-
Blue River Community Foundation: BRCF November 2025 Newsletter
November 2025 
2025 TOGETHER WE GIVE MATCH CAMPAIGN
Support A Community Treasure
As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day, Giving Tuesday, and Community Foundation Week this November, Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) invites you to join our Together We Give Match Campaign, a special opportunity to preserve a community treasure while multiplying the impact of your gift. Your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar through BRCF’s matching opportunity, doubling your generosity.
In addition, the Brown Family Charitable Fund held at the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County will provide an additional $40,000 match if BRCF raises $20,000, meaning your donation could be tripled. LEARN MORE DONATE NOW OPEN: WINTER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CYCLE
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
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. 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. APPLY NOW YOUR FUTURE. YOUR PATH.
BRCF Scholarships for Skilled Trades & Technical Programs
At Blue River Community Foundation, we recognize that potential career paths look different for everyone. That’s why many of our scholarships are available to students pursuing skilled trades, technical certifications, or two-year degrees, not just traditional four-year programs. No matter your educational journey, we encourage you to apply and take the next step toward your goals. LEARN MORE STORIES OF IMPACT
Grant Reports Now Available To Review On BRCF Website
To better highlight the impact of BRCF grants in our community, recipients are asked to submit a grant report within one year of receiving support. These reports highlight the meaningful ways BRCF funding helps local organizations achieve their goals. We’re pleased to now make these reports available for viewing on our website on the grant recipients page.
CHECK IT OUT ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS
3 Internship Opportunities Available
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. 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. LEARN MORE APPLY NOW IMPACT INVESTING UPDATE
Opening Doors to Homeownership
In December of 2024, BRCF joined the City of Shelbyville and Intend Indiana to break ground on the first of four new affordable homes in Shelbyville through Intend’s Affordable HomeMatters initiative, which aims to increase homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income familiesREAD MORE MURAL IN MOTION
Artist Carl Leck Begins Work
As part of BRCF’s Pride In Place Initiative, we are excited to announce that work on the mural at the Shelby County Players Wortman Family Civic Theatre is underway. Artist Carl Leck of Greenfield is creating the mural, which will eventually wrap around three sides of the building. Carl plans to complete two sides this fall and the third side in the spring. READ MORE COMMUNITYLINK GROUNDBREAKING
Nonprofit Center Renovations Are Underway
On October 29th, our community broke ground on the CommunityLink, the nonprofit center that will be owned and operated by Healthy Shelby County. Pictured (l-r): Laura Land, BRCF Community Engagement Officer; Greg Gerline, BRCF board member; Jennifer Jones, BRCF Executive Director; Lee Marks, BRCF board member; Jordan England, BRCF Grants and Nonprofit Relations Director; Bill Poland, Genesis Property Development ; Rob Morgan, BRCF board member. READ MORE NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY
Celebrate by Supporting Local Nonprofits
National Philanthropy Day is November 15! Whether you choose to volunteer your time, make a financial gift, or purchase a much-needed item for a local organization, we encourage you or your business to show support for the nonprofits that strengthen our community.Here are a few upcoming local volunteer opportunities: - Oct. 13 (1-3pm) B.R.A.N.C.H. Weed Wrangle. Meet at Blue River Memorial Park Ball Diamond Lot
- Nov. 15 (9:30am-Noon) Gleaners Mobile Pantry at Blue River Career Program
- Delivering food to homebound community members. Meals on Wheels, Shelby Senior Services, and Trinity UMC could use drivers.
- *Laura Land at lland@blueriverfoundation.
com can be contacted for more details.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST EDITION OF THE CORNERSTONE
Click To View
BRCF’s Cornerstone is now an 8-page publication, delivered twice a year. It highlights the impact we’re making in the community and shares current opportunities for donors, nonprofits, and students. If you’re not already receiving it in your mailbox, click the button below to subscribe.
SUBSCRIBE MARK YOUR CALENDAR
BRCF Holiday Open House - November 20
Please join us on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 3–5 p.m. for a Holiday Open House at BRCF. Enjoy refreshments while learning more about the work we are doing to elevate our community. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE - NOVEMBER 1
Shelby County Commissioners Tindall Farm Grant Opportunity
The Shelby County Commissioners Tindall Farm Fund provides funding to address urgent basic needs for Shelby County residents. Local organizations may apply for support to assist individuals and families experiencing poverty, homelessness, or other hardships. Grant requests may be made for up to $7,500, with a maximum of $15,000 per organization per calendar year. Awards are made quarterly. APPLY TODAY! APPLY NOW NEW FUNDS ESTABLISHED 
GEROW FAMILY FUND FOR LITERACY
Type: Designated FundThe Gerow Family Literacy Fund was established by Jeanne Gerow to support the Imagination Library Program in Shelby County. While Jeanne no longer lives in Shelby County, she has a great attachment to the Foundation as she worked there for seven years in the early years of its existence. So, when a match opportunity arose to share her love of reading and at the same time encourage families to cultivate that love in their children, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.DATES & DEADLINES TO KNOW 
November 1 - KICK OFF: Together We Give Match Opportunity to Support the Rudicel-Montgomery Barn Preservation Effort
November 1 - BRCF Winter Scholarship Application Cycle Opens - cycle is for HS Students, Current College/Graduate Students, and Nontraditional Students
November 1 - Wortman Family Foundation Fund Grant Cycle
Interest Forms Due
November 1 - Shelby County Commissioners Tindall Farm Farm Fund Grant Cycle Applications Due
November 11 - BRCF Office Closed; Veterans Day
November 12 -18 - Community Foundation Week
November 20 - BRCF Open House, 3-5 p.m.
November 27 & 28 - BRCF Office Closed; Thanksgiving Holiday
December 1 - Wortman Family Foundation Grant Applications Due
December 2 - Giving TuesdayBRCF 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
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.
.png)