July 2026 Opportunity Brief
- RoShawn Winburn
- Jul 1
- 10 min read
Grants, free concerts, and a decision that will shape Dayton for a decade!
Monthly Community Intelligence Brief · July 2026 · Dayton Weekly News Editorial Team
July arrives with a full hand. A once-in-a-decade decision about which Dayton neighborhoods get federal investment closes on July 10, and most of our community doesn't know about it yet. Free concerts are running all month at the Levitt. The Montgomery County Fair is back. Grant portals are open. And a free job training program at our HBCU still has seats. This is your complete July briefing — everything actionable, everything verified, everything yours.
JULY 10 DEADLINE
Ohio is redrawing its Opportunity Zone map for the next ten years — and the nomination window closes July 10, 2026. Separately, the state's 10% Opportunity Zone Tax Credit application window also opens July 10 and runs only through July 17. These two processes share a date but serve different audiences. Both matter deeply to Dayton's Black neighborhoods and investors.
If your block, your project, or your community isn't in front of the state by July 10, you are not in the next decade's conversation. See the full entry below under Funding & Economic Development.
THIS MONTH AT A GLANCE
July 4 — Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival · Ohio's largest single-day July 4th celebration
July 4 — Levitt Pavilion: Honoring Our Veterans with Eric Jerardi Band · 7 PM · Free
July 9 — Levitt Pavilion: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears with opener Khrys Blank · 7 PM · Free
July 10 — Ohio Opportunity Zone Tax Credit application window opens · Closes July 17
July 10 — Ohio OZ 2.0 Nomination Form deadline · Shapes Dayton-area designations through 2037
July 14–19 — 174th Montgomery County Fair · Arthur O. Fisher Park, Jefferson Township · ⚠️ Verify dates — see note below
July 16 — Levitt Pavilion: Larry McCray · 7 PM · Free
August 7 — Greater Dayton Conservation Fund grant deadline · Coming up fast
August 13 — Dayton Foundation Basic Human Needs grant deadline · Portal opens mid-July
October 2 — City of Dayton Community Engagement Grants close · Apply now while funds remain
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FUNDING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Ohio Is Redrawing Its Opportunity Zone Map — Dayton Neighborhoods Have Until July 10
⏰ Deadline: July 10, 2026 — OZ 2.0 Nomination Form
⏰ Deadline: July 10–17, 2026 — State Tax Credit Application Window
Organization: Ohio Department of Development
Details: development.ohio.gov
In July 2025, Congress made the federal Opportunity Zones program permanent and launched a redesignation cycle running through 2026. Ohio's Governor has a 90-day window — opening July 1 — to nominate up to 258 eligible census tracts for new Opportunity Zone designation. Designations take effect January 1, 2027 and lock in place through 2037. The Ohio Department of Development opened its community input portal on June 10 and is seeking recommendations from local governments, developers, community organizations, and residents on which tracts to prioritize. The form closes July 10.
There are currently 18 Opportunity Zones in Montgomery County — 17 inside the City of Dayton and one in Harrison Township. These designations direct private capital into underserved communities through federal and state tax incentives. Ohio layers its own 10% nonrefundable state tax credit for investments made through Ohio Qualified Opportunity Funds — one of the most meaningful incentive stacks in the country for attracting development to low-income neighborhoods.
Separately, the Ohio OZ Tax Credit application window for investments made January 1 through June 30, 2026 opens July 10 and closes July 17. Credits historically sell out during the first week.
Who should act: Community development organizations, neighborhood association leaders, city officials, developers, CDFIs, and any organization working in low-income Dayton-area census tracts. Submit the nomination form at development.ohio.gov. Investors should contact Ohio Department of Development Business Incentives Administrator Patrick Conley at Patrick.Conley@development.ohio.gov about the tax credit window.
Greater Dayton Conservation Fund — $100,000 Available · Deadline August 7, 2026
⏰ Deadline: August 7, 2026
Organization: Greater Dayton Conservation Fund of The Dayton Foundation
The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund has reopened its 2026 grant cycle after a one-year pause, offering $100,000 total to nonprofit organizations and community partners working to protect and enhance natural environments across the Great Miami and Little Miami River watersheds. This is a 19-county Southwest Ohio program. For communities along the Great Miami River corridor — including Trotwood, Miamisburg, Hamilton, and Franklin — this is a meaningful capital source for greenway, cleanup, and environmental education projects.
Who should act: Environmental nonprofits, parks organizations, watershed groups, neighborhood beautification coalitions, and youth environmental education programs.
Dayton Foundation Basic Human Needs Grants — Portal Opens Mid-July · Deadline August 13
⏰ Deadline: August 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Organization: The Dayton Foundation
Contact: Alexis Norman, Program Officer · (937) 225-9928
Apply: daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities — portal opens 30 days prior
The Dayton Foundation's quarterly Basic Human Needs grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food, shelter, healthcare, and clothing across Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Preble, and Warren (north) counties. The application portal opens in mid-July. This is a lifeline for Black-led social service organizations in West Dayton, Trotwood, Huber Heights, and surrounding communities. If your organization hasn't applied before, this cycle is the time to start.
Who should act: Food pantries, emergency shelters, free health clinics, clothing assistance programs, and nonprofits providing direct services for basic needs in the five-county region.
City of Dayton Community Engagement Grants — Apply Before Funds Run Out
Deadline: October 2, 2026 — or until depleted
Award: Up to $1,000 per organization
Up to $1,000 is available for neighborhood associations, block clubs, priority boards, and business associations within the City of Dayton. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before your planned event — so if you're planning a late-summer or fall block party, you need to apply in July. Funds will not last until October.
Who should act: Block captains, neighborhood association presidents, priority board members, and faith communities with neighborhood programs.
Montgomery County MicroEnterprise Grants — $2,500 to $25,000 for Minority-Owned Small Businesses
Ongoing — contact to confirm current availability
Organization: Montgomery County Community Development
Contact: (937) 225-4326 · selectmcohio.com
Montgomery County's MicroEnterprise Grant Program was built specifically for small businesses owned by women, veterans, and minorities with five or fewer employees and annual revenues under $500,000. Awards from $2,500 to $25,000 can be used for equipment, facility improvements, and working capital. This is one of the most direct wealth-building tools available to Black small business owners in Montgomery County — and one of the most underutilized by the communities it was designed to serve.
Who should act: Black-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses with storefronts in Montgomery County — trades, food service, professional services, retail, and health and wellness.
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WORKFORCE & JOBS
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FREE Workforce Certificates at Central State University — Seats Still Available This Summer
Ongoing enrollment — space limited · Act now
Location: CSU-Dayton and Wilberforce campus
Contact: oobayanju@centralstate.edu · (937) 376-6009
Central State University's Workforce Training and Business Development Center continues to offer 30 completely free certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, information technology, and data management — funded by a $3.58 million federal Department of Commerce grant. These programs are free for residents of Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties and feed directly into hiring pipelines at Joby Aviation and the region's expanding manufacturing and defense-tech sectors. Each course is capped at 30 participants. Summer enrollment is open now.
Who should act: Anyone who is unemployed, underemployed, or ready to move into a higher-paying career in manufacturing or tech. Share this with your church, your neighbor, and your network.
OhioMeansJobs Montgomery County — Free Job Search, Career Coaching, and Employer Connections
Location: The Job Center, 1111 Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton
Hours: Monday–Friday · (937) 225-JOBS (5627)
Website: ohiomeansjobs.com
Montgomery County is home to the nation's largest One-Stop Workforce Center — and it is completely free. OhioMeansJobs serves over 500,000 clients annually with resume help, interview coaching, job posting access, career counseling, and direct employer connections across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, IT, and professional services. If you are in a job search or planning a career transition this summer, the Job Center is your first stop.
Who should act: Job seekers at every career stage — recent graduates, returning citizens, veterans, career changers, and anyone displaced by a layoff or industry shift.
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EVENTS — JULY 2026
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Levitt Pavilion Dayton — Free Concerts All Month
Location: 134 S. Main St., Downtown Dayton
All concerts free · No ticket or RSVP required
Full schedule: levittdayton.org/concert-schedule
The Levitt Pavilion's 2026 Eichelberger Concert Season runs through September. The lawn opens at 6 PM on Thursdays for Happy Hour. Bring a blanket, bring the family, and bring someone who has never been. Every show is free.
July highlights:
Thursday, July 2 — Ernie Johnson from Detroit (Jazz Series) with opener MelinaMarie · 7 PM
Friday, July 3 — Honoring Our Veterans with Eric Jerardi Band · 7 PM
Thursday, July 9 — Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears (Blues Series) with opener Khrys Blank · 7 PM
Friday, July 10 — Steep Canyon Rangers with opener The Shady Pine · 7 PM
Saturday, July 11 — Angie K with opener Ali Auburn · 7 PM
Thursday, July 16 — Larry McCray · 7 PM
Friday, July 17 — J2B2 (John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band) with opener Berachah Valley · 7 PM
Saturday, July 18 — Shakespeare! (Gem City Groundlings) · 7 PM
Who should act: Everyone.
174th Montgomery County Fair — "Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights"
July 20–25 — Verify Before Attending
Location: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road, Jefferson Township
Official site: montcofair.com · (937) 224-1619
The 174th Montgomery County Fair celebrates America's 250th birthday under the theme "Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights." The fair features rides, live entertainment, livestock shows, demolition derby, 4H and junior fair competitions, a rodeo, acrobatic circus, tinsmith demonstrations, fair food, and added free attractions this year. Kids 6 and under are always free.
We recommend visiting montcofair.com or calling (937) 224-1619 to confirm before you go.
Who should act: Families across Montgomery County. Black-owned vendors and food entrepreneurs should contact the fairgrounds directly about vendor and sponsorship opportunities.
Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival — July 4, 2026
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Centerville, Ohio
Details: americanafestival.org
Ohio's largest single-day Fourth of July celebration draws 85,000 visitors and features a 5K run, parade, street fair, classic car show, live entertainment, and family activities — celebrating hometown pride since 1972. A major vendor opportunity for Black-owned food and craft businesses in the region.
Who should act: Families across Southwestern Ohio. Black-owned business owners interested in vendor opportunities for future years should contact organizers at americanafestival.org.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
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Dayton Foundation ScholarshipCONNECT — Award Checks Mailing This Month
Next application cycle opens: December 2026
Details: daytonfoundation.org/scholarships
If a student in your life was awarded a Dayton Foundation scholarship for the 2026–27 school year, their check is being mailed to their institution this month. The 2026–27 application cycle is now closed — but the 2027–28 cycle opens December 2026. Now is the right time to identify a student who should apply next cycle and help them prepare.
Active scholarship funds specifically for African-American students include:
Waverly Glover Scholarship — business/accounting at CSU or Wilberforce
Golden Thirteen Naval Scholarship — African-American students pursuing a U.S. Navy career
C.J. McLin Jr. Scholarship
Doris H. Wilson Scholarship — Montgomery County graduating seniors
Deloris Winslow Scholarship — social work/political science, Clark or Montgomery County minorities
Pearl A. Dale and Audrey Parker Scholarship
Alexander-Bickley Scholarship — female Dayton Public Schools graduates in STEM
Who should act: Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, pastors, and mentors. Mark December 2026 on your calendar and keep a student on track.
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CIVIC AFFAIRS
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AdaptDayton Zoning Overhaul — Public Comment Window Still Open
Public comment closes mid-summer 2026
Organization: City of Dayton Planning Division
Details: daytonohio.gov
The City of Dayton's comprehensive zoning overhaul — AdaptDayton — remains in active public comment. Decisions made in this process will determine where affordable housing gets built, how historic Black commercial corridors are protected, and what development is allowed near existing neighborhoods. July is your last clear window to weigh in before the comment period closes. This is the kind of policy process that reshapes cities quietly while people are busy with summer.
Who should act: All Dayton residents — especially those in West and North Dayton, Trotwood, and historically underinvested corridors.
Montgomery County Board of Commissioners — July Public Sessions
Location: 451 W. Third St., Dayton — 1st Floor Hearing Room
Work Sessions: 9:30 AM · Public Sessions: 1:30 PM
Agendas: mcohio.org
The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meets bi-weekly through the summer. July sessions are important for monitoring ARPA closeout allocations, infrastructure approvals, and mid-year budget amendments. Public comment is accepted at the start of each public session — register to speak 15 minutes before the session opens.
Who should act: Community advocates, nonprofit leaders, business owners, and residents with concerns about county-level investment priorities in the second half of 2026.
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YOUR JULY ACTION LIST
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1. Submit the Ohio OZ 2.0 Nomination Form before July 10 if you represent a neighborhood or community organization that wants investment directed to a specific Dayton-area census tract. Visit development.ohio.gov.
2. Apply for the Dayton Foundation Basic Human Needs Grant when the portal opens in mid-July — deadline August 13 at 4:00 PM. Start preparing now at daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities.
3. Apply for the Greater Dayton Conservation Fund grant before August 7 if your organization does environmental, greenway, or watershed work — $100,000 available. daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities
4. Call Montgomery County Development Services this week about the MicroEnterprise Grant: (937) 225-4326. Up to $25,000 for minority-owned small businesses — confirm availability now.
5. Call Central State University about free workforce certificates before summer seats fill: oobayanju@centralstate.edu or (937) 376-6009.
6. Apply for the City of Dayton Community Engagement Grant now if you're planning any fall neighborhood event — apply six weeks ahead: daytonohio.gov/communityengagement.
7. Take a student to the Levitt this month. Black Joe Lewis (July 9) and Larry McCray (July 16) are both free. levittdayton.org/concert-schedule
8. Confirm Montgomery County Fair dates before you go — call (937) 224-1619 or check montcofair.com directly.
9. Submit public comment on AdaptDayton before the window closes — visit daytonohio.gov.
10. Mark December 2026 on your calendar right now for ScholarshipCONNECT applications — and identify a student who should apply.
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The Dayton Weekly News July Opportunity Brief is produced from verified public sources including the Ohio Department of Development, The Dayton Foundation, Levitt Pavilion Dayton, Montgomery County Development Services, OhioMeansJobs Montgomery County, Central State University, WDTN, WYSO, and the City of Dayton. All information verified as of July 13, 2026. Deadlines and event details are subject to change — confirm directly with the hosting organization before acting. DWN does not receive compensation for listing any opportunity in this brief.
