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CBAP (Community Based Action Planning) is different than most volunteer efforts. It takes a people-focused, placed-based approach to creating positive change. No one person or organization leads the way. Everyone has a say.

Rush County efforts began in the summer of 2021. We asked the community what we could do together to make positive change for Rush County and put out a call for volunteers. You gave us great feedback and then showed up to do the work!

With financial support from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VII initiative and your gifts to the Rush to Action Fund, volunteers had dollars behind their ideas, addressing opportunities in seven areas.

Here’s a recap of the $184,795 awarded in CBAP grants, including $90,000 made this summer:

Local Pride

TOTAL FUNDING: $50,000
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: New grants were recently awarded to Clean Green Rush and the City of Rushville Street Department. Both organizations will lead Dumpster Days, a FREE community-wide clean up to be held in September. All Rush County residents will be able to dispose of large trash items and improve the appearance of their homes and neighborhoods. Let’s boost local pride!

Tourism

TOTAL FUNDING: $42,087
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Worked with a designer to create a new logo and website, visitrushcounty.com. Helped establish the first Airbnb in the county. Working on more vacation rental options. Installed 18 historical signs at East Hill Cemetery.

Post-Secondary Education/Training

TOTAL FUNDING: $30,807
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Organized teacher tours focusing on manufacturing and healthcare as career options. Visits to local manufacturers and the hospital opened lines of communication and dispelled misconceptions, helping teachers better prepare students for the workforce.

Parks Programming

TOTAL FUNDING: $20,000
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In 2021 Rushville’s Parks Department had little in the way of programming. Now they have a robust calendar of events for all ages and interests. Past and current topics include arts & crafts, gardening, Lego club, survival skills, tot time, yoga, and more. With the first $10,000 grant, they were able to paint and replace parts of playground equipment.

Mental Health

TOTAL FUNDING: $16,970
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Provided Rush County students with tools and education to promote healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety. All students participated in a live, interactive, age-appropriate event hosted by RemedyLIVE. 7th and 8th graders received mindfulness journals and support in using them.

Internet Access

TOTAL FUNDING: $10,000
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Held Rush County’s first Tech Fest. Received a grant for the creation of a fiber development agreement to aid in extending reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to the entire county.

Downtown Beautification

TOTAL FUNDING: $3,850
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Awarded four micro grants to downtown Rushville businesses to improve their street views.

While the money has been spent, the work continues. We’re grateful to the volunteers who have stepped up to share their time and talents to make Rush County an even better place to live, work and play!