Ripley County Community Foundation Awards $50K to Local Charities

The Ripley County Community Foundation celebrated a successful 10th Annual Day of Giving on November 1.

Photo by Ripley County Community Foundation.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation celebrated a successful 10th Annual Day of Giving on November 1. The event raised over $405,000, which will support the future of Ripley County and transform local communities. The Board of Directors generously matched donations placed into endowment funds, further amplifying the impact of community giving.

“Our Day of Giving highlights the power of collective giving,” stated Amy Streator, RCCF Executive Director. “These gifts will support causes and charitable organizations working to make Ripley County a vibrant and thriving place to live.”

This year’s Day of Giving wasn’t just about fundraising. The Ripley County Community Foundation hosted a hygiene closet supply drive to benefit local high schools. Each community member that donated an item to the hygiene closets was entered into a drawing for a $500 grant. Shirley Bocock was the lucky winner and selected the Imagination Library to receive the funds.

Our Board of Directors showed their appreciation for local nonprofit organizations by awarding $50,000 in in grants to 13 local nonprofits. Large grant recipients’ projects align with one or more of the community foundation’s service areas: Arts & Culture, Education & Workforce Development, Environment & Natural Resources, and Health & Well-Being.

Grant Recipients and Projects:

• Batesville Police Department - Indiana - Funding will purchase a speed display radar sign, enhancing road safety and encouraging responsible driving.
• Main Street Versailles - This grant will support a captivating ice sculpting demonstration for the Home for the Holidays event, providing a unique art form for the community to enjoy.
• New Horizons Rehabilitation, Inc - Adaptable furniture will be added to recreational areas, enhancing the day programs for participants.
• People Assisting Animals in Need (PAAIN) - Funding will cover spay/neuter procedures for animals, helping control the overpopulation of stray animals.
• So Loved Kids Clothing Closet - Funds will restock gloves, hats, and scarves in the Mobile Coat Closet, keeping families warm this winter.
• Town of Versailles, Indiana - Funding will support a trail from Versailles to Osgood through Versailles State Park, featuring a floating dock bridge.
• Batesville Park Board - Funds will create an outdoor fitness area with accessible workout equipment. · Hoosier Trails Council, BSA - Funding will support a Cub Scout Shoot-O-Ree that will engage K-5 students with exciting outdoor activities.
• People Helping People - Support will go toward the community’s annual canned food drive, providing essential food supplies to those in need.
• Oldenburg Academy - Funding will enhance media within the school by purchasing TVs and upgrading networks.
• Phi Beta Psi Sorority XI Chapter - Grant funds will support a website expansion and a marketing campaign to increase awareness, engagement, and support for the chapter's fundraising and community initiatives.
• Southeastern Indiana YMCA - Funding will support the NinjaZone, which combines physical activity with character development.
• TCC Gives Inc. More than a Phone - This initiative provides a Safe Passage survivor with a smartphone, offering critical support as they rebuild their lives.

The Ripley County Community Foundation is committed to Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter and is located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville. 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.