THE ALLEGRO FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION
The Allegro Fund of The Dayton Foundation was established in 1987 in memory of Hermene Louise Schwarz, a pioneer in performing arts education in Dayton. It has granted almost $100,000 to area performing arts groups.
In 2015, the family of Ms. Schwarz updated the criteria for funding, making both professional and amateur not-for-profit performing arts groups eligible to apply. Not-for-profit performing arts groups may apply for costs associated with performances as well as residencies.
Mission Statement
The Allegro Fund of The Dayton Foundation augments and enriches the artistic education and experience of professionals, students and consumers in dance, theatre and music in the Miami Valley region.
Applicant Criteria
Eligible applicants will be any Miami Valley region nonprofit performing arts organization.The Dayton Foundation considers these six counties to be the Miami Valley region: Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble and Warren (north i.e. Springboro) counties. TheAdvisory Committee has the option of further defining these criteria.
Eligible Expenses
The Allegro Grant may be used for the following expenses:
- Guest artist/teacher residencies
- Costs associated with performances
The organization must submit a plan as to how costs not covered by the Allegro grant will be met. Other resources could include grants from other organizations, pro-rated fees to participating organizations or in-kind contributions.
The organizationmust also demonstrate its capability to administer a residency. No additional fees may be charged to students studying under the resident artist/educator. There may be a charge of admission for the general public.
Staff salaries may not be reduced or responsibilities added as a result of the presence of the resident artist/educator.
- utilize outside guest artists or teachers in the preparation of, and/or in the performance
- show collaboration with existing arts groups
- offer a lecture-demo or some educational component for the audience
How to Apply
The Allegro Fund Advisory Committee will issue a request for proposals that include residencies or performances that will occur within 20 months of the proposal deadline, but not prior to the notification of the grant award. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent indicating the proposed residency and/or performance, the artist/educator if applying for a residency, a plan to secure other funds, explanation of the educational component for audience members and a description of partnering organizations. Following review by the Allegro Fund Advisory Committee organizations whose Letters of Intent were approved by the Committee will be invited to submit a full proposal.
- Request for Proposal released: June 26, 2017
- Letter of Intent due: August 28, 2017
- Notification of Request for Full Proposal:
September 15, 2017
- Full Proposal due: October 20, 2017
- Award Notifications: December 7, 2017
Questions? Please contact Aiyana Marcus at (937) 225-9964 or via email at