little Miami River watersheds GDCF’s goal is to support work that safeguards the natural environment through habitat improvement, education, scientific research and other activities.
Donor Name: The Dayton Foundation
State: Ohio
County: Selected Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/07/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This grant is intended to launch new projects not addressed by existing organizations or help to support special efforts of already established nonprofit conservation organizations. Preference will be given to projects which fulfill a community need, have high visibility and make a measurable impact. In 2026, GDCF has $100,000 to award and plans to award to multiple organizations. The number of grants awarded is predicated upon the number of requests received and the budget for each. Partial awards are encouraged. GDCF prioritizes innovative and original projects, especially those that include collaboration and cooperation between organizations. Moreover, this grant can be used to assist as a match for larger grants or projects.
The Fund is particularly interested in projects that:
- Preserve or restore natural habitats;
- Address the impacts of climate change;
- Work to restore or mitigate impacts of environmental injustices;
- Assess/measure water quality, species, etc;
- Encourage regional cooperation and are consistent with regional objectives;
- Support/stimulate sustainable agriculture;
- Result in permanent protection of land via purchase or conservation easement;
- Involve people of all ages, especially youth;
- Educate the general public about the value of conservation principles and practices;
- Provide nature experiences for urban residents;
- Address needs that are not fully met by existing organization or community resources;
- Benefit the 19 counties of the Great Miami and Little Miami watersheds.
Funding Information
$100,000.
Uses of Funds
Funding can be used for various purposes, including:
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Capital expenses such as tools, equipment, structures, land or building improvements;
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Organizational support or staffing including full-time, part-time or contract. Must include detailed description of each staff role in the project description below if requesting funding for personnel;
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Administrative costs, consulting fees, and personnel if the proposal specifically describes how these expenses serve to complete the project.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
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Be recognized as or partnered with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization
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Benefit the Miami Valley region defined as the 19 counties of the Great Miami River Watershed and the Little Miami River Watershed
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Have the resources (financial, personnel, capital equipment or otherwise) to ensure completion of the proposed project
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Propose a project that fulfills a need not yet met in the Miami Valley region.
For more information, visit The Dayton Foundation.
