(Ripley County, IN) – The Women’s Giving Circle, an initiative of the Ripley County Community Foundation, is a collaborative group of local women who combine their resources, passion and leadership to make a collective and powerful impact on Ripley County.
The Giving Circle is proud to announce its’ 2026 Linda S. Phaneuf Women & Children Grant Cycle is accepting applications.
Each grant applicant may seek up to $2,000 to enhance or expand a project or program that directly serves women in vulnerable situations or strengthens the family and align with the mission of the Women’s Giving Circle.
Grant applications are open to 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Applications are now being accepted and will close on Monday, April 6.
Additional details and the online application are available at https://rccfonline.org/grants/.
Your Voice Shapes the Impact
Members of the Women’s Giving Circle also have the exclusive opportunity to vote how the funds from the Linda S. Phaneuf Women & Children Fund will be allocated. The Grants Sub-Circle will review all submissions and provide recommendations, which will be voted on by the general membership during the April 21 Luncheon.
Women’s Giving Circle Annual Luncheon – April 21, 2026
This year’s Women in Philanthropy Luncheon is set to take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Maurice Catholic Church Hall in Napoleon.
This year’s luncheon theme, “Building the Next Chapter” will highlight the strength and civic leadership of women who turned passion into transformational change for Ripley County. The event will feature six remarkable women who identified a need and took action — each of them launching something amazing within our community and demonstrating that power to create change does not belong to a select few—it belongs to anyone with the heart to begin.
Our distinguished panel will include:
- Cheryll Obendorf, Panel Moderator, bringing extensive experience in community leadership and a deep commitment to empowering rural communities.
- Lin Phaneuf, speaking on “Collective Giving” and her role helping launch the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon.
- Jolene Rockwood, addressing “Arts and Culture” and her dedication to cultivating local creativity through the establishment of the Batesville Area Arts Council.
- Lisa Tuveson, presenting on “Mental Health,” and the importance of teaching resilience and emotional regulation for students and families.
- Holly Wehr, speaking on “Community Development” and her hands-on efforts revitalizing her community and supporting local businesses.
- Jane Yorn, discussing “Victim Services” and her work founding Safe Passage.
Join the Women’s Giving Circle
Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join the Women’s Giving Circle and attend the luncheon.
Memberships are available at two levels:
- Individual Memberships at $100
- Junior Memberships (under age 25) for $50
Seventy-five percent of each membership will be granted in 2026, while the remaining 25 percent will be placed into the Phaneuf Women & Children Fund to support long-term community impact.
To join or sponsor the Women’s Giving Circle, visit: www.rccfonline.org/impact/initiatives/womens-giving-circle/.
To join the Women’s Giving Circle and learn more about how you can create opportunities in your community, contact the Ripley County Community Foundation, which is located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, and can be reached by phone at (812) 933-1098 or via email at office@rccfonline.org.
(Ripley County Community Foundation press release)
