Rush County Nature Preservation Fund Grant

The Rush County Nature Preservation Fund is a local philanthropic grant initiative established by Julie Osting Connolly and administered through the Rush County Community Foundation in Indiana. The fund was created to uphold the conservation-minded legacy of the Hinchman, McGraw, and Osting families by fostering environmental stewardship and community participation in nature preservation projects across Rush County. Emphasizing the importance of native species and ecological education, the program seeks to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of the local natural environment through grassroots action. This grant opportunity is open to a broad range of applicants, with a preference for small to mid-sized institutions, including schools, libraries, clubs, and other similar nonprofit organizations. While all interested applicants are encouraged to apply, those that reflect community-centered planning and operational capacity for environmental improvement are particularly welcome. Projects must be based in Rush County and focused on activities such as wildlife repopulation (especially involving freshwater fish and mussels), feeding stations, audio-visual documentation of natural habitats, native species reintroductions, and tree or flower planting efforts. Importantly, any species introduced must be native to the Rush County ecosystem, and applicants must provide supporting research to demonstrate the exclusion of invasive species. Funding is intended to support direct project costs that align with the mission of the fund. Applicants are required to provide a full description of the proposed project, outlining its preservation objectives, anticipated environmental and community benefits, a detailed budget, and an implementation timeline. If the applicant does not own the property where the project will occur, documentation must be submitted to confirm access rights. Proposals must also clearly indicate whether any additional funding sources are being utilized for the project and how those funds will be applied. Applications must be submitted by March 1. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted on the next business day. The application consists of a form capturing applicant contact information and project funding details, along with attachments that address the project’s purpose, community impact, budget, and species safety requirements. A physical submission or contact to the Rush County Community Foundation at 117 North Main Street, Rushville, IN, is required. Contact may also be made by phone at (765) 938-1177 or fax at (765) 938-1719. This grant opportunity recurs annually. The Rush County Nature Preservation Fund exemplifies how local resources can be harnessed for environmental impact at the community level, offering not only financial support but also a platform to educate and involve the public in sustaining their natural surroundings.