The Della B. Gardner Fund, administered by The Dayton Foundation, provides funding to support the care and aid of deserving seniors in need within the City of Middletown. This funding opportunity is part of the Della B. Gardner Grant Program and is intended to support nonprofit organizations that serve the senior population in the Middletown area. The program releases an annual Request for Proposals (RFP) to encourage organizations to apply for funding to support their senior-focused initiatives.

Grants awarded through this program can be used for various purposes, including new and ongoing impactful projects or initiatives, the expansion of existing programs, capacity-building efforts to improve efficiency and fundraising capabilities, capital campaign projects (such as the purchase of real estate, construction, renovation, and furnishings), software for development and fundraising programs, and program-related operational costs. The funding is intended to strengthen nonprofit organizations' ability to provide long-term, sustainable support to seniors.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as recognized by the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, organizations must have been established for at least two years and demonstrate a track record of sustainability. Applicants must serve residents of the Greater Dayton region, which includes Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble, and northern Warren counties. Furthermore, organizations must demonstrate systemic collaboration and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for all individuals.

To apply, organizations must submit an online application through The Dayton Foundation’s grant portal. Required documentation includes a copy of the organization’s most recently completed audit (or an explanation if unavailable), a balance sheet for the most recently completed fiscal year, an income statement for the most recently completed fiscal year, and an itemized project budget detailing revenue sources (secured, pending, or potential) and expenses. The application must be completed and submitted through the portal by the deadline. Email submissions are not accepted.

Applications for the Della FY2025 grant cycle open on February 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM and close on March 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Organizations that have outstanding final reports from previous grants and have not requested an extension will be ineligible to apply for two years following submission of the overdue report. The grant program is managed by Karen Gruenberg, and applicants may contact her for further inquiries at grantapplication@daytonfoundation.org or by phone at (937) 225-9928.

The Dayton Foundation facilitates collaboration by allowing the primary applicant to invite other individuals to assist in completing the application or provide executive approval for submission. Collaborators can be invited through the portal and will receive instructions on how to access the system. If applicants or collaborators have issues with access, they are encouraged to contact the foundation for assistance.