United Way of the Greater Dayton Area creates grant program to promote racial equity

DAYTON — The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area created a new grant program that promotes racial equity.

“We know that educating about racial equity is one of the most important steps in getting people involved,” said Tom Maultsby, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area President and CEO.

The organization plans to get people involved in the cause through a total of $7,500 in grants.

“It’s not just for the black community,” Maultsby said.

“This is for anyone that wants to engage. Some groups may be all of one race, but they are having these conversations that are going to help move us forward and to move us upward in terms of this centuries old issue that we have had in our country with race.”

The organization will award three $2,500 grants. The grants are open to residents of Montgomery, Greene and Preble Counties.

“At this point in time we know the history. We know how we got here. What we want to talk about is how we get better and we want everyone in our community to become part of that,” he said.

Maultsby hopes that the program and others like it will encourage better community involvement.

“We’re hoping that people are going to say ‘Wow this is how we can make positive steps toward being a better community in this regard.’”

Applicants must submit an application before March 1.

Cox Media Group