More than $41,000 awarded to support 12 projects and programs
McARTHUR, Ohio – The Vinton County Community Fund (VCCF), with the support of its donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded $41,360 during its 2025 grant cycle to advance 12 projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the passion of the individuals and organizations leading these efforts, we’re seeing real investment in the well-being and future of Vinton County,” said Candice Walton, VCCF committee member. “Together, we’re addressing needs and creating lasting opportunities for our neighbors, our youth and our communities.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Vinton County were invited to apply for grants – made possible by gifts to VCCF’s endowment fund – to advance opportunities across five funding areas: 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 potential within Vinton County.
The 2025 grant recipients are:
- CARE United Methodist Outreach to provide Vinton County families with support for rent, utilities and other assistance
- Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio to increase local enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and to provide books to Vinton County children in the program
- Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center received two grants, both supported by the Mitchell Family Youth Development Fund: (1) to support student and family meal services during Vinton County Middle School’s Viking Quest after-school program and (2) to cover the cost of driver’s education coursework and instruction for Vinton County High School students in need of financial assistance
- Hocking College Foundation to fund packaging materials for the ready-to-eat meals 740 Rescue Kitchen provides to Vinton County residents experiencing food insecurity
- Southern Ohio Soles Inc. to provide underprivileged children in Vinton County with new shoes, supported by the Mitchell Family Youth Development Fund
- Truth Food Pantry in Hamden to help cover electricity costs, supported by the Mitchell Family Youth Development Fund
- Village of McArthur to fund improvements to Wyman Park’s sand playground
- Vinton County Local Schools received three grants: (1) to support the Project Backpack program, which provides nonperishable food twice a month to approximately 700 students facing food insecurity, supported by the Mitchell Family Youth Development Fund; (2) to cover transportation costs for college and career field trips for Vinton County High School students, supported by the Mitchell Family Youth Development Fund; and (3) to establish a program to provide basic necessities, such as socks and hygiene products, to students at Vinton County South Elementary
- Wilton Civic Association to purchase new tables for the Wilkesville Community Center
VCCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2022 to develop and grow permanent resources that provide continuous investment in Vinton County and its nonprofits, schools and communities. Each year, earnings from charitable giving to VCCF’s endowment fund are reinvested in Vinton County through grants that meet the county’s greatest needs and most promising opportunities.