Dolan Auto Group Awards $150,000 to Local Schools
The annual initiative supports community engagement projects and facility improvements across Northern Nevada.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Philanthropy

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Dolan Auto Group has awarded $150,000 to 15 classrooms and three schools in Reno and the surrounding area. The funding was distributed through the Dolan Class Project, which allows students and staff to submit proposals for school enhancements.
Why it matters
The grants provide essential funding for student-centered community engagement and infrastructure needs. These resources aim to bolster educational environments by directly supporting local projects selected through public participation.
This year, 15 classrooms received $5,000 each while three schools were granted $25,000 each. The program drew from a pool of 27 classroom and 15 school submissions evaluated through community voting.
The players
Dolan Auto Group
This automotive company operates in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Fernley and sponsors the annual Class Project.
The details
Winning participants submitted videos highlighting their community engagement efforts and specific school improvement requirements. The final recipients were determined following a community voting period that allowed Reno area residents to cast daily ballots.
Timeline
The Dolan Class Project initiative began in 2011.
Community voting for this year's grants opened on Sept. 28, 2026.
The public voting process concluded on Oct. 4, 2026.
The project winners were officially announced on Oct. 20, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the ongoing trend of regional businesses deepening local ties through community-voted philanthropy. It positions the organization as a central pillar in the Northern Nevada educational support landscape.
Local schools benefit from direct financial injections that can fund projects not covered by standard budgets. Families and community members influence these outcomes by participating in the annual voting process.
The takeaway
The project underscores how public voting can effectively drive corporate charity toward specific classroom needs. Residents interested in future funding cycles should prepare to track video submission deadlines starting in late summer.
Further reading
Learn more about local community support initiatives on the Reno Philanthropy page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nevada Business Magazine.
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