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Blue River Community Foundation: BRCF February 2025 Newsletter
February 2025 
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY - February 17
Support Your Favorite Local Nonprofit
Leading up to Random Acts of Kindness Day, Blue River Community Foundation is offering Nonprofits / Charitable Organizations a chance at a $500 donation! Anyone can nominate an organization between February 8-14 via a simple, anonymous form that will be available on serveshelby.com. A winner will be drawn on February 17. Any received testimonials will be appreciated and shared publicly (*with permission) to help promote the great work of the organization.WORTMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION FUND
Awards Over $443,000
Advisory board members of the Wortman Family Foundation Fund for Shelby and Hancock Counties met in January to review 25 funding requests submitted during the fund’s grant cycle, administered by the Blue River Community Foundation. Nonprofit organizations serving Shelby and Hancock counties were invited to propose initiatives focused on health, education, and projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the two communities.READ MORE DON'T MISS OUT! 1:1 MATCH OPPORTUNITY
Support Creative Placemaking
Between the cold winter weather and the construction of the new Shelby Mills apartment, the Storybook Trail behind the Porter Center has been either snow covered or closed due to construction. As we head out of winter, we are happy to share that the area is now reopened! LEARN MORE BRCF COMMUNITY GRANT CYCLE 2025
Grant Interest Form Deadline - MARCH 1
BRCF is currently accepting grant interest forms for the 2025 Community Grant Cycle. Submissions are due by March 1st. BRCF welcomes proposals addressing a broad range of initiatives and opportunities to serve the community during this grant cycle. Grant requests may range from $2,500-$25,000. We encourage and give preference to proposals which focus on the following:- New or innovative programs that serve a broad spectrum of community members
- Projects that strive to serve/engage new or underserved populations
- Collaborative projects across various disciplines
- Projects that are impactful and transformational
- Programs that show sustainability
- Grant funds will clearly help the group or organization pursue strategic plan objectives that advance long-term institutional vitality and/or program quality
APPLY NOW REMINDER: BRCF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
Don't Forget to Complete the FAFSA
Students applying for scholarships through BRCF must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of the application process to be considered for BRCF scholarship opportunities. As a friendly reminder, applicants must submit their Student Aid Index (SAI) from their FAFSA Submission Summary by February 15, 2025 to Julie Alvis.COMPLETE THE FAFSA ATTENTION ARTISTS!
Calls for Art
BRCF is seeking proposals from artists to create a mural that is intended to raise awareness about local bird species, with a focus on those identified as having ‘High Vulnerability’ and ‘Moderate Vulnerability’ due to climate change. The mural will be located at the corner of John St. and Walker St.; Shelbyville IN 46176 *Knauf Insulation Property. Submissions are due on February 14, 2025 (11:59pm). Learn More.
BRCF announces a call for artists’ designs to transform utility cabinets in Shelby County into public artworks. Utility boxes are a simple and effective way to infuse our community with public art. Artists’ designs will be printed on vinyl and wrapped around Shelbyville and Shelby County utility cabinets. Submissions are due on February 14, 2025 (11:59pm). Learn more.LEARN MORE NEW FUNDS ESTABLISHED
BONNIE STEFFEY
ARTS & CULTURE FUND
Type: Designated FundBonnie Steffey created this designated fund in 2024. The purpose of the fund is to provide operating, building expense, or program and projects support to Grover Center, Shelby Art Guild Association, Shelby County Players, and The Strand Theatre in Shelby County. 
EADS HAAS TRIBUTE
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Type: Scholarship FundThe Eads Haas Tribute Fund was created by the families of Katie Haas and Lucas Eads to honor their lifelong family friend, Douglas LaGarde, and the legacy that he left to those who loved, supported and cared for him. Doug was a Ball State University graduate receiving a degree in education that led him to a 35 year career in teaching. When not in the classroom, Doug volunteered as a youth basketball and baseball coach. He dedicated his life to being a lifelong learner, a champion for serving his community, and a friend to all. 
RAMPLEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
FOR ST. PAUL KIWANIS
Type: Scholarship FundRichard and Kathy Rampley established this scholarship in 2024 to provide ongoing support to the St. Paul Kiwanis Club. Both are long time members of the St. Paul Club. A primary focus of Kiwanis is “Helping Kids”. St. Paul Kiwanis provides significant community services within the St. Paul area of both Shelby and Decatur Counties. This scholarship provides graduating seniors attending Waldron HS and North Decatur HS with opportunities for a local scholarship. DATES & DEADLINES TO KNOW 
February 14 - Calls for Art submission deadline
February 15 - Student Aid Index (SAI) submission deadline
February 17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 17 - President's Day; BRCF Office Closed
February 23 - College Goal Sunday
March 1 - Community Grant Interest Forms DeadlineBRCF 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
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. 
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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