A major Lexington-based company is launching a new fund aimed at improving the health and well-being of children in its hometown.

Valvoline Inc. announced it has partnered with the Blue Grass Community Foundation to create the “Happy to Help Fund,” a grant program designed to support youth mental and physical health initiatives across Lexington and Fayette County.

The new fund will provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and programs that serve children and teens, including both new projects and existing initiatives focused on mental health, safety and physical wellness.

According to the company, the fund will also become Valvoline’s primary way to distribute its corporate charitable donations in Lexington, where the company has long maintained its headquarters.

“We’re pleased to launch the Happy to Help Fund. As a proud Lexington-based company, we are committed to supporting our community,” said Valvoline President and CEO Lori Flees in a statement. “This fund is a meaningful step toward investing in Lexington’s future and providing crucial support to local families and organizations.”

The initiative aims to address challenges many young people face locally, including poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, trauma and community violence.

Grants through the program are expected to support efforts that build resiliency, improve mental health services and expand youth wellness programs. Funding opportunities will be open to organizations serving Fayette County youth from birth through age 18, with priority given to programs addressing adolescent mental health.

Leaders at the Blue Grass Community Foundation said the partnership will help strengthen programs already working to improve the lives of children across Lexington.

“With this grant, we’re looking to empower local organizations that are doing meaningful work to nurture both the mental and physical health of our community’s children and teens,” said foundation President and CEO Lisa Adkins.

The effort builds on Valvoline’s broader “Happy to Help” charitable initiative, which focuses on youth health and mental well-being through partnerships with hospitals, nonprofits and community organizations.

Nonprofits interested in applying for grants through the fund can learn more through the Blue Grass Community Foundation’s grant programs.