RCCF Announces Major Enhancements to 2026 Grant Programs

The RCCF awarded $4,625 in Small Project Grants to six local organizations during the fourth quarter of 2025.

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(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation awarded $4,625 in Small Project Grants to six local organizations during the fourth quarter of 2025. These grants support initiatives that address immediate needs, foster community engagement, and enhance the quality of life for Ripley County residents. The recipients of these grants were:

• Batesville Music Boosters – To upgrade music equipment and digital audio technology in the rehearsal and performance environments.
• Milan CARES Central – To provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) lessons during the afterschool program for at-risk youth of all grade levels in partnership with Kids Discovery Factory.
• Milan High School – To purchase a ChompSaw that will be used in Project Based Learning coursework.
• Osgood Volunteer Fire Department – To purchase AED accessories and additional EMS equipment and supplies.
• Southeastern Indiana YMCA – To purchase lifesaving equipment for staff training that will enhance their emergency response skills.
• St. Louis Catholic School – To purchase art materials that will provide hands-on learning experiences in clay art enhancing students’ fine motor skills, problem-solving, and self-expression.

Community Impact

The Small Project Grant program is designed to help nonprofits respond swiftly to emerging needs and opportunities throughout the year. This flexibility allows organizations to implement meaningful projects without delay, making a timely impact in the communities they serve.

Updates to the Small Grant Program

The Ripley County Community Foundation (RCCF) is pleased to announce important enhancements to the Small Project Grant Program for 2026. Beginning this grant cycle, the maximum award amount has increased from $1,000 to $1,500.

This increase reflects RCCF’s ongoing commitment to helping nonprofits address rising project costs and expand their ability to respond to immediate needs. As materials, supplies, and program expenses continue to grow, the Foundation recognizes that even small projects require greater financial support to remain effective and impactful. By increasing the grant amount, RCCF ensures that local organizations can continue delivering meaningful services, piloting innovative ideas, and improving quality of life throughout Ripley County.

Small Project Grant applications are due the first Fridays of March, June, September, and December.

Rebranding of Large Grants

Beginning in 2026, RCCF has rebranded its large grant opportunity as the Sally Morris Community Impact Grant in honor of Sally Morris, who faithfully served as Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation for 17 years.

During her tenure, Morris’ unwavering commitment to the community laid the foundation for the significant impact RCCF continues to make today. Her leadership helped strengthen local nonprofits, encourage philanthropy, and build a culture of collaboration across Ripley County.

In addition to honoring her legacy, the Foundation believes that “Community Impact” more clearly reflects the purpose of these grants—projects designed to create meaningful, long‑term improvements throughout Ripley County. Therefore, the maximum grant request has doubled. In 2026, each qualified nonprofit serving Ripley County may request up to $10,000 in funding through the Sally Morris Community Impact Grant. Additionally, RCCF is opening a second grant cycle in 2026; applications are due on the first Fridays of April and August.

Multiply the Impact of your Gift with Matching Funds – A Call to Invest in Ripley County’s Future

Now is the perfect time to invest in the place you call home. Thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative, donations made to support the Community Foundation’s Small Project Grant Program and the Sally Morris Community Impact Program are eligible for a $2-for-$1 match.

That means every dollar you give will be tripled—making an even greater impact on the community. By giving today, you are not just supporting grants – your gift empowers nonprofits to meet urgent needs, funds meaningful projects that improve lives and strengthen Ripley County, for generations to come.

To learn how you can invest in the future of Ripley County, or to leave your legacy, contact the Ripley County Community Foundation at (812) 933-1098 or visit www.rccfonline.org.