A New Year brings new resolutions, and additionally, a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the year that just passed.

Several goals were set for the Rush County Community Foundation at the beginning of last year:  undergo a financial audit, apply for accreditation through National Standards for Community Foundations, educate our staff, volunteers, local professional advisors and community about Planned Giving options, and share nontraditional giving options for donors to engage with the Foundation.  As the end of the year rolled around, it was nice to check off each box as accomplished, marking both the completion of tasks and laying a foundation for a future of opportunities for RCCF.

While not necessarily exciting or entirely development-focused, the Foundation staff and Board of Directors spent the majority of 2017 assessing internal policies, procedures, and practices in an effort to streamline and further our capacity in the years ahead.  As an organization that has rapidly grown from assets of $0 to $17,000,000 throughout the past 25 years, year 26 seemed like the perfect opportunity to review, reflect, and ramp up for our future.  With new policies and organizational capacity in place, we are eager to embark on a New Year with our focus redirected to fundraising and impactful grantmaking.

Despite efforts primarily focused on operations, 2017 was a remarkable year of growth at the Rush County Community Foundation.  Generosity from donors passionate about Rush County provided gifts totaling $775,000.  Five new endowment funds were started at the Foundation.  Grant and scholarship awards, forever impacting the people and organizations of Rush County, totaled $581,000.  Donors and funds created in memoriam were recognized for attaining milestones.

The achievements of 2017 were not possible because of one person or one solitary event.  Together, with our staff, Board of Directors, numerous volunteers, generous donors, and a supportive community, we turned the goals set for the past 365 days into reality.  None of these tasks could have been accomplished individually or without the amazing support we receive daily.  Thank you, Rush County, for making our commitment to our 2017 goals, and to you, possible.  Your ongoing support will benefit us today and for generations to come.  As we look ahead to an exciting new year, we look forward to continuing our work with and for you.