Throughout the past ten years, Russell and Betty Bane’s name has lived on in Rush County through the Russell J. Bane Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Boys and Girls Club of Rush County.  Through the generosity of the Banes’ four children, twelve RCHS students have received funding to support their post-secondary education.  When considering how to continue to support Rush County and preserve their parents’ legacy, Rusty Bane, Rick Bane, Sande (Bane) Land, and David Bane decided to begin an unrestricted endowment fund at the Rush County Community Foundation.  The Russell and Betty Bane Family Community Fund will forever benefit the community they loved through grants to support Rush County nonprofits’ programming and community projects.

Russell and Betty were lifelong Rush County residents.  They grew up in the Depression era and each left school before graduation to support their families.  Throughout their 54 years of marriage, they worked hard to provide for their four children.  Though they lived on modest incomes, they were always willing to give.  Their love for their family, giving spirits, work ethic, and fiscal resourcefulness were values demonstrated daily, and therefore instilled in their children.  Because they learned the value of a dollar and the importance of helping others in need, Rusty, Rick, Sande, and David were able to begin a named fund in memory of their parents.  Through the Russell and Betty Bane Family Community Fund, the Banes’ philanthropic hearts will forever be known to generations of Rush County residents through grants to make Rush County a better place.

“In the five + years I’ve worked at the Rush County Community Foundation, this fund is one of the most meaningful I’ve had the opportunity to assist the development of,” stated Alisa Winters, RCCF Executive Director.  “Throughout the past four years I’ve learned about the Bane family and Russell and Betty through my co-worker, their daughter-in-law Angie, and I know nearly firsthand how important this fund is to their family.  Angie’s direct work experience with the various funds at RCCF allowed the family to make a very informed decision, and I love that they decided to establish a fund that will inevitably benefit every person in Rush County.  I didn’t have the opportunity to personally know Russell and Betty, but from what I do know, I feel pretty confident saying they would be proud of the decision their children have made.”

Unrestricted endowment funds, commonly referred to as “community grant funds”, provide support to the community at-large through competitive grant disbursement.  Because of their flexibility, these funds provide a wide range of impact.  Since the first award in 1994, these funds have impacted 112 nonprofit organizations serving Rush County through $1.1 million in grants.  Community grant dollars enable programs, projects, and improvements that enrich and enhance Rush County.   Currently, donations to existing or new unrestricted endowment funds are matched $2 : $1, tripling the impact of donors’ dollars!

If you would like to make a donation to the Russell and Betty Bane Family Community Fund you may contribute online or send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173, noting their fund name in the check memo.  Donations to the Russell and Betty Bane Family Community Fund, and other unrestricted endowment funds, are being matched $2 for $1 by Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VII initiative for a limited time!