Dayton, Ohio – The City of Dayton is investing $103,550 in 11 neighborhood improvement initiatives through its 2026 Neighborhood Mini Grant program, supporting projects ranging from park improvements and street lighting to community events, fitness equipment and solar installation.
The funding is being awarded through Dayton’s Division of Community Engagement. The program provides financial support for projects proposed by neighborhood groups and other local organizations that are designed to benefit residents and improve communities.
Ten of the 11 selected initiatives will receive $10,000 each, while the Walnut Hills Association will receive $3,550 for its project.
Funding supports projects across Dayton
The McCook Field Neighborhood Association will receive $10,000 for a solar installation at the Claridge Community Hub. The project adds an infrastructure focused initiative to this year’s group of Neighborhood Mini Grant recipients.
Another $10,000 will go to the Dayton African American Cultural Festival for its “Culture Is Healing” initiative.
The Edgemont Community Coalition and Carillon Civic Council were each awarded $10,000 for projects called Stories Beneath the Bridge. Although the two organizations are receiving separate awards, both initiatives carry the same project name.
The Walnut Hills Association will receive $3,550 for beautification work at Walnut Hills Park.
Dayton View Historic was awarded $10,000 for tree planting and park repairs, adding another outdoor improvement project to the 2026 funding package.
The Oregon Historic District Society, Inc. will receive $10,000 for Safe Street Lighting, an initiative focused on neighborhood infrastructure and lighting.
The Old North Dayton Neighborhood Association was selected for a $10,000 grant for Taste of Old North Dayton, supporting a community-focused event.
College Hill Neighborhood Association will use its $10,000 award to add fitness equipment at College Hill Park.
East Dayton Neighborhood Development Corp. was also awarded $10,000. Its funding will support the installation or development of message boards.
The final $10,000 award will go to the Grafton Hill Association for the McKinley Park Master Plan and two park benches.
Together, the projects show the range of activities supported by Dayton’s Neighborhood Mini Grant program. Some funding is aimed at physical improvements such as park repairs, lighting, benches, solar equipment, and fitness facilities. Other awards support events and programs intended to encourage community participation.
The 2026 awards also continue a funding program that has been operating in Dayton for nearly two decades.
Since 2008, the city has awarded more than $1.1 million through Neighborhood Mini Grants. Funding has gone to neighborhood associations, block clubs, business associations, and other organizations that submitted proposals for projects within Dayton.
The Division of Community Engagement manages the program as part of its broader work with residents and neighborhood organizations.
The division serves as a connection between Dayton residents and city government, communicating with people about concerns in their neighborhoods and encouraging residents to participate in local government. It also supports efforts led directly by residents to improve their communities.
The Division of Community Engagement operates within Dayton’s Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development.
With $103,550 being distributed in 2026, the latest round of grants will allow 11 organizations to move forward with projects in different parts of Dayton. The initiatives include improvements to parks and public spaces, new equipment, infrastructure work and events designed to bring residents together.
The awards continue the city’s long running Neighborhood Mini Grant program while giving local groups direct financial support to carry out projects they have identified as beneficial to their communities.
