The Vandalia-Butler Foundation has launched a vibrant new website that plays off the community’s aviation heritage and the foundation’s upward momentum.

The user-friendly site features intuitive navigation and numerous ways to give as it tells a compelling story of how philanthropic giving has made a real difference in the lives of children, families and businesses in Vandalia and Butler Township for nearly 40 years.

“We wanted to communicate the foundation’s collaborative spirit, love for community — and that we are an organization with a servant’s heart,” said Julie Trick, who co-chairs the Vandalia-Butler Foundation with Candice Farst.

“The foundation’s board of trustees also wanted to offer expanded ways to support our work,” she said. “While our funds are professionally managed by The Dayton Foundation, all giving stays local. We raise funds and invest in people and programs in our community that transform lives.”

Rob Bertke of Berke Creative designed the site, and the foundation’s trustees developed the strategy and wrote and edited the content.

“I’m thrilled with the way the site communicates the Vandalia-Butler Foundation’s mission in a simple and joyful way using images of children and their imagination,” Bertke said. “It’s very effective — and inviting.”

Founded in 1985, the Vandalia-Butler Foundation manages $7.5 million in a family of funds, with a strong focus on grants for innovative classroom projects and scholarships for college-bound youth.

It also annually awards discretionary grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the community and a small business opportunity grant to up-and-coming businesses in the region. Applications for both are due by Sept. 30.