When RCCF donors care about a certain cause or area of life, they might choose to start a field of interest fund to support it. Our 18 field of interest funds cover a diverse range of topics – from autism to food insecurity, and music to youth philanthropy. These funds offer specialized streams of support to nonprofits and schools and unique opportunities for donors like you to give to specific causes that are close to your heart.

We are pleased to announce the first round awards totaling $16,274.51 so far. The Rush County Education Fund had more requests than dollars available. Once our grants committee makes their recommendations and our board approves those, we’ll share the news with you.

Robert & Gleela Baldwin Fund for Early Learning: $2,500

• The families of 3 Rush County students received a total of $2,500 to help offset the cost of attending a Paths to Quality Level 3 or 4 preschool.

Why these grants matter: 90% of the brain develops during the first 5 years of life. Helping families afford high-quality early learning opportunities is beneficial to children’s success later in life.

Bob Priddy Sports Partner Fund: $240

• Three youth received assistance with football camp registration fees.

Why these grants matter: Participation in sports helps kids improve their physical and mental health, social and life skills, and even academic performance.

Alex Workman Memorial Fund: $954.51

• Several students enrolled at Rushville Elementary School have been identified as being on the Autism Spectrum. During free time and recess there are few options that interest these students.

A grant of $681.77 will purchase switch adapted cause and effect toys. These toys are activated by pushing a switch, which teaches students that their actions create an effect. Talking puzzles help say letters and numbers out loud when a correct piece is put into place.

Why this grant matters: Helps students on the Autism Spectrum communicate their needs, practice social skills like turn taking, and participate to the best of their ability.

• Rushville Consolidated High School’s Life Skills Class is for students ages 14-22 who have severe to moderate mental and physical disabilities. It prepares them for life after school by giving them tools to express themselves in different and safe ways. They also learn how to handle stress.

A grant of $272.74 will purchase an electric keyboard, music books, piano essential labels, and percussion kits so that students can enjoy and experience music both in and out of school.

Why this grant matters: Gives students with disabilities who might not be able to participate in choir or band the opportunity to experience music in school.

Helen and Jim Ewing Fund: $10,000

• Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry is able to provide 2 gallons of milk per month to each household they serve with this grant. Additionally, 550 boxes of shelf-stable milk will be purchased to add to the backsacks that they fill and distribute to all Rush County elementary and middle school students in need each weekend.

Why this grant matters: Milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and many other beneficial nutrients. Milk costs about $4/gallon, so this support is budget-relieving for the pantry’s clients.

Rita Yager Memorial Ag Fund: $1,830

• Rush County Farm Bureau received $330 to purchase 165 copies of the  Dr. Seuss book, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, to give to each 1st grader in school in Rush County. The book talks about farm animals encourages imaginative play in children as they are invited to make the sounds that Mr. Brown makes, like “moo, buzz, quack, croak, etc.”

Why this grant matters: Reading is fundamental skill for all students. Making it fun encourages good reading habits for years to come. “This would be good book for students to take home and read to parents and other children in the household,” shared grant applicant, Marlene Fudge.

• Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry’s new space at the Love Community Center will include access to a teaching kitchen. In collaboration with Purdue Extension and Rush Memorial Hospital, they will offer the Food is Medicine Program, healthy cooking classes led by a qualified instructor will be available to all RCCA clients.

Participants will prepare and share a meal together. They will receive kits containing all ingredients needed to prepare the meal at home. This $1,500 grant will purchase supplies.

Additionally, common biometrics such as cholesterol, triglycerides, A1C, blood pressure, and weight will be taken and monitored through RMH.

Why this grant matters: Having a nutritious diet and monitoring your numbers are key components for good health. Giving people hands-on cooking experience in tandem with the necessary ingredients is an effective way to help them help themselves.

Music for Rush County Fund: $750

• This grant will enhance the overall music experience for Rushville Elementary Students by purchasing a variety of percussion instruments and recorders, sheet music, educational resources to support the curriculum, equipment such as sound systems or recording devices, and software.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their musical skills and knowledge in a supportive and enriching environment.

Why this grant matters: Research has shown that music education can positively impact academic performance by enhancing cognitive skills like coordination, memory, and concentration. It builds social skills by boosting confidence, developing teamwork skills, and allows students to gain a sense of achievement and enhanced creativity.