RCCF Grants $12,500 to Support Osgood

Five organizations received funding

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation has awarded $12,500 in grants to support community initiatives in the Town of Osgood. 

These grants are made possible through the generosity of two enduring funds: the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund and the Ray E. Herman & Louise (Herman) Crum Memorial Endowment Fund.

The Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund Established in 1994 following the passing of Frank Tarter, the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund honors the legacy of a lifelong Osgood resident who generously dedicated his entire estate to the betterment of the town he loved. The Ray E. Herman & Louise (Herman) Crum Memorial Endowment Fund, established in 2002, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and enjoyment of life for the residents of Osgood and its surrounding rural community. 

2026 Grant Recipients

• SEI Voices/Court Appointed Special Advocates shall receive $2,500 to support a trauma-informed enrichment program serving children in the Osgood area, particularly youth who are involved in or at risk of entering the court system. The program combines advocacy, academic support, social-emotional learning, and creative enrichment opportunities to help children build resilience, strengthen relationships, and improve educational outcomes.
• Osgood Volunteer Fire Department shall receive $2,500 to equip a donated unmanned aircraft system (drone) with thermal imaging and optical camera technology and replace necessary batteries. Once operational, the drone will enhance emergency response capabilities by supporting search and rescue efforts, incident assessment, firefighter safety, and disaster response. The drone will also be available to assist the Town of Osgood with infrastructure monitoring when needed.
• Osgood Lions Club shall receive $2,500 to help maintain and improve the Osgood Lions Mini-Park, a valued community gathering space that contributes to the town's quality of life. The Osgood Lions Club strives to improve the health and well-being of the community through volunteer service. For decades, the Osgood Lions Club has enhanced community life through civic projects, support for local events, and investments in public spaces that bring residents together.
• Carson Hughes Foundation shall receive $2,500 to purchase and install a commercial wildlife spotting scope at the Osgood Trails. The project is part of a broader effort to create a memorial gathering space honoring Carson Hughes while encouraging outdoor recreation, environmental appreciation, and community engagement. The completed space will provide residents and visitors with a place to reflect, connect with nature, and enjoy the trail system.
• Osgood Lions Foundation shall receive $2,500 to support the Ripley County Historical Society's TEACH program through Wreaths Across Ripley County. The project honors local veterans by placing wreaths on veterans' graves, hosting a community remembrance ceremony, and providing educational programming for students. Funding will specifically support wreath-making kits for Jac-Cen-Del students, helping teach future generations about service, sacrifice, and the value of freedom.

“The projects funded this year address a wide range of community needs, from supporting youth and families to enhancing public safety, preserving local history, and improving recreational opportunities,” said Brady Westerfeld, Grants Manager for the Ripley County Community Foundation. “What connects all of these grants is a shared commitment to strengthening the Osgood community through collaboration and local investment. We are honored to steward these donor-established funds and help transform charitable giving into meaningful, lasting impact.”

To learn more about the Ripley County Community Foundation's mission or to make a gift, please visit https://rccfonline.org