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Blue River Community Foundation: BRCF 2025 September Newsletter
September 2025 
2025 HOMETOWN GRANT RECIPIENTS
$15,325 Awarded Throughout Shelby County
Blue River Community Foundation is proud to announce that $15,325 was awarded this year through our Hometown Grants program! These grants support projects that celebrate community pride, preserve local history, and strengthen the unique character of our towns and neighborhoods.READ MORE SCHOLAR ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Jordan Green - 2007 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar
"Receiving the Lilly Endowment Scholarship changed my life, and because of it, I'm always compelled to volunteer and give back," says Jordan Green, a 2007 graduate of Shelbyville High School. "It was a privilege to focus on my education at Indiana University and spend more time with family, thanks to having less financial stress."READ MORE LILLY SCHOLAR NETWORK SHOWCASES SHELBY COUNTY
Local Scholars Lead Panel Discussion
Shelby County was recently showcased during the Lilly Scholar Network’s (LSN) field trip, held August 23 & 24, 2025. A highlight of the event was a panel discussion led by Shelby County Lilly Scholars Stacy Baute, Lauren Ruble, and Hope Fenton (pictured l-r), who shared their experiences and projects funded through the Lead Forward Community Grants (LFCG) program.
READ MORE LEAD WITH PURPOSE
Building & Strengthening Shelby County’s Nonprofit Boards
In August, 37 local individuals started a four-month nonprofit board training series facilitated by Hedges. The program aims to help educate individuals of the functions of a nonprofit board and the responsibility of its members. The eight-session series covers multiple subjects including but not limited to: core responsibilities of a nonprofit board, building a thriving board, and setting vision and strategy.READ MORE THE RUDICEL-MONTGOMERY BARN
Help Support Efforts To Restore This Rare Landmark
For the second year in a row, Indiana Landmarks has named the Rudicel-Montgomery Polygonal Barn in Shelby County to its annual list of the 10 Most Endangered landmarks in the state. The designation highlights the 12-sided structure’s need for urgent investment and restoration. The barn, constructed in 1910 by George Rudicel, is one of fewer than 10 known 12-sided barns still standing today.
READ MORE CHECK THESE OUT!
New Public Art Installations
LEARN MORE HUNGER ACTION MONTH
Supporting Local Food Insecurity Together
Hunger Action Month is recognized nationwide every September. The campaign aims to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action toward ending food insecurity. Organized by Feeding America and supported by countless food banks, nonprofits, and volunteers, the month encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to get involved through donations, food drives, advocacy, and volunteer work.
READ MORE PRIDE IN PLACE
Japanese Alley Activation Project Update
Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) has committed to lead efforts to transform the alleyway between Grover Center: Museum and Historical Society and Shelbyville Fire Station 1 to honor the Sister City relationship between Shelbyville, Indiana and Shizuoka, Japan. A large-scale art installation that will mimic Mt. Fuji in form is in its final stages of development. Artist, Michael Runge and Ignition Arts LLC in conjunction with Rbhu Engineering are developing the work.
The project has been awarded an IN Placemaking Activation Grant. The alley will include ‘IN Indiana’ branding, a statewide tourism marketing campaign launched by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC). Support has been raised to complete the first two phases of the project through GIFT VIII match dollars from Lilly Endowment Inc. and local donors. Please consider helping us complete the third. DONATE NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Shelby County Contributes to Texas Flood Relief
This summer, BRCF offered local residents a way to help victims of the devastating Texas floods along the Guadalupe River that occurred in early July. The Foundation collected $7,946 in donations from donors, which were sent to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to aid victims in Boerne, Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort.READ 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
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 REMINDER: SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CYCLE
Deadline September 1
High school students on track to graduate by June 30, 2026 can now apply for scholarships during BRCF's summer scholarship application cycle. Students applying during this cycle are considered for both the
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship &
BRCF administered scholarships.
The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025.For more information, contact Julie Alvis or view the Foundation's Scholarship Resource Guide.
*applicants must meet minimum eligibility requirements for Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship consideration.APPLY NOW NEW FUNDS ESTABLISHED
BERTHOUEX FUND
FOR NATIVE HABITAT RESTORATION
Type: Field of InterestAmy and Al Berthouex created this fund to provide support to promote a healthier and more resilient, natural environment through the support of tree planting, the control of invasive species, and the education of community members on both efforts. This fund supports nonprofit organizations, community groups, and local initiatives working to restore and expand native tree population; prevent and manage the spread of invasive plants that threaten local ecosystems; and educate the public on the importance of native flora, biodiversity, and sustainable land stewardship. 
OFFICER HENRY ALBRECHT
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Type: ScholarshipThe Henry Albrecht Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Morristown community group, Morristown Matters, in memory of Henry Albrecht who passed away June 6, 2024. Henry acted as Morristown Marshal for 33 years and was a member of the Morristown Volunteer Fire Department for 44 years. Henry loved the Morristown community and served it with love and honor. It didn’t matter if he was on duty or off, he would help in whatever way he could. He also enjoyed interacting with the kids. Someone in the community stated that Henry was, “a great mentor”, and thanked him for, “taking our kids and making them yours as well, following all our kids from elementary school to adulthood. His mentorship never stopped”. This award will be given to someone who is involved in the community, is willing to be a mentor to others, and wants to help make Morristown the best it can be.
SHELBY COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S
TINDALL FARM FUND
Type: Field of InterestThis fund will address urgent needs within the community, such as providing food, shelter, clothing, or other essential recourses to those struggling with poverty, homelessness, or other hardships. Grants will be made to local organizations supporting individuals and families dealing with hardship. DATES & DEADLINES TO KNOW 
September 1 - Labor Day, BRCF Office Closed
September 1 - Summer Scholarship Application Cycle Deadline (for students on track to graduate high school by June 30, 2026)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
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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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