More than $19,000 awarded to support projects, programs benefiting Vinton County
McARTHUR, Ohio – The Vinton County Community Fund (VCCF), in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded nine grants, totaling $19,250, to support projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“These grants represent our commitment to bringing together gifts of time, talent and treasure to make an immediate and lasting difference across our county,” said Bruce Knox, a founding VCCF committee member. “We are grateful to the donors who fund these grants and to the doers who turn that funding into opportunities for our neighbors.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Vinton County were invited to apply for grants to advance opportunities across five areas essential to flourishing communities: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the collective potential within Vinton County.
Grants were awarded to:
- Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio to enroll additional Vinton County children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
- Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center to expand the Vinton County Middle School before- and after-school program to include student and family meal support
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio to help cover the cost of overnight stays for Vinton County families
- Southern Ohio Soles Inc. to expand a program in Vinton County that provides underprivileged children with new shoes, supported by the Mitchell Family Youth Development Fund
- Truth Food Pantry in Hamden to help cover the cost of refrigerating the pantry’s food
- Vinton County Local Schools to fund Vinton County Middle School Junior Beta Club’s participation in the Leadership Summit, supported by the Mitchell Family Youth Development Fund
- Vinton Soil & Water Conservation District to purchase new equipment for the local National Archery in the Schools Program
In addition, VCCF, with funding from FAO, awarded two grants to support projects developed and implemented by local youth under age 18. The goal of this funding is to inspire young people to embrace roles as changemakers committed to creating strong, vibrant communities. VCCF awarded youth-led grants to:
- Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center to fund a project spearheaded by students in the Viking Quest after-school program at Vinton County Middle School. Students will create a sustainable raised flower bed at the school that will enhance the outdoor environment while providing learning opportunities in horticulture, teamwork and community service.
- Vinton County Local Schools to support four community service projects spearheaded by Vinton County Middle School Junior Beta Club students. These projects will benefit local veterans, senior citizens, students with multiple disabilities and children who are hospitalized due to cancer or another serious illness.
VCCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2022 to develop and grow permanent charitable resources that provide continuous investment in Vinton County and its nonprofits, schools and communities.
To learn more about VCCF and how to support its work, email Vinton@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111.