Blue River Community Foundation awards over $124,000 to Shelby County nonprofits

Blue River Community Foundation’s Community Grant process strategically invests in projects across various areas of interest, which include community and civic programs, arts and culture, education, health, and social services.

The foundation has announced 10 organizations whose grant proposals demonstrated exceptional potential for impact. A total of $124,325 in grants was distributed to the organizations listed below, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to fostering positive change and enhancing the well-being of Shelby County residents.

The Arc of Shelby County was awarded $15,000 to update and replace gym equipment at SENSES gym, which has served children ages 1-6 of all abilities since 2016. It is integrated with Golden Bear Preschool and allows sensory-based play to the community.

Cancer Association of Shelby County was awarded $7,000 to support cancer patients by providing financial support to alleviate cancer-related financial hardships and promote healthier eating habits to aid recovery. This funding will focus on providing nutritious food resources for cancer patients in the community by offering Shelby County Farmers Market Bucks and gift certificates for Spegal Prime Cuts – keeping the economic impact hyper-localized.

Firefly Children & Family Alliance was awarded $12,500 to support the Family Resource Center program launch, part of a larger initiative called Strengthening Indiana Families. This pilot program would provide as many as six monthly mobile events to introduce the community to the program. These events will occur at various community locations like libraries and churches, focusing on child safety education, mobile food and supply pantries, and family fun activities.

Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County was awarded $17,500 to establish a dedicated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) space within their facility. Partnering with an Indiana-based STEAM company, 1st Maker Space, the goal is to create a dynamic environment for hands-on learning and creative problem solving. The proposed MakerSpace will feature customizable STEAM carts, magnetic table bundles, a web-based 3D printer, a building-brick wall, and a padcaster with a green screen studio.

Grover Center: Museum & Historical Society was awarded $12,300 to support artifact preservation. The grant will facilitate three key objectives: acquiring archival supplies to properly house the textile collection, obtaining mount-making tools for exhibits and signage, and making collections accessible online through a subscription-based platform.

Ivy Tech Foundation was awarded $13,275 to acquire manufacturing equipment for the new Advanced Manufacturing Lab on the Ivy Tech campus in Shelby County. This equipment is vital for hands-on training and is aligned with the Early College high school program in Advanced Automation & Robotics, the Advantage Shelby County Scholarship specifically for students in the AART degree program, and the industry apprenticeship program.

Morristown Community Development Partnership was awarded $17,750 to support additions to Morristown Park that enhance the all-ability playground equipment recently installed. These enhancements including installing a sidewalk from the parking lot to the new playground for better accessibility, rubber mats under swings to secure mulch and improve traction, and an outdoor fitness area to promote family exercise.

Shelby Senior Services, Inc. was awarded $6,500 to launch Healthy Crockpot Cooking for Less classes, providing seniors with crockpots, recipe cards, and ingredients for monthly healthy meals. Led by the Health and Wellness Coordinator, each class will focus on budget-friendly, nutritious meals with low sodium and low carb themes.

Turning Point Domestic Violence Services was awarded $5,000 to support survivors of domestic violence by providing financial assistance to help secure and maintain safe living conditions. This program addresses survivors’ complex financial barriers, including rent, utility bills, and transportation costs. The funds will enable Turning Point to continue offering essential services and case management, helping survivors achieve long-term financial stability and independence.

The Villages of Indiana, Inc. was awarded $17,500 to promote and advertise the Healthy Families program. This program supports pregnant and parenting women, infants, and families through evidence-based home visitation services, aiming to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. Additionally, funds will provide direct financial assistance to support families’ basic needs, allowing them to focus on program support and parenting.

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