The Dayton Foundation announced today that it has surpassed $300 million in current assets—edging the Foundation close to the top 5 percent of all U.S. community foundations in total assets under management. Closing figures for December 31, 2006, showed assets under management at The Dayton Foundation have risen to $329.6 million. At the close of the Foundation’s fiscal year on June 30, 2006, assets were at $299 million.

According to Fred C. Setzer, Jr., chair of The Dayton Foundation Governing Board, “This is an historic event in The Dayton Foundation’s and the community’s history. It says that philanthropy is alive and well in the Greater Dayton region.”

During the 2006 calendar year, said Foundation President Michael M. Parks, The Dayton Foundation added 223 new funds, including 87 new current and deferred endowment funds and 136 new funds to the Foundation’s Charitable Checking Account ServiceSM. “This is a wonderful demonstration of people’s commitment to the community. We’re grateful for these donors’ faith in The Dayton Foundation’s ability to help them make the greatest difference. This growth in assets also means that donors’ charitable gifts through the Foundation will continue to grow and improve the quality of life in our region.”

The Dayton Foundation has grown nearly 90-fold, from $3.7 million 25 years ago, to $329.6 million in assets under management at the close of calendar 2006. Additionally, legacy (deferred) gifts currently stand at $219 million.

Parks remarked, “As government has made cuts in social programs and there have been more and more demands on corporate and private support, community foundations are coming to play an increasingly greater role in keeping their local communities vital and strong. Foundations like The Dayton Foundation can be a tremendous help in assuring that our region is ready for the challenges of the future.”

“To ensure this,” Parks added, “we will continue to inform local citizens about how they can use the services of The Dayton Foundation to maximize the value of their charitable gifts and make the greatest possible difference. We also will continue to work for the asset growth of the Foundation, because it is clear that our community will need this to be prepared for the coming decades.”

The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, is the regional community foundation that serves the multi-county Greater Miami Valley. The Foundation offers donors unique and tax-advantaged services to meet their individualized, charitable-giving needs. The Dayton Foundation invests and manages donors’ charitable funds, and provides grants and leadership to help meet present and future community needs.