(Osgood, IN) – Five Osgood-area organizations will share $12,500 in grants aimed at helping children, improving public safety, enhancing recreation and honoring local veterans.
The Ripley County Community Foundation announced the 2026 awards Monday through two long-running charitable funds: the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund and the Ray E. Herman & Louise (Herman) Crum Memorial Endowment Fund.
$12,500 invested in Osgood
Five organizations will receive $2,500 each for projects ranging from youth advocacy and emergency-response technology to parks, trails and veterans programs.
Supporting children and families
SEI Voices/Court Appointed Special Advocates will receive $2,500 for a trauma-informed enrichment program serving children in the Osgood area, particularly young people who are involved in or at risk of entering the court system.
The program combines advocacy, academic support, social-emotional learning and creative enrichment opportunities designed to help children build resilience, strengthen relationships and improve educational outcomes.
Public safety gets a technology boost
The Osgood Volunteer Fire Department will receive $2,500 to equip a donated drone with thermal-imaging and optical-camera technology and to replace needed batteries.
Once operational, the drone is expected to assist with search-and-rescue calls, incident assessment, firefighter safety and disaster response. It also could be used by the Town of Osgood for infrastructure monitoring when needed.
Investing in community spaces
The Osgood Lions Club will receive $2,500 to help maintain and improve the Osgood Lions Mini-Park, a community gathering place that has long served local residents.
The Carson Hughes Foundation also will receive $2,500 to purchase and install a commercial wildlife spotting scope at the Osgood Trails.
The scope is part of a broader effort to create a memorial gathering space honoring Carson Hughes while encouraging outdoor recreation, appreciation of nature and community engagement.
Remembering local veterans
The Osgood Lions Foundation will receive $2,500 to support the Ripley County Historical Society’s TEACH program through Wreaths Across Ripley County.
The project honors local veterans by placing wreaths on veterans’ graves, holding a community remembrance ceremony and providing educational programming for students. Grant funding will specifically support wreath-making kits for Jac-Cen-Del students.
“The projects funded this year address a wide range of community needs, from supporting youth and families to enhancing public safety, preserving local history, and improving recreational opportunities.”
— Brady Westerfeld, Ripley County Community Foundation grants manager
A legacy built to last
The Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund was established in 1994 after the death of lifelong Osgood resident Frank Tarter, who left his estate for the betterment of the town.
The Herman-Crum Memorial Endowment Fund, established in 2002, supports projects intended to improve quality of life for residents of Osgood and the surrounding rural community.
Community Foundation Executive Director Amy Streator said the grants show how gifts placed into permanent endowments can continue benefiting a community decades after they are made.
“The vision of donors like Frank Tarter and the Herman-Crum family continues to create opportunities, strengthen organizations, and improve quality of life for Osgood residents,” Streator said.
About the Foundation: The Ripley County Community Foundation was established in 1997 and manages more than $24 million in charitable assets supporting causes throughout Ripley County.
