We are thrilled to announce that the GIFT VIII matching grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. has been met a full year before the December 2025 deadline, adding $1,237,500 to RCCF assets.

Thank you to the community for donating $262,500 to RCCF’s unrestricted Community Grants Funds! These gifts were matched 2:1 by the Endowment, resulting in the addition of $787,500 to endowed funds to support local nonprofits forever. Additionally, $225,000 was donated toward the operation and sustainability of the Love Community Center, which was matched 1:1 by the Endowment.

“2024 was an incredible year for RCCF,” notes executive director Chris May.  “Thank you to Lilly Endowment and our generous donors for their ongoing contributions, providing these incredible resources to support our community!”

GIFT VIII inspired an outpouring of generosity. Nearly 300 donors from Rush County and afar made 506 gifts to meet the match. Some donors gave to existing community funds. Other donors were inspired to leave a lasting legacy by establishing nine new unrestricted funds.

These additional resources will add approximately $33,000 each year to the pool of dollars available for Community Grants. RCCF will be able to respond to the ever-changing and growing needs of our community more effectively.

The GIFT initiative was established by Lilly Endowment to help Indiana community foundations develop the philanthropic capacity to identify, prioritize and address local opportunities and challenges.

While we celebrate this huge accomplishment, please remember your passion and gifts are always needed to enhance life for all of Rush County. In 2025, Rush County will open the Love Community Center, a project made possible through Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VII phase in 2020.  RCCF leads a $5 million campaign for sustainability of the facility through the Ebert and Bessie Schroeder Fund, started by the late community leader Wilma Jo Kile.

For more information, reach out via email, info@rushcountyfoundation.org; phone (765) 938-117,7 or visit in person at 117 N. Main St. in Rushville, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.