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Blue River Community Foundation: BRCF June 2025 Newsletter
June 2025 
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$508,000 Awarded
BRCF currently administers 117 scholarship funds created by generous donors. Although these donors establish these funds for a variety of reasons, they all share a common objective: empowering the future of students. For the 2025 cohort, $508,000 has been awarded to students pursuing post-secondary credentials for the 2025-26 academic year. To view the list of BRCF's 2025 scholarship recipients, please click the button below.
2025 RECIPIENTS 2025 COMMUNITY GRANTS
Over $141,000 Awarded
BRCF is proud to be a cornerstone of philanthropy in Shelby County. By connecting people, resources, and causes, BRCF supports programs that enrich lives today and strengthen our community for generations to come. Through charitable giving, strategic grantmaking, and community leadership, we help elevate the quality of life for residents in our community.
2025 RECIPIENTS SUPPORTING SAFETY IN SHELBY COUNTY
Three New Initiatives
Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) has reaffirmed its commitment to community safety and educational advancement through three significant initiatives: the establishment of the Robert Edward Elliott, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, the launch of the Shelby County Public AED Fund, and the support of local K-9 programs.READ MORE MEET OUR SUMMER INTERNS
Join Us In Welcoming Ava Mummert & Karina Calderon
Thanks to the Community Foundation Intern Initiative through Lilly Endowment Inc., BRCF is excited to welcome Ava Mummert (left) and Karina Calderon (right) to our staff this summer. We are confident their contributions will make a positive impact, and that the experience will be mutually rewarding. Their curiosity to learn and their creative abilities are inspiring.READ MORE BRCF SCHOLAR ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations Avery Runnebohm, PhD
BRCF is proud to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Avery (Kirschbaum) Runnebohm, a former BRCF scholarship recipient and member of our Scholar Alumni Alliance. Avery recently earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Indiana University School of Medicine, marking an inspiring milestone in her academic and professional journey. Her dedication to scientific research and her drive to make a meaningful difference are evident in all that she does.
READ MORE SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP
Attention Class of 2026
Since 2017, BRCF has offered a free scholarship workshop each summer for rising high school seniors in Shelby County. Interested students can choose one of the date and time slots below to attend:-
June 19: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
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July 10: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
To learn more about this opportunity, please review this FLYER or contact Julie Alvis at jalvis@blueriverfoundation.com or 317-392-7955 ext. 102. REGISTER NOW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ATTN: Class of 2026
BRCF’s Summer Scholarship Application Cycle opens July 1. During this cycle students graduating high school by June 2025, can apply for over 200 scholarships offered through BRCF administered scholarship funds, as well as the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Shelby County.Did you know that every year BRCF awards 4-year renewable scholarships to students who are selected as Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Finalists, but are not named the recipient? In 2013, Avery Runnebohm (above) was named a finalist and received a scholarship to help cover her cost of attendance at Butler University Anyone interested in these opportunities should be sure to apply before the September 1 deadline. Questions? Contact Julie Alvis, Communications & Scholarships Director. 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 
BRCF’s 2024 Annual Report is on its way to mailboxes soon! Can’t wait? Explore the digital version now and get a sneak peek at the impact we made over the past year.HOMETOWN COMMUNITY GRANT CYCLE
DEADLINE - July 1: Apply Today!
The Hometown Community Funds held at BRCF were created in 2008 to support charitable projects or organizations that serve the residents of Shelby County's rural areas —our HOMETOWNS! Projects or programs within the boundaries of each of the 4 county school districts are eligible. Examples include schools, volunteer fire departments, historic restoration projects, town improvements, public beautification projects, youth programs, senior citizen programs, or community education programs. LEARN MORE/APPLY CITY & COUNTY PROGRESS GRANT CYCLE
Grant Interest Forms DEADLINE - July 1
The City of Shelbyville and Shelby County Government continue to offer a grant program funded through racino income that they receive annually under state law. They recognize that many organizations are working continually to enhance the quality of life in our community and wish to support this work by offering grants awarded annually through a competitive selection process. Grant interest forms are due July 1. LEARN MORE or contact Jordan England. GRANT INTEREST FORM DATES & DEADLINES TO KNOW 
June 19 - BRCF Scholarship Workshop 1 - 3:30 p.m.
July 1 - City & County Progress Grant Interest Forms Deadline
July 1 - Hometown Community Grant Interest Forms Deadline
July 1 - Summer Scholarship Application Cycle opens
(for students on track to graduate high school by June 2026)
July 1 - Scholarship Claim Forms due for 2025 recipients
July 3 & 4 - July 4th Holiday; BRCF Office Closed
July 10 - BRCF Scholarship Workshop 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.BRCF INITIATIVES 
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program provides a free book monthly for children ages 0-5. BRCF administers this opportunity in Shelby County thanks in part to the Shelby County Imagination Library fund established by donors.
LEARN MORE and/or REGISTER
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Copyright © *|2025|* *|Blue River Community Foundation|*, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Blue River Community Foundation
54 W. Broadway Street, Suite 1
Shelbyville, IN 46176
P: 317.392.7955
Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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