The Dayton Foundation has received the largest single gift in its 89-year history.  The bequest from Virginia Bernthal Toulmin will more than double the Foundation's ability to make discretionary grants.  Look here for more about the gift and what it will mean for our community.  For information about discretionary grants visit www.daytonfoundation.org/how2app.html and review the list of organizations that received discretionary grants in the first half of 2010.

This gift will offer some relief to a nonprofit community that is struggling to survive.  The past month brought sad news that the 46-year old Miami Valley Literacy Council is closing, Kids Voting Dayton has filed for bankruptcy, and Wesley Community Center, an anchor for people in West Dayton, is struggling to make payroll.

More critical funding is on the line with the Human Services Levy up for renewal at the November 2 election.  The programs that rely on this funding help thousands of children, the elderly, homeless people, people with mental illness and developmental disabilities, and other community members facing great difficulties. www.keepourhumanservices.com

On a hopeful note, Dayton is testing out Harlem Children's Zone's successful model for breaking the cycle of poverty.  To learn about the Harlem Children's Zone and better understand the issues of innercity poverty please read Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America.