Gifts to the Vinton County Community Fund’s endowment fund are invested, with earnings from those dollars returned to our communities through grants to nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving our neighbors.

With the support of our donors and in partnership with FAO, our grants fund projects and programs that advance opportunities across five areas, known as our Pillars of Prosperity: 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 2024 grant application closed Sept. 10.

A growing impact, year after year

More than $19,000 awarded in 2024!

In 2024, the Vinton County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, awarded nine grants, totaling $19,250, to support projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities, including two grants for projects developed and implemented by Vinton County youth.

Grant Recipients

  • 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.

  • Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio to enroll an additional 68 Vinton County children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
  • The iBELIEVE Foundation to fund the participation of five Vinton County youth in the 2024 iBELIEVE Youth Leadership Workshops
  • Ohio State University Extension – Vinton County to support the participation of Vinton County residents ages 18-35 in the 2024 Emerging Leaders Workshop
  • Sojourners Care Network to provide Vinton County youth experiencing homelessness at least one warm holiday experience this December
  • Village of McArthur, McArthur Park Board and Wyman Park to purchase additional equipment for recreational activities at the park
  • Vinton County Cancer Research to purchase gas cards for Vinton County residents traveling for medical care due to a cancer diagnosis

  • Vinton County Schools Beta Club to finance the club’s community service projects and participation in leadership events such as the State Convention and Leadership Summit

  • Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio to sustain and grow the enrollment of Vinton County children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
  • Hocking Athens Perry Community Action to support the St. Francis Food Pantry and provide services to food prescription patients in Vinton County
  • United Way of Vinton County to help fund marketing materials, incentives and events for the Vinton County Cares initiative, which is building and implementing a framework for volunteerism in the county
  • Village of McArthur and the McArthur Park Board to help extend a sidewalk and make the restrooms at Wyman Park more accessible
  • Vinton County Soil and Water Conservation District to purchase equipment that will allow for the expansion of the National Archery in the Schools Program locally

Explore other grant opportunities available through our family of funds and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

All grant opportunities