A few weeks ago, our Foundation Fact Friday article highlighted the types of funds held at the Rush County Community Foundation.  Among the listed funds include a type referred to as “Field of Interest” funds, which comprise 15 of our endowments.

Field of Interest funds are an incredibly special fund type.  These funds benefit a specific interest and/or need within our community by making charitable dollars available for the cause.  Field of Interest funds provide a unique opportunity for a donor’s dollars to make an impact on the field of their choice forever, assisting a wide variety of projects and the changing needs, various organizations, and the numerous people affected by the interest.

Like all of our funds, Field of Interest funds are made possible by the generosity of a donor(s). Although 15 donors and donor families established the existing funds, they have been supported by numerous individuals passionate about the same cause.  “Fields” among the beneficiaries of existing funds at RCCF include education, music, agriculture, Rush County parks, youth, athletics, health, and human needs.  All of these areas are supported through grant disbursements from the specific funds, some of which are competitive.  Since the first Field of Interest fund disbursement, nearly $150,000 has been awarded to these various interests in our community.  In 2018, we anticipate disbursement of $30,000 for these good causes!

Funds available for the support of Boy Scouts (Boy Scouts of America Fund), youth (Youth In Philanthropy Fund), parks (Rush County Parks Fund), and youth soccer (Shane Young Memorial Soccer Fund) have grant applications due on March 1.  If you are involved with any organization that might benefit from funds supporting these areas, we encourage you to apply!