Program deadline today

Today is the deadline for a grant program that’s been promoted as a way to get small cash gifts to downtown Dayton businesses.

The grant program was launched by Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Dayton Partnership and CareSource Foundation to give grants between $2,000 to $10,000 to downtown Dayton businesses. Applications started May 14 and the deadline to apply is 5 p.m. today, May 22.

The grant program is called REOPEN Downtown Dayton and applications are at reopendayton.com.

The CareSource Foundation donated $500,000 toward the program and the Downtown Dayton Partnership said it contributed $200,000 to the fund.

The announcement said the goal is to distribute the money within a few weeks of the closure of the application window.

Applicant businesses must be locally-owned and located in downtown Dayton. The program is specifically seeking to help restaurants, bars, retailers, salons, barbers and personal service companies.

Grant applications will be considered by a panel of Dayton area business leaders, and the number of grants awarded will be based on the number of applications received. Award decisions will be made based on the merit of the applicant. It is not a firstcome, first-served process, organizers said.

Dayton is still looking for additional funders. The organizations said that to contribute to the fund, contact REOPEN Dayton Grant Program, visit ReopenDayton.com or contact the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. KAITLIN SCHROEDER, STAFF WRITER