When donors create a fund to support a specific cause, it is referred to as a field of interest fund. RCCF’s field of interest grants are awarded each fall to nonprofits and teachers for projects with a focus on several areas including: autism, education, agriculture, music, and sports. Many of these funds are a great resource for educators facing tight budgets. Applications are due 9/1/2024. For questions or more information, contact us at info@rushcountyfoundation.org or (765) 938-1177.

*PLEASE NOTE* Letters of Intent (LOI) to apply for unrestricted Community Grants are also due 9/1/2024. The LOI must be submitted online BEFORE an application can be submitted. You DO NOT need an LOI to apply for any of the education or field of interest grants listed below.

Alex Workman Memorial Fund: Open to teachers at ALL schools | Application

Established in 2009 by Robert and Angela Workman in memory of their son Alex, the Alex Workman Memorial Fund provides support to children with autism.

Eligibility:

• Rush County families who have children with autism may apply for grants for special services required, payments for summer camps, or equipment at home which is used for therapy and not covered by insurance.
• Rush County teachers may apply for grants to take classes or training in working with children with autism, or for supplies that are needed for directly working with students with autism.

Kenneth and Charlotte Brashaber Teacher Enhancement Award: Open to RCHS teachers | Application

Expressing a passion for the field of education, Ken and Charlotte Brashaber established this award (fund) in 2017 to encourage curriculum development by providing Rushville Consolidated High School [RCHS] teachers the opportunity to share experiences to enhance the learning process for students. This award will enrich the educational experience for teachers and students by providing funding for:

• A proposed activity or project outside of the classroom
• An activity or project within the classroom
• Additional schooling to further education enhancement (including symposiums, conferences, seminars, continuing education, Master’s Degree)

Priority for this grant will be given to a teacher proposing a creative or unconventional idea for the benefit of the educational process. Previous recipients of this Award will not be excluded from consideration.

Music for Rush County Fund: Open to RCS Elementary and BRMS teachers | Application

An endowment fund to provide grants to organizations bringing programs that encourage music participation and enjoyment by and for Rush County residents.

Established in 1995 by Faith Davis Ellison in memory of her husband E. Floyd Ellison, the Music for Rush County Fund provides support to encourage music participation and enjoyment for the community as a whole, especially encouraging adult appreciation of music. This grant could be used to help bring a concert performance to Rush County, to help support local music groups, for a music teacher to attend a music education workshop, or to bring a music related program to an elementary school or middle school. Grants will not be made to high school programs or to high school students.

Rita Yager Memorial Ag Grant Fund: Open to teachers at ALL schools | Application

Rita Yager was instrumental in establishing the Agricultural Careers and Education (ACE) organization in Rush County. Established in 1999, the Rita Yager Memorial Ag Grant Fund provides grants for education, safety, and the improvement of agriculture-related projects. Non-profit agencies serving Rush County residents are eligible to apply.  Applicants should be introducing a program, tool, or education that will impact those involved with agriculture in Rush County.

Rush County Education Fund (Thank-A-Teacher): Open to all RCS teachers | Application

Established in 1994, this fund supports education-related projects not provided for in the Rush County School’s budget; grants are available to teachers, students, administrators, and volunteer parents.

Rush County Youth Athletic Fund: Application

A field of interest endowment fund that supports amateur athletes and coaches from Rush County, IN.

The Rush County Youth Athletic Fund was established in 1993 by James Robert Billman. This Fund provides support for the development and training of amateur athletes and coaches from Rush County, including amateur competitions which promote athletics as a healthy alternative to a sedentary lifestyle and higher educational opportunities for youth through athletic excellence. Preference is also given for programs that include underprivileged youth in Rush County.