Dayton, Ohio – The City of Dayton is awarding a total of $103,550 to support 11 community projects through its 2026 Neighborhood Mini Grant Program.
The recipients were announced by Dayton’s Division of Community Engagement. Funding will support a variety of efforts designed to improve neighborhoods and provide benefits to residents. The selected projects range from park improvements and new lighting to cultural events, solar energy, fitness equipment and community planning.
Several organizations will receive the maximum $10,000 award for their projects.
Eleven projects receive funding
The McCook Field Neighborhood Association will receive $10,000 for a solar installation at the Claridge Community Hub. The Dayton African American Cultural Festival was awarded $10,000 for its “Culture Is Healing” initiative.
Two organizations received funding for Stories Beneath the Bridge. The Edgemont Community Coalition and Carillon Civic Council will each receive $10,000 for their respective projects.
The Walnut Hills Association will receive $3,550 for beautification work at Walnut Hills Park, making it the only award on the list below $10,000.
Dayton View Historic was awarded $10,000 for tree planting and park repairs, while the Oregon Historic District Society, Inc. will receive $10,000 for a safe street lighting project.
The Old North Dayton Neighborhood Association was selected for a $10,000 grant supporting Taste of Old North Dayton.
Another $10,000 will go to the College Hill Neighborhood Association to provide fitness equipment at College Hill Park.
The East Dayton Neighborhood Development Corp. will receive $10,000 for message boards, while the Grafton Hill Association was awarded $10,000 for the McKinley Park Master Plan and two park benches.
Together, the 11 awards represent $103,550 in city support for projects involving beautification, infrastructure improvements, community events and other neighborhood programs.
Dayton has operated the Neighborhood Mini Grant Program for many years. Since 2008, the city has distributed more than $1.1 million through the program.
Funding over that period has gone to neighborhood associations, block clubs, business associations and other organizations that submitted proposals to the city.
The Division of Community Engagement works as a connection between Dayton residents and city government. Its responsibilities include communicating with residents about local concerns, involving neighborhood groups in government and supporting efforts led by residents themselves.
The division operates as part of Dayton’s Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development. Through programs such as the Neighborhood Mini Grant Program, the city provides local groups with funding to turn community ideas into projects intended to improve neighborhoods and benefit residents.
