RCCF Invests in Local Nonprofits

The RCCF has awarded $4,550 in Small Project Grants to five local organizations.

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(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation has awarded $4,550 in Small Project Grants to five local organizations during the first quarter of 2026. These grants invest in programs that promote inclusion, creativity, education, and community while addressing immediate needs throughout Ripley County.

Small Grant Recipients – 1st Cycle 2026:

• Every Sole Counts Inc – To purchase running gear and equipment for athletes with intellectual disabilities, ensuring safe, comfortable, and confident participation in local Special Olympics programs across Ripley County.
• Milan Lions Club – To purchase a new lion costume to be used at parades and public events throughout Milan and Ripley County, supporting community visibility and engagement with the Milan Lions Club.
• Ripley County Tourism Bureau – To support the Ripley County Art in Nature Community Art Show and Artisan Demonstrations, a free public event in Versailles showcasing local artists and their creative process.
• St. Louis Catholic School – To launch the junior high school band program, The Cardinal Tweets, providing students opportunities to develop musical skills, teamwork, confidence, and school spirit while enriching school and community events.
• Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County – To help offset the cost of outfitting local Ripley County students for a multi-week hiking and camping expedition to Yellowstone National Park and additional national parks, ensuring participants have proper gear for a safe and successful experience.

Community Impact

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

“Through our grant programs, we aim to ease the financial pressure on local nonprofits so they can focus less on fundraising and more on the impact they are making in the community,” said Lexi Brown, Grants and Development Strategist for the Ripley County Community Foundation.

Multiply the Impact of your Gift with Matching Funds

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 Grant 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. Your gift helps fund meaningful projects that improve lives and strengthen Ripley County. 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.

Apply for Upcoming Grants Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to visit https://rccfonline.org/grants/ for more information and applications for upcoming grant opportunities available through the Ripley County Community Foundation. Small Project Grant applications (up to $1,500) are due the first Friday in June. These grants help local organizations deliver meaningful services, pilot innovative ideas, and improve the quality of life throughout Ripley County.

Sally Morris Impact Grants – Round Two

The second round of Sally Morris Impact Grants is now open and accepting applications (up to $10,000), with a deadline of the first Friday in August. These grants support projects that are designed to create meaningful, long-term community improvements across Ripley County, reflecting the Ripley County Community Foundation’s commitment to lasting community impact. RCCF staff are available to assist with any questions and can be reached at office@rccfonline.org.