Rush Fest weekend is here, commemorating our wonderful community’s heritage and pride.  The third weekend in September has long served as a reminder of our county’s rich past, showcased through a weekend full of fun events representing Rush County’s history and the people and service that comprise our community organizations.  As Rush County’s past and present is celebrated this Rush Fest weekend, it seems an appropriate time to review the Rush County Community Foundation’s contributions that have enriched our community.

Rush County is home to a number of non-profit organizations, many of which will be represented via parade floats or booths downtown this weekend.  Did you know that the Rush County Community Foundation has 76 funds that benefit 66 of these great organizations?  These funds directly support the mission and charitable work of the nonprofits!  The designated endowment funds that support the many nonprofits within our community have given more than any fund type at RCCF, distributing $1.3 million!

The Rush County Community Foundation has given $1.2 million in local scholarship funds, affording Rush County students the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education without quite the expense.  With the addition of scholarships from the Lilly Endowment program, that total skyrockets to a total of $3.5 million that has been awarded to Rush County students.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of students have been fortunate to benefit from the generosity of these donor-established funds.

Non-profit organizations serving Rush County residents have the opportunity to apply for funds from funds established at the Foundation that are “unrestricted”.  Unrestricted funds are available to provide funding for current community needs and support the cyclical community grants program.  As of next month, over $1 million in unrestricted funding will have been awarded to local nonprofit agencies, supporting a variety of charitable causes and needs within our own community.

The Foundation has 15 funds that are considered “field of interest” funds, providing funding for special areas of interest.  These funds have awarded just under $100,000 to assist the unique charitable interests in our community, including funding specific to music, youth, athletics, and autism.

Lilly Endowment initiatives, special projects, and pass-through funding have enabled an additional $3 million to support the charitable needs and work of numerous organizations.

All of these contributions to our community are possible because of the generosity of our donors.

As we celebrate Rush County this weekend, let’s also celebrate the good enabled by the Foundation’s donors and the giving enabled because of these individuals.  The support Rush County Community Foundation is able to provide to our community, by the way of non-profit organizations’ fund disbursements, scholarships, and grants, totals $9.5 million worth of difference in Rush County.  We’re proud to celebrate our contributions, particularly this year as we commemorate our 25th anniversary.  If you are interested in learning more about the Rush County Community Foundation please visit our website at www.rushcountyfoundation.org, our office at 117 N. Main St., Rushville, or call (765) 938-1177.