Sally Morris Impact Grants Awarded
The Ripley County Community Foundation celebrated another successful Day of Giving, raising more than $350,000 to support local charitable organizations, community projects, and the long-term vitality of Ripley County. The event showcased the generosity of local donors who believe in investing in their hometowns and strengthening opportunities for future generations.
“Each year, I am impressed how the Day of Giving demonstrates the incredible generosity and community spirit that exists throughout Ripley County,” stated Ben Peetz, Board President of the Ripley County Community Foundation. “We are always grateful to everyone who contributes to the Foundation, and our Day of Giving really highlights the lasting impact that can be made for local nonprofits and the people they serve.”
MATCHING OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE
The Day of Giving featured a special incentive that increased the value of donations made during the event through a 50% matching opportunity. While the Day of Giving has concluded, donors still have an opportunity to maximize their impact.
Thanks to the generosity of Lilly Endowment, Inc. through the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Phase IX initiative, donations made to community granting funds are eligible for a $2 match for every $1 donated. Matching dollars are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available.
KEEPING CHARITABLE DOLLARS LOCAL
Gifts made through the Ripley County Community Foundation support local programs, organizations, and initiatives that improve the quality of life while creating permanent resources for future generations. Through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT IX initiative, local donations can also attract additional matching dollars from outside our community, multiplying the impact of local generosity.
“We are very appreciative of the Lilly Endowment’s GIFT IX program, as this provides a fantastic opportunity for local individuals and business to maximize their gifts by leveraging the 2-to-1 match by Lilly for every local dollar that is donated,” continued Peetz.
EMPOWERING LOCAL NONPROFITS
The Ripley County Community Foundation Board of Directors showed their appreciation for local nonprofits by awarding $50,000 in grants into the community supporting projects that align with the community foundation’s focus areas of Arts & Culture, Education & Workforce Development, Heath & Well-Being, and Environment & Natural Resources. The Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the second round of the Sally Morris Community Impact Grant program:
- Englishton Park – Supporting summer camp programming and outdoor experiences for local youth. ($5,000)
- Gibson Theatre – Batesville Indiana – Funding new front doors to preserve and upgrade this historic community theater. ($5,000)
- New Marion Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – Outfitting first responders with essential battery-powered ventilation equipment. ($5,000)
- So Loved Closet – Funding their Closet Fill-Up Project to provide essential clothing and supplies to local families in need. ($1,000)
- Social Health Association of Indiana – Expanding health and wellness education programs for students at Milan Middle School. ($2,500)
- St. Louis Catholic School – Funding renovations to update and modernize their historic gymnasium. ($8,750)
- St. Paul Lutheran Church (Crossroads) – Installing a new septic system to upgrade and maintain church facilities. ($8,750)
- The Greatest Need Foundation – Providing financial assistance to local individuals fighting cancer. ($2,500)
- Versailles Lions Club – Replacing and renovating their clubhouse roof to preserve a key community gathering space. ($5,000)
- Veterans of Foreign War Post #6234 – Funding critical accessibility upgrades to their parking area to better serve local community. ($6,500)
“Thanks to the generosity of donors across Ripley County and beyond, the Ripley County Community Foundation continues to invest in opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods, support local organizations, and improve the quality of life for residents,” concluded Peetz. The Ripley County Community Foundation is committed to Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter and is located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville. To learn how you can invest in the future of Ripley County, or to leave your legacy, contact the Ripley County Community Foundation at (812) 933-1098.
