WHAT IS THE GRANT FOR?

The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation created the $50,000 "Dorothy Day Davenport Grant" to accomplish or substantially aid in the accomplishment of a significant mission-based project for local historic preservation, education, or patriotic benefits.

This grant is for Sioux Falls recipients only, a tribute to the civic wishes of the Foundation's benefactor, Dorothy Day Davenport.

WHO WAS DOROTHY DAY DAVENPORT?

Dorothy Day Davenport was a founding member of the local Mary Chilton Chapter DAR in 1915. Charles Day, Dorothy's father, was the editor and a major owner of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader; Dorothy later served on its Board of Directors and as its president in 1954.

A lifelong advocate for the DAR and the Sioux Falls community, her bequest to the Chapter enabled the formation of the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation in 1985, through which Dorothy sought to "make Sioux Falls a better and happier place" through financial support of the DAR's mission.

The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation is proud to continue Dorothy's legacy of generosity and passion for civic engagement.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

Each year, a single award of $50,000 will be made to a Sioux Falls tax-exempt, nonprofit or civic organization.

1. Applicants must complete the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation Dorothy Day Davenport Grant application form (general grant policies as found on this website also apply). The deadline for applying is July 1st; letters of interest are encouraged.

   The online application form is listed above; alternatively, we offer a printable paper application that can be mailed.

   A completed paper application form must include original signature(s) and any additional materials. The completed paper application should be sent by U.S. mail (not certified mail) to the Foundation at the following address:

   Mary Chilton DAR Foundation
   PO Box 90716
   Sioux Falls, SD 57109-0716

2. The successful grant applicant will be chosen based on their project's fulfillment of the DAR's mission and the wishes of the grant's namesake, Dorothy Day Davenport.

3. Recognition of the selected Dorothy Day Davenport Grant recipient organization will include a hosted event with special acknowledgments provided.