Rush County Education Fund

The Rush County Community Foundation (RCCF), established in 1991, is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to enriching the quality of life in Rush County, Indiana. RCCF offers grants and scholarships to local organizations and individuals, fostering community development through philanthropic support. The Foundation was created as a response to the Lilly Endowment's Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Initiative, which encouraged donations to local foundations by offering matching funds. Over the years, RCCF has grown from its modest beginnings of $85,000 in assets to managing over $20 million today, thanks to contributions from local donors and matching funds from the Lilly Endowment. The Foundation has made a significant impact, with more than $9 million allocated for various community projects, scholarships, and grants. RCCF's mission is to enhance the quality of life in Rush County by managing donated funds and distributing earnings to benefit local organizations and projects. The Foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations serving the county's residents, focusing on programs that offer practical solutions to community needs, stimulate volunteer involvement, and encourage cooperation between agencies. RCCF awards grants twice annually, in the summer and fall, and supports projects ranging from local fire departments to educational programs and cultural initiatives. Recent grants have been awarded to the City of Rushville Fire and Rescue for new equipment, Girls Inc. for in-school programming, and SAWs for wheelchair ramp construction for disabled residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that benefit Rush County or its citizens. RCCF favors projects that impact a large number of people, propose preventative solutions to community problems, and address the root causes of local needs. The Foundation welcomes applications from established tax-exempt organizations, and in some cases, considers proposals from new organizations or projects seeking to address community needs creatively. However, RCCF typically does not fund ongoing operational expenses, debt reduction, political or religious purposes, or travel expenses. Preference is given to projects that are charitable in nature and can significantly impact the local community. Organizations interested in applying for RCCF's Community Grants must review the Foundation's eligibility guidelines and grant-making process, which are available on the Foundation's website. Applications are accepted in two grant cycles annually, and applicants are encouraged to ensure their projects meet the Foundation’s priorities. RCCF also offers guidance to organizations without 501(c)(3) status by suggesting the use of a fiscal sponsor to help access grants and tax-deductible donations. In addition to community grants, RCCF manages a variety of funds, including scholarships for local students. Scholarship awards are given through the Foundation’s endowed scholarship funds, and RCCF has distributed millions of dollars in scholarships to support post-secondary education for Rush County students. The Foundation continues to build its endowment and strengthen its community partnerships, working to ensure that it can serve Rush County not only today but for generations to come.