Community Grants provide support to our local nonprofits, where it’s needed most. Applicants make the case for their project or program. Our grants committee weighs the applications against the needs and interests of the community. They make the tough decisions – stewarding our donors’ gifts with integrity and offering their recommendations. The board has final approval. Once this process is complete, your gifts get to work empowering our nonprofits to lift up our community!

Cycle II of Community Grants has just been approved for $39,988.75. Along with the Cycle I grants and annual support for First5, your 2024 force for good is $132,488.75!

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the Cycle II awards:

• Firefly Children and Family Alliance helps build stronger families. With a $10,000 grant they will partner with First5 to help stock From the Bottom Up diaper pantry. The grant will ensure as many as 100 Rush County families will receive the diapers they need to keep their children healthy. They will also offer Safe Sleep classes and car seat education to approximately 60 families.

Why this grant matters: The average cost of diapers for one child is $80 per month. Diapers are an expensive necessity, not covered by Medicare, SNAP, or TANF.  This support is so valuable to low-income families trying to stretch their dollars.

• Gleaners Food Bank helps stock school-based pantries at Milroy Elementary and RCHS for students and their families. Data shows that there are more than 2,400 children in Rush County experiencing food insecurity. With a $15,000 grant, these pantries will distribute 125,000 lbs. of food, including 45,000 lbs. of fresh produce.

Why this grant matters: Everyone experiencing food insecurity faces higher likelihoods of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Being hungry also affects concentration, memory, and mood – negatively impacting a child’s ability to succeed in school. With the resources available, absolutely no one should go hungry.

• The Giving Krue is an energetic new organization that accepts donations no longer needed items and redistributes them to those who do. In less than a year, they have supported hundreds of local families with food, personal care items, clothing, furniture, and more.

A grant of $5,000 will help them with operating costs.

Why this grant matters: This organization has a huge heart for helping people, but their impact is even bigger than that. By rehoming household items, they are keeping them out of the landfill. They’ve also fostered a community of care between residents.

• The Rush County 4-H Horse and Pony Club provides real-life opportunities that help young people have a positive impact in their communities and their world. Twenty-five local youth share their passion for horses while developing additional skills such as, responsibility, teamwork, and respect for animals.

Their park is a central hub during the Rush County fair. It’s also used by the Backroad Riders Saddle Club, attracting participants from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. A grant of $7,988.75 will add a set of bleachers to the arena.

Why this grant matters: This program instills important leadership qualities in participating youth. The bleachers will improve safety, enhance spectators’ viewing experiences, and allow for growth in attendance.

Did you realize there is a 2:1 match on gifts made to any of our 26 Community Grants Funds through Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII program? Your gift of $100 becomes $300 faster than Clark Kent changes into Super Man – FOREVER!

Use your super powers and make a gift today – mail or drop off a check to RCCF, 117 N. Main Street, Rushville, IN 46713 or donate online. We’re stronger together!