Thanks to the generous support of businesses, families and individuals, the Vandalia-Butler Foundation’s family of funds grew to nearly $10.4 million — an 11.8 percent increase —over last fiscal year, according to the foundation’s newly released annual report.

“These resources will continue to strengthen our community today and for generations to come,” wrote co-chairs Denise Eder and Julie Trick in a letter to the community. “At its heart, the Vandalia-Butler Foundation is about people who care deeply about this community and who believe that, by working together, we can make it even stronger.”

The highlights:

• The Foundation awarded nearly $80,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, a new record.
• Teachers received $36,940 in new educational grants for innovative classroom projects, another new record.
• Six nonprofit organizations in the community shared $6,000 in discretionary grants.
• Two local landmarks, Christy’s Family Pizzeria and the Airline Dairy Creme, each received $1,500 through the Small Business Opportunity Fund.

In addition, the Vandalia-Butler Foundation, in collaboration with the Vandalia Parks and Recreation Department, hosted a 36-hour pickleball marathon and raised approximately $8,600. The proceeds of the charity event allowed the Foundation to award a VISIONS grant for the installation of a shade structure over the preschool playground at Helke Early Learning Center.

In other high points, co-chair Denise Eder received the 2025 Ambassador of the Year Award from the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce.

Read the 2025-26 annual report here.

To invest in the education of youth, support a community need, create your own charitable fund or leave a legacy that will endure for generations, please consider a gift to any cause in our community that’s close to your heart.

The Vandalia-Butler Foundation and its funds are components of The Dayton Foundation. Leadership for the Vandalia-Butler Foundation rests in our own community, while fiscal oversight of our funds is maintained by The Dayton Foundation, which serves the Dayton/Miami Valley area. This partnership allows for the Vandalia-Butler community to benefit from local leadership and profit from resources pooled with others for investment growth.

For more information or questions, visit our website or send an email to info@vandalia-butlerfoundation.org.