Rush County Community Foundation

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Recent News

 

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Rush County Community Foundation Cycle II, 2010 Grant Deadline

Garry Cooley, Executive Director of the Rush County Community Foundation, has announced that the application deadline for the Cycle II, 2010 Community Grants is 4 PM, Tuesday, June 15th, 2010.

“I am pleased that the Foundation awarded over $640,000 in community grants since our first grant in 1994,” stated Cooley. “Our Board of Directors and staff are extremely proud of this accomplishment as these local discretionary endowment funds were established and are supported by Rush County citizens to help Rush County organizations.”

“I want to encourage our local non-profits who have a need to contact our office for information about our community grant program,” continued Cooley. “Cindy Taff, our Grants Coordinator, Terry VanNatta or I will be glad to answer any questions and assist in guiding you through the application process.”

Jack And Cinda Brown Basketball Mental Attitude Scholarship Established

Cinda Rice Brown and the late Jack W. Brown recently established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation.

The “Jack and Cinda Brown Basketball Mental Attitude Scholarship Fund” was established to award two scholarships each year, one to a male student and one to a female student. The recipients of the scholarships:

  • Must be a graduating senior from Rushville Consolidated High School, or its successor.
  • Should have played basketball for four years for Rushville Consolidated High School, or its successor.
  • Must show proof of admission and be attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school.
  • Preference will be given to a non-starter who exemplifies a great mental attitude.
  • If there would be no non-starter eligible then this scholarship must be awarded to a player with great mental attitude and not be awarded based upon the outstanding or leading scorer as the sole criteria.
“As basketball coaches, Jack and I both had a deep appreciation for our senior players who loved basketball and played for four years even though they were not on the starting five or stars of the team”, stated Cinda. “We chose to include mental attitude in the name of the fund because it seemed appropriate. We wanted to honor those players who epitomize what the word ‘Team’ is all about and give younger players incentive to continue playing even if they are not the stars.”

“I have known Cinda and Jack for many years and knew how passionate they both were about coaching student athletes in basketball,” stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. “On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors I want to thank them for establishing this fund. Cinda told me that when they were doing their estate planning they decided this would be the best way to not only give back to the community, but also the great game of basketball. This scholarship will do that while assisting Rush County student athletes who participate in basketball forever. It will also link Cinda and Jack’s names to the Foundation and the Rush County community for our future generations.”

If you would like to make a donation to this Fund you may send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Jack and Cinda Brown Basketball Mental Attitude Scholarship Fund.

RCCF Youth in Philanthropy Fund Grants Awarded

The Youth In Philanthropy Grants Committee, comprised of Rush County high school students from Rushville Consolidated High School, Knightstown High School, and Home School High Schools, recently met to review grant applications for the annual grant cycle for the Youth In Philanthropy Fund. This fund’s proceeds are to be awarded in grants to be used toward a local (Rush County) public service project and are available to any organized youth organization in Rush County.

The following recipients received funding:

  • Rush County 4-H Junior Leaders - to assist in purchasing a bookshelf or bookshelves and books for the Rush County Victims Assistance house.
  • Rush County 4-H Junior Leaders - to purchase paint and supplies to paint the soon to be renovated back room/educational area at the Rush County Community Assistance food pantry.
  • Rush County 4-H Junior Leaders – for cleaning supplies and materials for use at the Rush County Community Assistance food pantry.
If you would like more information about the Youth In Philanthropy Fund or any of the more than 140 funds at the Foundation please contact the Foundation office.

2010 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients

Two Rush County students have been named recipients of four year, full tuition scholarships as the Rush County Community Foundation’s 2010 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. These two students are the 28th and 29th Rush County students to receive a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

Ciara Harr and Caleb Fenimore will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of their choice and an $800 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

Ciara is a resident of Rushville and a senior at Rushville Consolidated High School. She is the daughter of Kevin and Casandra (Jodi) Harr. She plans to attend Hanover College to seek a double major in chemistry and mathematics. These majors will help he attain her goal of helping those afflicted with cancer, as she would like to research new drugs and treatment options. Long term she would like to return to the Rushville area if her career will allow, as family and friends have always played a big role in her life. Upon receiving the scholarship she said “I am very grateful for being chosen to receive this scholarship. I will now be able to focus on my academics instead of stressing about how to pay for my education”.

Caleb is a resident of Rushville and a senior at Rushville Consolidated High School. He is the son of Bruce and Joni Fenimore. He plans to attend Indiana – Purdue Fort Wayne or Rose Hulman Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in chemistry with a pre-medicine option. This will prepare him for a career as a pediatrician. He has chosen this field because he would like to work with young children and their families. After graduating from college he hopes to someday return to live in Rush County to raise a family and give back to the community that has given so much to him. Upon receiving the scholarship he said “I was very surprised to receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. I had been hoping to receive this scholarship to help my future with debts I would have. I am very happy to have received this scholarship from the Rush County Community Foundation”.

Both students will graduate this spring and have been leaders throughout their high school careers. They were chosen from almost 20 applicants from Rush County. Academic standing, school involvement, and community involvement all play a key in the decision of the Nominating Committee. The Committee uses a blind application review process and does not know the names of the students. Each application is reviewed and judged separately by three members of the committee and is judged in ten separate categories. Their recommendation is then forwarded to the Board of Directors of the Rush County Community Foundation for final recommendation and submission to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for the selection of the recipients.

ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 216 scholarships awarded statewide.

RCCF Announces Cycle I, 2010 Community Grant Awarded

The Board of Directors of the Rush County Community Foundation is very pleased to announce that Rush County Victim’s Assistance was awarded a grant during their Cycle I, 2010 cycle. This grant was awarded during the first of three annual cycles in which Rush County non-profit organizations could apply for funding for their projects in 2010 from the unrestricted funds endowed at the Foundation. Grant Cycle II deadline will be at 4:00 PM, June 15, 2010 and Grant Cycle III deadline will be at 4:00 PM, October 15, 2010.

The grant awarded to Rush County Victims Assistance to be used towards the purchase of a white vinyl privacy fence system at the Phoenix House, their domestic violence crisis shelter.

Thanks to the generous financial support of the Rush County Community, the Rush County Community Foundation has now awarded over 200 Community Fund grants to organizations throughout Rush County. These grants have totaled over $640,000 since the first grant was awarded in 1994. If you are a non-profit organization and are interested in learning about the grant process or would like an application, please stop by the Foundation office at 117 N. Main in Rushville of give them a call at 765-938-1177.

Nelson Farms Endowment Fund Established

The late Margaret L. Nelson, through the Margaret L. Nelson Revocable Trust, recently established a new designated endowment fund at the Rush County Community Foundation.

The “Nelson Farms Endowment Fund” was established to provide annual support equally to the charitable activities of Rush County Indiana Mental Health Association; Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department, Arlington, Indiana; Rush County Indiana R.N. Club Scholarship Fund; Salvation Army of Rush County; Habitat for Humanity of Rush County, Indiana; Arlington East Hill Cemetery Association, Arlington, Indiana; Rush County Indiana Heritage, Inc.; Rush County Indiana Historical Society. In the event that an organization listed closes and ceases to exist then the distribution will be divided evenly between the remaining organizations.

“It was mother’s heartfelt wish that a percentage of her Trust Estate be distributed to the Rush County Community Foundation,” stated Carol Watson, daughter and co-trustee. “This was her way of saying thank you for services provided to both the community and the Nelson family through several generations, and as a way of investing back into Rush County for future generations to come.”

“Both our father, John W. Nelson who passed away in 1986 and our mother, who passed away in March of 2009, were always involved in service and philanthropy at the community level,” stated Christie Nelson, daughter and co-trustee. “The Nelson family, stemming back for generations, have both given and received as residents of Arlington. In fact, we have received back so much that a price tag could never be placed on that value.”

“On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors I want to thank Carol, Christie and their brothers and sisters for carrying out their late mother’s wishes through her Trust and establishing this Fund with the Foundation,” stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. “Being a native of Arlington myself I knew the Nelson family growing up. It was indeed an honor and a pleasure to work with them in establishing this fund which will link the Nelson family name to the Foundation and the Rush County community not only today, but for our future generations. It will also provide invaluable support to the organizations that it will benefit forever.”

If you would like to make a donation to this Fund you may send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Nelson Farms Endowment Fund.

Rushville Public Library Facilities Improvement Fund Established

The Rushville Public Library Board of Trustees, represented by Sue Otte, Director, recently established a new Advised Pass-Through Fund with the Rush County Community Foundation.

The “Rushville Public Library Facilities Improvement Fund” was established to provide support for facility improvements to the Rushville Public Library. These improvements would include, but not be limited to, remodels, renovations, repairs and expansion.

“Our board of trustees wanted to give the public an easy and secure way to donate to improve our library facility for both now and forever in the future,” state Sue. “We want to be able to have a link from our webpage to the Foundation’s webpage so people can give directly over the internet. We also thought it would be easier at this time to go with the established community foundation than try to create a library foundation.”

“I want to thank the Rushville Public Library Board of Trustees and Sue Otte, their director, for establishing this pass-through fund with the Foundation,” stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. “This is a non-permanent fund where donations given to the fund can go to the library for the purpose of the fund which is to improve their facilities. This fund can work hand in hand with the Rushville Public Library, Pattison Schrichte Family endowed fund to assist with the library’s current and future needs. Also, by the library utilizing our resources it will be a great way for their supporters both near and far to contribute to the library to assist in improving their facilities.”

To make a donation to this Fund please send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Rushville Public Library Facilities Improvement Fund.

Harvey M. Arnold, Jr. And R. Genevieve McGhee Arnold Memorial Fund Established

Carl and Judge Barbara Arnold Harcourt recently established a new designated endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation. This Fund was established to honor the memory of Barbara’s late aunt and uncle, Genevieve and Harvey Arnold.

The “Harvey M. Arnold and R. Genevieve McGhee Arnold Memorial Fund” was established, not only to honor their memory, but also to make their names a part of the Foundation and the Rush County community forever. The primary purpose of the Fund is to provide scholarships for campers to attend Mahoning Valley Christian Service Camp.

“We chose the purpose of scholarships to attend Mahoning Valley because my aunt and uncle were two wonderful people who always wanted to share their love of Christ,” stated Barbara. “The camp adjoined their property so they could hear the voices of happy children every summer.”

“Harvey and Genevieve were devout Christians. Barbara and I attended the camp over 40 years ago and we wanted to help ensure that every child that desires to attend has the chance and is not hampered by financial concerns.” added Carl.

“We wanted to establish our fund with the Foundation because it proven itself as a responsible organization in the community that enables donors to contribute to important charitable projects with complete peace of mind,” continued Carl. “Simply put, the Foundation makes good things happen.”

“I was pleased and honored to assist Barbara and Carl in establishing this Fund to honor the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold,” stated Garry Cooley, RCCF Executive Director. “Barbara is a past board member of the Foundation and understands that by establishing this Fund it will keep their name connected to the Foundation and to the Rush County community while providing support to Mahoning Valley Camp forever.”

To make a donation to this Fund send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Harvey M. Arnold, Jr. and R. Genevieve McGhee Arnold Memorial Fund.

Marcia and Les Blair Community Scholarship Fund

Friends and family of Marcia and Les Blair recently established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation in their honor.

The Marcia and Les Blair Community Scholarship Fund was established to support a person striving to improve themselves by working toward a degree, an advanced degree or toward additional certification in their chosen occupation. The recipient of this scholarship must be a current Rush County resident and must have resided in Rush County for at least the last three calendar years; must be currently employed in Rush County; must show proof of admission and be attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school.

I brought up the idea of a scholarship fund to Katie (Blair Burkhardt) since we were planning a milestone birthday party for Mrs. Blair, stated Diana Meo. We wanted to include Slabtown graduates from the 60s 70s 80s and 90s, which is a long time for anyone to stay motivated to write and produce scripts for an annual show. She has been an inspiration to so many students throughout the years that it seemed fitting to start the fund and announce it at her birthday celebration. Mr. Blair has also been very supportive of the community and youth through many decades, so we wanted to include him on the fund as well.

My brothers and I wanted to have the focus on community since we would like to support those living and working in Rush County, added Katie Burkhardt. For a couple who only originally planned to be in Rush County for two years maximum, they have now raised their family here and have been instrumental in bringing high-quality theatre arts and English education to high school students for years.

Mr. and Mrs. Blair may not have been born in Rush County, but they have made if a great place to live and come home to for those of us who have left, added Diana. For so many graduates of Rushville Consolidated High School, we feel honored to support such a worthy fund in honor of two very talented and giving educators.

It was an honor and pleasure to work with Diana, on behalf of Slabtown graduates, and Katie on behalf of her family, along with Edna Moster, Sharlene Foster and Al Hodge in establishing this Fund, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors I want to thank everyone involved with establishing this fund which will help Rush County residents improve themselves in their chosen field. By starting this fund it will also link Marcia and Less names to the Foundation and the Rush County community not only today, but for our future generations.

If you would like to make a donation to this Fund you may send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Marcia and Les Blair Community Scholarship Fund.

 

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