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HONORING THE LIFE & LEGACY OF LEE MARKS
A Devoted Board Member, Philanthropist, and Champion of the Arts
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The Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) Board of Directors and staff are deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime board member Amelia "Lee" Marks. Lee passed away on November 14th, 2025.
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YEAR END CHARITABLE GIVING
Explore BRCF's Options
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As 2025 winds down and Giving Tuesday arrives tomorrow, many people are looking for meaningful ways to direct their year-end giving. BRCF offers a variety of options. For example, gifts can be made to benefit local organizations that support community causes you care about, provide scholarships for local students, and strengthen other charitable efforts throughout Shelby County.
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MULTIPLY YOUR IMPACT
2:1 Match Available for Community Funds
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| This season also brings a unique opportunity to multiply your impact. Thanks to a limited-time 2:1 match through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT IX initiative, every dollar donated to a community fund at BRCF will be doubled. This means a gift of $25 is matched with $50 for a total of $75. If establishing a named fund is something you’re considering, now is a perfect time. A gift of only $1,667 will be matched to reach the full $5,000 minimum required to create a new community fund. |
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| These endowed community funds support unrestricted grantmaking, allowing BRCF to respond to ever-changing needs and serve the community for generations to come. |
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SHINING BRIGHT TOGETHER GRANTS
Supporting Local Nonprofits
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| BRCF recently held an open house on November 20th to kick off the holiday season. The event, sponsored by Mason Investment Advisory Services, Inc., provided an opportunity to celebrate the community partners, volunteers, and donors whose support makes our work possible. During the evening, we also presented the 2025 Shining Bright Together grants to this year’s recipients. |
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INSPIRING CREATIVITY
Scholarships for Aspiring Artists
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BRCF scholarships for those majoring in the arts were created by donors who believe the arts have the power to inspire, educate, and connect. These scholarships are designed to help students explore their talents, develop their skills, and take important steps toward their artistic dreams. The financial awards support local students in visual, performing, and other creative arts programs. Applications are open now.
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TOGETHER WE GIVE SUCCESS
Donors Help Raise $82K for the Rudicel-Montgomery Barn
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BRCF has reached our Together We Give match goal supporting the efforts to restore the Rudicel-Montgomery Barn. With the help of our donors, a match by BRCF, and an additional match provided by Brown Family Charitable Fund, a total of $82K has been raised! This is enough funding to completely cover the basic level of restoration of the barn. |
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| We will continue to accept donations to achieve funding for the full restoration of the structure, but no further donations will be matched. In addition to the BRCF campaign contributions, additional funding will be donated to the project by the Montgomery Family, Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Barn Foundation and Shelby County Tourism. |
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REMINDER: WINTER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CYCLE
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
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| High school students on track to graduate by June 30, 2026, current college students, graduate students, and nontraditional students are encouraged to apply for BRCF scholarships aimed at those pursuing post-secondary credentials. One unique feature of BRCF’s application process is that only one application is completed to qualify for all scholarship opportunities for which an applicant is eligible. |
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| For specific criteria, requirements, and instructions for applying, along with a list of available scholarships, please refer to the BRCF Scholarship Resource Guide located on our website under the Scholarships tab. You can also find additional details in this FLYER for prospective applicants. |
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REMINDER: COLLEGE STUDENTS
3 Internship Opportunities Available
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| BRCF is excited to offer an opportunity for college students who are members of our Scholar Alumni Alliance (BRCF scholarship recipients) to gain hands-on experience during the summer of 2026 through internships with Shelby County nonprofits. Through our nonprofit internship grant program, BRCF supports Shelby County nonprofits by providing up to $5,000 in funding to help create paid internship positions. |
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| This initiative not only strengthens our local nonprofits but also provides the next generation of leaders with valuable learning and career-building experiences. By applying for an internship, students have the chance to develop professional skills, network with community leaders, and contribute to meaningful projects that benefit Shelby County. |
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IN MEMORY OF OUR LOVED ONES
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| At the request of friends and family, BRCF is honored to accept memorial gifts to the following funds: |
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Shelbyville Central Schools
Education Foundation Fund
Type: Designated Fund
In memory of Sue C. Clements
1939 - 2025
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William Roland Stine
Scholarship Fund
Type: Scholarship Fund
In memory of Carole A. Stine
1942 - 2025
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| DATES & DEADLINES TO KNOW |
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December 1 - Wortman Family Foundation Grant Applications Due
December 2 - Giving Tuesday
December 18 - BRCF Office Closing at noon
December 24-26 - BRCF Office Closed; Christmas Holiday
January 1 - BRCF Office Closed; New Years Holiday |
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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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| 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. |
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HONORING THE LIFE & LEGACY OF LEE MARKS
Educational Scholarship Fund
Shelbyville Central Schools
William Roland Stine
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