RCCF's Day of Giving Surpasses Goals, Strengthens Ripley County

The RCCF awarded $50,000 in large grants to support local projects.

Photo provided.

(Versailles, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation recently celebrated a remarkable Day of Giving, raising over $550,000 in donations to support the people and worthy projects in Ripley County. “The success of the Day of Giving shows what we can accomplish when we come together as a community. These funds will make a lasting difference for our first responders and local nonprofits, ensuring Ripley County remains a safe and vibrant place to live,” stated Andy Jaisle, Ripley County Community Foundation Board Member.

MATCHING OPPORUNITY AVAILABLE

The Day of Giving featured a special incentive with donations made during the event being eligible for a 50 percent match, increasing the impact of each dollar contributed. Even though you may have missed the Day of Giving you can still take advantage of a matching opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of Lilly Endowment, Inc., donations made to a community granting fund are eligible for a $2 match for every $1 donated. These matching dollars are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so now is the perfect time to give. Your contribution will support programs and projects addressing the greatest needs in our community, ensuring the long-term vitality of Ripley County. Don’t miss this opportunity to triple your impact and help strengthen our communities for generations to come.

AED INITIATIVE

A highlight of this year’s event was the exceptional generosity our community provided for the AED Initiative, ensuring that every police car in Ripley and Franklin Counties will soon be equipped with a life-saving Automated External Defibrilator (AED). This milestone was made possible through a $75,000 grant from Margaret Mary Health and The Christ Hospital Health Network, along with generous contributions from the Ripley County Health Department ($25,000), Cintas Corporation ($19,500), ZOLL Medical ($19,500), the City of Batesville ($15,000), and multiple donors. Thanks to their generosity, we surpassed our fundraising goal and will establish an endowment to provide perpetual support for our first responders. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more connected Ripley County.

EMPOWERING LOCAL NONPROFITS

Community contributions also enable the Community Foundation to host granting opportunities, such as the large grant program. The Large Grant Program is designed to provide significant funding for projects that create lasting impact in Ripley County. By investing in initiatives that address critical needs—such as public safety, education, health, and cultural enrichment—the program helps local organizations implement transformative solutions that strengthen the fabric of our community.

The Ripley County Community Foundation Board of Directors showed their appreciation for local nonprofit organizations by awarding $50,000 in large grants to support local projects, which align with one or more of the Community Foundations service areas: Arts & Culture, Education & Workforce Development, Heath & Well-Being, and Environment & Natural Resources. The Community Foundation is proud to announce this year’s Large Grant recipients and their impactful projects:

2025 LARGE GRANT RECIPIENTS AND PROJECTS

• Lifetime Resources, Inc. – Provide computers for Sentry Service case serving adult guardianship clients in Ripley County.
• Milan Community Dollars for Scholars – Installation of a permanent display in Milan High School’s atrium honoring Dr. Mortara’s legacy and his commitment to providing scholarships.
• New Marion Volunteer Fire Department – Purchase pagers to improve firefighter safety and emergency response times.
• Parker Foundation – Enhancements to the creative learning space in downtown Batesville.
• St. Nicholas Catholic School – Upgrade tables and chairs in the STREAM Lab.
• Town of Holton – Purchase a backup generator for the community center to ensure safety during outages.
• Versailles Fire Rescue – Provide essential equipment for the new fire truck.
• Batesville Fire and Rescue – Purchase a drone to enhance emergency response operations and improve safety during fires, rescues, and large-scale incidents.
• East Indiana Area Health Education Center – Credentialing support for Jac-Cen-Del students in health science programs.
• Milan '54 Hoosiers Basketball Museum – Install interactive digital displays to enhance visitor engagement and preserve the museum’s historical artifacts.
• Ripley County EMS – Purchase IV pumps to improve patient safety during long-distance medical transports.
• So Loved Kids Clothing Closet – Provide clothing and hygiene items to children and families in need.
• Social Health Association of Indiana, Inc. – Deliver health education programs that empower Milan Middle School students to make responsible choices and adopt healthy behaviors.
• Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corp. (SIEOC) – Strengthen the Healthcare Coverage Navigator program, helping uninsured residents access and understand available health insurance options.

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.