Vallee Fund for Blanchester

The Vallee Fund for Blanchester is a community-focused philanthropic grant opportunity administered by the Clinton County Foundation. It is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Village of Blanchester and surrounding school district communities in Ohio. This place-based fund was established in honor of Dr. Richard and Shirley Vallee, long-time residents who aimed to leave a lasting legacy by supporting transformative and visionary community projects. Their goal was to create systemic improvements through leadership, collaboration, and commitment to the wellbeing of Blanchester residents. The grant is available to qualifying nonprofit organizations and public entities whose programs and services directly benefit residents of the Blanchester school district and/or the Village of Blanchester. Priority is given to projects that serve those in greatest need or address significant community challenges. Applications are expected to reflect a strong commitment to Blanchester and demonstrate a clear understanding of the local context, including the community's needs and strengths. The scope of eligible projects is broad but must be centered around community improvement, capacity building, and direct benefit to the citizens of Blanchester. Examples of past funded initiatives include emergency response equipment for the local fire department, restoration of community facilities such as the gymnasium, educational programming at Blanchester Local Schools, and upgrades to athletic infrastructure. These projects illustrate the Fund’s commitment to enhancing both the physical and social infrastructure of the area. Grant applications must be submitted via the Clinton County Foundation’s official Grant Portal. Only proposals submitted through this platform will be considered. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. The current grant cycle opened on April 1, 2026, and will remain open through June 15, 2026. All applications must be submitted by that date for consideration. Notifications of funding decisions will be made by September 1, 2026. The evaluation process prioritizes alignment with the Fund’s mission, demonstrated impact on the Blanchester community, clarity of objectives, and potential for sustainability. While there are no pre-application steps required, all proposals must demonstrate a tangible and measurable benefit for the target geography. The Fund does not support initiatives outside the designated service area. Through its collaboration with the Clinton County Foundation, the Vallee Fund for Blanchester continues to fulfill the Vallees' vision of long-term, community-driven progress. It empowers local organizations to bring about meaningful change and reaffirms the legacy of generosity and civic responsibility established by the Fund’s founders.