Create a
Long-Term Fund.
Take the long view.
We encourage you to apply for our various grants —
and help us build these programs with gifts of any size.
This is the ultimate in DIY philanthropy.
You can work with the Vandalia-Butler Foundation to create your own fund and recommend grants to any
organization or cause in our community.
This allows you control over your distributions, guaranteeing income for your favorite charity in perpetuity. If your designated organization ceases to exist or loses its not-for-profit status, we will help choose a similar beneficiary that can best carry out your intent.
Other donors can add to your fund at any time with gifts of cash, appreciated securities, real estate or tangible property.
Through the Dayton Foundation, we can facilitate even the most complex planned gifts through your estate or make
possible charitable gift options that also provide income for life.
Learn more: CLICK HERE
Active Donor-Advised
and Designated Funds
Sylvia and Lawrence Brazie Family Fund (1996)
This fund will enhance growth of non-profit organizations as designated by the donors, Sylvia and her late husband Larry, founder and chairman emeritus of Westminster Financial Companies and a board member emeritus of the Vandalia-Butler Foundation.
Orville Cotterman Charitable Fund (2010)
This fund provides operating funds to the Historical Society of Vandalia-Butler and Vandalia United Methodist Church. Orville Cotterman, a retiree of Frigidaire and a former Vandalia City councilman and school board member, was a lifelong resident of Vandalia until his passing in 2010.
Colin and Lori Gatland Family Fund (2000)
Love of animals motivated the Gatlands to establish this fund to promote and generally further the charitable and educational activities and institutions involving animals and their relationship to man. Lori Gatland is a Vandalia-Butler Foundation trustee emeritus.
The Historical Society of Vandalia-Butler Endowment Fund (2001)
The Historical Society, founded in 1977, established this endowment to help preserve, maintain and make capital improvements to this organization’s property.
David A. and Kathryn E. Horner Family Memorial Fund (1997)
Established in memory of David, Kathryn, Jonathan, Carmen and Preston Horner, who perished in a train accident in central Ohio in 1997, this fund focuses on different causes in alternate years. In odd numbered years, the fund supports Boy Scout Troop #307, as well as a student enrolled in the law enforcement program at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center. In even numbered years, a scholarship is awarded to a Butler High School senior with an interest in music.
The Neal Family Hope Fund (2004)
This fund will further the charitable interests of the Neal family, who will advise grants to not-for-profit organizations of their choice. Martin and Debra Neal’s daughter Elizabeth, and her horse Hope, were the inspiration for the fun and the fund’s name.
Helen S. Lawson Fund for Historical Society of Vandalia-Butler (2022).
This fund provides annual income for the Historical Society of Vandalia-Butler.
Thomas Schieltz-Boy Scout Troop #307 Fund (1994)
Thomas Schieltz, a former scoutmaster of Troop #307, was honored by the creation of this fund. Income from the endowment is used for special outdoor projects, such as camping and canoeing, and individual scholarships for youth with an interest, but not the finances, to attend Boy Scout Camp.
The Senior Wish Fund (1994)
The Senior Wish Fund (1994) Bob and Anne McConnell established this fund to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in Madison, Miami and Montgomery Counties.
The Major Jack Siegrist, M.D. Memorial Fund (2007)
Created in honor of Major Jack Siegrist, M.D., this fund provides financing for high adventure activities, such as scuba diving and rock climbing, for members of the Boy Scouts of America
Troop #204.
Gerald Turner Educational Endowment Fund (2005)
The fund was established for the purpose of providing annual income for the Tuition Assistance Program at Chaminade-Julienne High School. Mr. Turner was president of the Vandalia-Butler Foundation at the time of his death in 2004.
Vandalia-Butler Foundation Fund (1985)
Established to support charitable endeavors benefiting the citizens of Vandalia and Butler Township, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees awards grants to qualified, local non-profit organizations.
Vandalia-Butler Foundation Operations Fund (2003)
Former Board Chair and Trustee Emeritus Gerald Turner and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees established this fund to help ensure that the Vandalia-Butler Foundation will be able to function effectively for years to come.
Vandalia-Butler Historical Society Fund (1994)
This fund was established to endow the Vandalia-Butler Historical Society and to support the efforts of this community-based organization.
Vandalia Lions Endowment Fund (2001)
The Vandalia Lions Club and the Henry W. Seger Memorial Trust established this fund to further charitable, educational, civic, religious and community activities, undertakings and institutions with the Vandalia-Butler area.
Weisenborn Family Fund (1989)
Benefiting nonprofit activities of interest to Howard and Marcie Weisenborn and their family is the purpose of this fund. Howard’s mother Clara, a former state representative and senator, was probably best known for her daily column in the Dayton Journal Herald, “About Home and Family.”