(Batesville, IN) — A fire department needed life-saving equipment. A group of teen musicians needed better gear. An afterschool program wanted to bring science to kids who needed it most. And a small Catholic school wanted its students to get their hands in clay.
For all of them, a check from the Ripley County Community Foundation made it happen.
The foundation announced this week that it awarded $4,625 in Small Project Grants to six local organizations during the final quarter of 2025 — and is now raising the stakes heading into 2026 with a larger maximum award and a newly renamed flagship grant program.
The Recipients
Batesville Music Boosters received $1,000 to upgrade music equipment and digital audio technology in rehearsal and performance spaces. A group of young musicians showed up to accept the oversized check — color-coordinated jackets and all.
Milan CARES Central was awarded $650 to fund STEM lessons during its afterschool program for at-risk youth, in partnership with Kids Discovery Factory. The program serves students of all grade levels.
Milan High School received $550 to purchase a ChompSaw for use in Project Based Learning coursework.
Osgood Volunteer Fire Department got $1,000 to purchase AED accessories and additional EMS equipment. Fire Chief Kyle Negangard accepted the check alongside Foundation representative Amy Streator in front of one of the department’s fire trucks.
Southeastern Indiana YMCA received $753 to purchase lifesaving equipment for staff training, with the goal of enhancing emergency response skills. Diane Raver accepted on behalf of the Y.
St. Louis Catholic School was awarded $672 to purchase art materials for clay art projects — a hands-on approach designed to build students’ fine motor skills, problem-solving, and self-expression.
[see photos of each recipient below this story]
Bigger Grants, Bigger Impact
The grants are just the beginning of what the foundation is calling a significant year of growth.
Starting in 2026, the maximum Small Project Grant award has increased from $1,000 to $1,500 — a direct response to rising costs for materials, supplies, and program expenses facing nonprofits across the county.
“By increasing the grant amount, RCCF ensures that local organizations can continue delivering meaningful services, piloting innovative ideas, and improving quality of life throughout Ripley County,” the foundation said in a statement.
Applications for small grants are due the first Fridays of March, June, September, and December.
A New Name to Honor a Legacy
The foundation’s large grant program is also getting a makeover — and a new name.
The Ripley County Community Foundation has rebranded its large grant opportunity as the Sally Morris Community Impact Grant, named in honor of Sally Morris, who served as Executive Director of the foundation for 17 years.
“During her tenure, Morris’ unwavering commitment to the community laid the foundation for the significant impact RCCF continues to make today,” the organization said in a press release.
The renamed grant now carries a maximum request of $10,000 — double the previous cap — and for the first time, applications will be accepted in two cycles per year, due the first Fridays of April and August.
Your Dollar, Tripled
For donors looking to stretch their giving, the timing couldn’t be better.
Thanks to a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative, donations to support the foundation’s grant programs are eligible for a $2-for-$1 match — meaning every dollar donated becomes three.
The Ripley County Community Foundation was established in 1997 and currently manages $22 million in assets. It can be reached at (812) 933-1098 or at www.rccfonline.org.
