Climate Resilience Fund

Climate Resilience Fund is sponsored by City of Dayton, Ohio and University of Dayton. Funds community-driven projects addressing environmental issues like food access and waste reduction.

Climate Resilience Fund | Dayton, OH The City of Dayton and the University of Dayton are excited are excited to announce a sustainability grant aimed at supporting non-profit and non-governmental organizations within the City of Dayton limits .

This initiative is designed to foster community-driven projects that align with guiding principles and focus areas illustrated on pages 9 through 11 of the City of Dayton's Sustainability Strategy (PDF) and the University of Dayton's Sustainability Goals (PDF) on pages 30-34. If this opportunity aligns with your organization's goals and objectives, we encourage you to apply.

The sustainability grant is intended to fund projects that address crucial community needs and environmental injustices, such as food access, energy efficiency, waste reduction or diversion, and environmental education. Eligible projects should demonstrate their potential to fill a gap not currently met by existing services or programs.

Unlike many other funding programs that primarily focus on new project-specific grants, this grant can also support the operation of an existing organization or assist with the startup of new organizations, ensuring their sustainability and long-term impact. Anticipated grant award value: Up to $40,000. 00.

However, organizations can apply for smaller amounts and the fund can award multiple organizations. To be considered for the grant, organizations must: Be a tax-exempt entity or partnered with a tax- exempt entity if you do not have non-profit status. An MOU will be required between the applicant and tax-exempt entity (as fiscal agent) if the proposal is awarded.

If partners need assistance finding a tax-exempt agency, the City of Dayton can assist in facilitation. Align their project with the City of Dayton's Sustainability Strategy (PDF) and the University of Dayton's Sustainability Goals (PDF) Address a community need that is unmet by existing entities. Demonstrate financial and project management expertise to ensure proper stewardship of the funds.

Organizations work or projects must focus within City of Dayton limits. Funding can be used for various purposes, including: Capital expenses such as tools, equipment, structures, or building improvements 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 Administrative costs, consulting fees, and personnel if the proposal specifically describes how these expenses serve to complete a project. Non-Allowable Use of Funds Funding cannot be used for: Interested organizations are required to complete the following steps as part of their application.

Application will open February 1st, 2026, and close on April 30th, 2026. The grant period is for 1 year from receival of funds. Attend or view a recording of the optional pre-grant meeting Recap: Climate Resilience Fund Meeting Monday, March 2 | Meeting | Microsoft Teams Complete the Dayton Climate Resilience Fund form Attach budget and any additional support documents at the bottom of Section 2.

An optional budget template spreadsheet (XLSX) is provided, but an organization may present their own. If selected as a finalist, the organization will be required to meet with committee representatives to move forward in the review process. The meeting can be scheduled in-person or virtual and will last 30-60 minutes.

The grant committee will notify all applicants of final award decisions by June 2026. Funds will be provided via electronic transfer to the checking account of the applicant or fiscal agent in the case of a non-profit partnership. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Alignment with the City of Dayton's Sustainability Strategy and the University of Dayton's Sustainability efforts.

Clearly identify the community needs and outline the potential positive impacts on the City of Dayton’s neighborhoods. Focus on projects that address and mitigate environmental injustices affecting underserved communities. Foster strong relationships with neighborhood residents and community organizations impacted by the project.

Financial and project management expertise. Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project. Timeline and Reporting Requirements Funded projects must be completed within one calendar year of receipt of funds.

The project description should specify the projected timeline for project implementation. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis and are predicated on communication and reporting.

Awarded organizations will be required to submit: A brief midterm report on a provided form within 6 months of receiving funds which includes: Projected timeline to complete project Any changes to the scope of work A final report with detailed expenditures and evidence of completion.

This report will include completion of a form which includes: Total expenditures for the completed project Evidence of completion, photos, videos, and/or documented site visit Summary of project outcomes Presentation delivered to grant committee - scheduled upon completion For questions or additional guidance to complete this proposal, please contact Tim Pritchard with the City of Dayton at tim. pritchard@daytonohio. gov .

Is the funding recurring for 3 years or is each year a discrete grant cycle? Can applicants submit draft proposals for review? When will the funding be available?

Is the grant provided upfront or as a reimbursement? Can applicants ask for partial funding if their full ask is not able to be funded?