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Blue River Community Foundation: BRCF October 2025 Newsletter
October 2025 
CONGRATULATIONS!
Shelby County LECS Finalists: 2026 Cohort
Congratulations to the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Finalists for Shelby County!
These four outstanding students were recently selected by Blue River Community Foundation's Scholarship Committee through a blinded application evaluation process. They are now moving on to the personal interview phase, scheduled for October 3rd. The recipient of this prestigious award will be announced in December.
OVER $214,000 AWARDED
2025 Progress Grant Recipients Announced
Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) is proud to announce that $214,632 has been awarded through the 2025 Progress Grant cycle, investing in projects and programs that will make a lasting difference for residents across Shelby County. The Progress Grant program is funded by the City of Shelbyville and Shelby County Government tax income from the casino. READ MORE OPENING DOORS TO LEARNING
$5,000 Grant to Support Free Field Trips to Children's Museum
Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, soon providing unlimited free field trips for all Shelby County schools with a contribution to the recently established Field Trip Fund. Starting in 2028, the Field Trip Fund will ensure that every Shelby County school has the opportunity to experience unlimited free field trips, year after year, for generations to come.
READ MORE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL
October 11
Each year on October 11, International Day of the Girl is celebrated. This movement highlights the importance of investing in girls’ education, leadership, and opportunities. As a supporter of these initiatives, BRCF sees the impact of this investment every day through our scholarship program.
READ MORE NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Support for Basic Needs in the Community
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 NOW PRIDE IN PLACE
Two New Murals Taking Flight in Shelby County
This October, two blank walls in Shelby County will begin their transformation into vibrant celebrations of art, nature, and community. For the first mural, located in the city of Shelbyville, BRCF has commissioned nationally recognized muralist Carl Leck to create a large-scale mural as part of the Audubon Mural Project, a public-art initiative of the National Audubon Society.READ MORE 2025 TOGETHER WE GIVE MATCH CAMPAIGN
Sneak Peek
As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day, Giving Tuesday, and Community Foundation Week in November, BRCF is once again offering a dollar-for-dollar match through our Together We Give Match Campaign. This year, BRCF is focusing on preserving a community treasure through this giving opportunity.LEARN MORE DONATE GRANT HIGHLIGHT
$1,500 Awarded For Suicide Prevention Awareness
The Shelby County Coroner’s Office is taking proactive steps to better serve our community. With support from a grant made possible by the Leon and Mary Ann Beaty Fund held at BRCF, the office has re-established its Community Outreach Program, an effort focused on education, prevention, and raising awareness around critical health and safety issues. Click below to read the press release provided by Bradley Rund, Shelby County Coroner. READ MORE BRCF PILLAR SOCIETY MEMBERS
Making A Lasting Difference Through Planned Giving
LEARN 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 - DEADLINE October 15
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 GIFTS OF GRAIN
Unique Giving Opportunity
Autumn has arrived which means it is harvest time for our local farmers. As we continue to see a number of farmers already in the fields, it reminds us to share information about a unique giving opportunity BRCF offers. Shelby County farmers can gift grain in place of dollars to support charitable causes and/or organizations they care about locally.LEARN MORE 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!DATES & DEADLINES TO KNOW 
October 13 - Columbus Day, BRCF Office Closed
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 - Shelbyville Rotary's Club Bourbon & Beast Feast - proceeds to benefit Grover Museum and the Japanese Alley ProjectBRCF 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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