The Ripley County Community Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded $12,500 in grants to support community initiatives in the Town of Osgood. These grants are made possible through the generosity of two enduring funds: the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund and the Ray E. Herman & Louise (Herman) Crum Memorial Endowment Fund.
Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund
Established in 1994 following the passing of Frank Tarter, the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund honors the legacy of a lifelong Osgood resident who generously dedicated his entire estate to the betterment of the town he loved. Mr. Tarter envisioned his gift as “a means by which the town and community could be a better place in which to live and raise a family,” hoping to inspire others to give back and help make shared dreams a reality.
Ray E. Herman & Louise (Herman) Crum Memorial Endowment Fund
The Ray E. Herman & Louise (Herman) Crum Memorial Endowment Fund, established in 2002, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and enjoyment of life for the residents of Osgood and its surrounding rural community. Through their self-less giving, the Herman-Crum family has created a legacy that continues to uplift and enrich lives year after year.
The missions of these two endowment funds complement one another and work together to support projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in the Osgood community. Their continued impact demonstrates the power of endowed philanthropy, transforming the generosity of past donors into lasting community investments. Through careful stewardship and community partnerships, these funds embody the Ripley County Community Foundation’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that charitable resources remain available to address local needs not only today but for future generations.
These grants reflect the Ripley County Community Foundation’s mission to grow and sustain a culture of giving and to invest resources that meet community needs throughout Ripley County. Through charitable endowments created by generous donors, the Foundation connects local philanthropy with meaningful community solutions, ensuring that donor generosity continues to strengthen communities for generations to come. This work is guided by the Foundation’s core values of gratitude, integrity, sustainability, and collaboration, which are reflected in every grant awarded and every partnership supported.
In rural communities, endowment funds provide a permanent source of local funding that can respond to changing community needs year after year. Because endowment principal is invested and preserved while earnings are distributed through grants, these funds create a sustainable charitable resource that supports community improvement, strengthens local organizations, and empowers residents to shape their own future. Endowments help rural communities retain local dollars for local impact, ensuring that generosity continues to benefit future generations.
“These grants are a wonderful example of what happens when generous people invest in their community through an endowment fund,” said Amy Streator, Ripley County Community Foundation Executive Director. “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. Their legacy reflects the power of philanthropy to make a lasting difference.”
2026 Grant Recipients:
SEI Voices/Court Appointed Special Advocates shall receive $2,500 to support a trauma-informed enrichment program serving children in the Osgood area, particularly youth 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 to help children build resilience, strengthen relationships, and improve educational outcomes.
Osgood Volunteer Fire Department shall receive $2,500 to equip a donated unmanned aircraft system (drone) with thermal imaging and optical camera technology and replace necessary batteries. Once operational, the drone will enhance emergency response capabilities by supporting search and rescue efforts, incident assessment, firefighter safety, and disaster response. The drone will also be available to assist the Town of Osgood with infrastructure monitoring when needed.
Osgood Lions Club shall receive $2,500 to help maintain and improve the Osgood Lions Mini-Park, a valued community gathering space that contributes to the town’s quality of life. The Osgood Lions Club strives to improve the health and well-being of the community through volunteer service. For decades, the Osgood Lions Club has enhanced community life through civic projects, support for local events, and investments in public spaces that bring residents together.
Carson Hughes Foundation shall receive $2,500 to purchase and install a commercial wildlife spotting scope at the Osgood Trails. The project is part of a broader effort to create a memorial gathering space honoring Carson Hughes while encouraging outdoor recreation, environmental appreciation, and community engagement. The completed space will provide residents and visitors with a place to reflect, connect with nature, and enjoy the trail system.
Osgood Lions Foundation shall 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, hosting a community remembrance ceremony, and providing educational programming for students. Funding will specifically support wreath-making kits for Jac-Cen-Del students, helping teach future generations about service, sacrifice, and the value of freedom.
“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,” said Brady Westerfeld, Grants Manager for the Ripley County Community Foundation. “What connects all of these grants is a shared commitment to strengthening the Osgood community through collaboration and local investment. We are honored to steward these donor-established funds and help transform charitable giving into meaningful, lasting impact.”
Strengthen Osgood’s Future
The success of the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund and the Ray E. Herman & Louise (Herman) Crum Memorial Endowment Fund is a testament to the power of community-led philanthropy. Each grant awarded reflects the Ripley County Community Foundation’s mission to grow and sustain a culture of giving while investing resources that address local needs. Through the generosity of visionary donors, these permanent endowments continue to strengthen Osgood and create opportunities for future generations. Frank Tarter specifically hoped his gift would inspire others to invest in the future of the community he loved, and his legacy continues to do exactly that today. To learn more or to make a gift, please visit https://rccfonline.org, call us at (812) 933-1098, or email us at office@rccfonline.org.
