Ripley County Community Foundation Celebrates Year of Giving at Annual Meeting

The RCCF celebrated achievements over the past year.

Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) – The Ripley County Community Foundation hosted its annual meeting on June 25, welcoming over 200 community members, donors, and partners.

The event served as a platform to celebrate the RCCF’s achievements over the past year and express gratitude for the ongoing support that fuels their mission.

“We were thrilled with the turnout at this year’s annual meeting,” said Amy Streator, Executive Director at the Ripley County Community Foundation. “It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, showcase our impact, and recognize the incredible individuals who make our work possible.”

In 2023, the RCCF awarded 209 grants totaling over $410,000 back into Ripley County. These grants supported a diverse range of initiatives from enriching arts programs and environmental projects to fostering economic development and promoting health and well-being in Ripley County.

Last year also marked a significant year of growth for the RCCF. Twelve new charitable funds were established. By year’s end the Community Foundation’s assets surpassed $16 million.

The RCCF’s work goes beyond grantmaking. The Women's Giving Circle empowered women to pool resources and maximize their philanthropic impact. The Turnover Hunger Program connected student athletes to local food insecurity needs. The Ripley Youth Outreach collaborated with local partners to bring free Wi-Fi and murals to Daren Baker Memorial Park. Finally, Wreaths Across Ripley County honored over 4,400 veterans during the holiday season.

Since January 1, 2024, the Foundation has awarded over $130,200 in scholarships to 66 students. This includes supporting 28 current college students and 38 graduates from the Class of 2024.

Another big happening in 2023 was a partnership between the RCCF, Southeastern Indiana YMCA, Batesville Memorial Library, Osgood/Milan Library, and Tyson Library to launch the Imagination Library program in Ripley County.

The national program gifts high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, fostering a love of reading from an early age. The program has already impacted over 700 local children.

For more information on how to get involved with the RCCF, visit www.rccfonline.org.