RCCF Supports Local Nonprofits

The RCCF has awarded $3,750 in Small Project Grants to five local organizations.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation has awarded $3,750 in Small Project Grants to five local organizations during the third quarter of 2025. These grants support initiatives that address immediate needs, foster community engagement, and enhance the quality of life for Ripley County residents.

Small Grant Recipients – 3rd Cycle 2025:

• Batesville Beautification League, Inc. – To restore a stone flower planter along George Street to improve the aesthetics of a public space.
• Friends of Versailles State Park – To launch Santa’s Lighted Forest, a new holiday event featuring festive lights, crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus, promoting winter tourism to the State Park. Supporting events like this not only brings joy to families during the holiday season but also strengthens community ties to one of Ripley County’s most treasured natural assets. Investing in the park helps preserve its role as a year-round destination for recreation, education, and environmental stewardship.
• Ripley County Chamber of Commerce – To fund strategic planning training facilitated by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA). A well-developed strategic plan equips the Chamber to better support local businesses, attract new investment, and align its efforts with the evolving needs of the community, ultimately strengthening Ripley County’s economic vitality.
• So Loved Ripley County Clothing Closet – To purchase clothing items for youth in need during the fall season.
• St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church – To create and distribute handmade quilts to children in crisis across Ripley County.

Community Impact

The Small Project Grant program is designed with a quick turnaround 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.

“While the individual amounts of each grant may be modest, these small influxes of funding support a diverse range of causes and initiatives across all areas of Ripley County,” stated Lexi Brown, Grants and Development Strategist for Ripley County Community Foundation. “From beautification efforts and youth support to cultural programming and crisis response, each project contributes to the overall vitality of the county.”

Collectively, these grants enhance community satisfaction, foster a sense of pride and belonging, and help make Ripley County an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit.

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 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 Visit https://rccfonline.org/grants/ for more information and applications for upcoming grant opportunities available for nonprofit organizations through the Ripley County Community Foundation. Foundation. Small Project Grant (up to $1,000) applications are due the first Friday of December.