$400,000 is a pretty big number.  Did you know that Rush County Community Foundation will give away more than that this year to people and organizations within our community?

Many people that know us in the community know about our scholarship funds.  While our scholarship impact is great, it only accounts for one-third of the money we give each year!  Our “other funds” are arguably our best-kept secret.

If you glance at our fund list (which you can do online at www.rushcountyfoundation.org) it’s easy to see that we love our community.  Churches, cemeteries, nonprofit organizations, areas of interest, education, and even our communities are represented by funds held at the Rush County Community Foundation.  The endowment funds are permanently invested, providing annual distributions to the beneficiaries.  Funds that we call “Pass-Through Funds” are non-permanent funds that allow for payout as needed for charitable purposes.

This year we’ll kick of our 25th anniversary by celebrating the funds that impact our favorite nonprofit organizations within the community.  On February 25th we will gather these organizations and the people that support their work for a celebration, awarding more than $75,000 in one evening alone!  The Rush County Community Foundation has 40 funds that provide annual support to local nonprofits.  Throughout the approaching weeks, the weekly Foundation Fact Friday will cover each organization and fund that supports Rush County nonprofit agencies in hopes that you’ll learn a bit more about the great organizations in our community and how RCCF gives back in a variety of ways.

The funds created at the Foundation vary in purpose, size, and reason.  Many of our funds are named to memorialize an individual or family.  Some of our other funds honor a legacy.  As you can tell when you look at our fund list, many of our funds simply recognize the name of the benefitting organization or interest.   If you see a fund that recognizes your favorite organization or cause, remember it and contribute the next time you’re considering a charitable contribution!  No amount is too small – when pooled and invested, even the smallest donation makes the ultimate impact!

The secret is out:  Rush County Community Foundation is in our community to make a difference.  Keep an eye out for where our money goes by watching our social media site posts, our news releases in the Rushville Republican, or by stopping in our office to learn more about what’s going on.  $400,000 in grants in one year is a story worth telling –and we’re happy to do so!

Stop by our office across from the courthouse at 117 N. Main St., visit us online at www.rushcountyfoundation.org, or give us a call at (765) 938-1177.