• Blue River Community Foundation: BRCF October 2025 Newsletter

    October 2025
     
    CONGRATULATIONS!
    Shelby County LECS Finalists: 2026 Cohort

    Congratulations to the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Finalists for Shelby County!

    These four outstanding students were recently selected by Blue River Community Foundation's Scholarship Committee through a blinded application evaluation process. They are now moving on to the personal interview phase, scheduled for October 3rd. The recipient of this prestigious award will be announced in December.

     
    OVER $214,000 AWARDED 
    2025 Progress Grant Recipients Announced
    Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) is proud to announce that $214,632 has been awarded through the 2025 Progress Grant cycle, investing in projects and programs that will make a lasting difference for residents across Shelby County. The Progress Grant program is funded by the City of Shelbyville and Shelby County Government tax income from the casino.
    READ MORE
     
    OPENING DOORS TO LEARNING
    $5,000 Grant to Support Free Field Trips to Children's Museum
    Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, soon providing unlimited free field trips for all Shelby County schools with a contribution to the recently established Field Trip Fund. Starting in 2028, the Field Trip Fund will ensure that every Shelby County school has the opportunity to experience unlimited free field trips, year after year, for generations to come.

     
    READ MORE
     
    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL
    October 11

    Each year on October 11, International Day of the Girl is celebrated. This movement highlights the importance of investing in girls’ education, leadership, and opportunities. As a supporter of these initiatives, BRCF sees the impact of this investment every day through our scholarship program.
     
    READ MORE
     
    NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY
    Support for Basic Needs in the Community

    The Shelby County Commissioners Tindall Farm Fund provides funding to address urgent basic needs for Shelby County residents. Local organizations may apply for support to assist individuals and families experiencing poverty, homelessness, or other hardships.  Grant requests may be made for up to $7,500, with a maximum of $15,000 per organization per calendar year. Awards are made quarterly.

     

    APPLY NOW
     
    PRIDE IN PLACE
    Two New Murals Taking Flight in Shelby County

    This October, two blank walls in Shelby County will begin their transformation into vibrant celebrations of art, nature, and community. For the first mural, located in the city of Shelbyville, BRCF has commissioned nationally recognized muralist Carl Leck to create a large-scale mural as part of the Audubon Mural Project, a public-art initiative of the National Audubon Society. 
    READ MORE
     
    2025 TOGETHER WE GIVE MATCH CAMPAIGN
    Sneak Peek

    As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day, Giving Tuesday, and Community Foundation Week in November, BRCF is once again offering a dollar-for-dollar match through our Together We Give Match Campaign. This year, BRCF is focusing on preserving a community treasure through this giving opportunity.
    LEARN MORE
    DONATE
     
    GRANT HIGHLIGHT
    $1,500 Awarded For Suicide Prevention Awareness
    The Shelby County Coroner’s Office is taking proactive steps to better serve our community. With support from a grant made possible by the Leon and Mary Ann Beaty Fund held at BRCF, the office has re-established its Community Outreach Program, an effort focused on education, prevention, and raising awareness around critical health and safety issues. Click below to read the press release provided by Bradley Rund, Shelby County Coroner.
    READ MORE
     
    BRCF PILLAR SOCIETY MEMBERS
    Making A Lasting Difference Through Planned Giving
    LEARN MORE
     
    WORTMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION FUND GRANT CYCLE
    Apply Now:  2026 Application Cycle Information
    Grant interest forms are now being accepted for the Wortman Family Foundation Fund 2026 grant cycle.  These grants will not be awarded until 2026; however, now is a perfect time to start planning for this opportunity.  Applicants must be local 501(c)3 nonprofits and organizations that are exempt from filing for 501(c)3 status.  Organizations without 501(c)3 designation must provide documentation of charitable purpose.  The Wortman Family Foundation Fund does not award grants to individuals.  LEARN MORE
    GRANT INTEREST FORM
     
    NONPROFIT INTERNSHIP GRANTS 2026
    Application For Nonprofits Available - DEADLINE October 15
    Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) is excited to announce the continuation of its nonprofit internship grant opportunity in 2026. This initiative is designed to strengthen our community by supporting local nonprofits while providing meaningful learning experiences for the next generation of leaders in Shelby County. Interested nonprofits must complete an application as part of a competitive selection process. Two organizations will be awarded up to $5,000 each to help cover the wages of an intern. 
    READ MORE
    APPLY NOW
     
    GIFTS OF GRAIN
    Unique Giving Opportunity

    Autumn has arrived which means it is harvest time for our local farmers.  As we continue to see a number of farmers already in the fields, it reminds us to share information about a unique giving opportunity BRCF offers.  Shelby County farmers can gift grain in place of dollars to support charitable causes and/or organizations they care about locally.  
    LEARN MORE
     
    MARK YOUR CALENDAR
    BRCF Holiday Open House - November 20


    Please join us on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 3–5 p.m. for a Holiday Open House at BRCF. Enjoy refreshments while learning more about the work we are doing to elevate our community. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
     
    DATES & DEADLINES TO KNOW
    October 13 - Columbus Day, BRCF Office Closed

    November 1 - BRCF Winter Scholarship Application Cycle Opens - cycle is for HS Students, Current College/Graduate Students, and Nontraditional Students

    November 1 -  Wortman Family Foundation Fund Grant Cycle
    Interest Forms Due

    November 1 -  Shelbyville Rotary's Club Bourbon & Beast Feast - proceeds to benefit Grover Museum and the Japanese Alley Project
     
    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 

           DONATE NOW
    Serve Shelby is a centralized source for nonprofits to connect with the community and for volunteers to discover ways to share their time and talent. Sign up for the monthly newsletter
     
     
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Link
    Website
    Email
    LinkedIn
    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.