The Disability Foundation, a supporting organization of The Dayton Foundation, is offering grant opportunities for fiscal year 2025. The foundation seeks to fund competitive proposals from organizations that provide direct services to individuals living with disabilities. This funding opportunity is specifically targeted at organizations operating in Ohio, with a preference given to those located in southwest Ohio. The foundation encourages new applicants and notes that past recipients should not expect to receive funding every year. Additionally, organizations may only submit one application within a 12-month period, with a maximum funding request of $10,000.

The purpose of the grant is to support organizations that provide direct services to individuals with disabilities. Eligible projects may include the expansion of existing services, purchase of equipment to enhance accessibility, housing initiatives, remodeling projects to improve accessibility, acquisition of durable medical or assistive equipment, and other initiatives that directly support individuals living with disabilities. The foundation emphasizes that grants will be awarded to vetted nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) charities, government agencies, and academic institutions serving the disabled community.

To be considered for funding, applicants must submit a completed application, ensuring that all sections are fully answered. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. The application must be submitted in Word format, while required supporting documents—including an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (if applicable), IRS Form 990, a balance sheet and income statement for the most recent fiscal year, and a board member list with affiliations—must be sent as PDFs. The deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025. Applications should be emailed to Greg Darling at gdarling@daytonfoundation.org, and a confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission.

The review process will be conducted by the foundation, and funding decisions will be communicated to applicants no later than April 30, 2025. Organizations that receive funding are required to submit a final narrative and financial report by January 31, 2026, or upon project completion. This report should include a summary of how funds were used, challenges encountered, the number of people served, measurable outcomes, and a budget reconciliation statement comparing actual income and expenses against the proposed budget.

For applicants seeking additional guidance, The Disability Foundation provides support during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Greg Darling via email or phone to discuss eligibility, project ideas, or any other questions regarding the application process.