The Winkler and Smith family know the importance of giving back to the community, so when Charlie Smith proposed around the kitchen table that they could create a family fund through RCCF — “it was not a hard sell,” said Smith.
In November, the family moved their conversation from the table to the RCCF office to establish the Winkler-Smith Family Community Fund. This fund is unrestricted, which will help local nonprofit organizations meet the needs of Rush County as they arise. In 2024, RCCF provided 11 organizations with funds to help support communities. The Winkler-Smith’s unrestricted fund was a part of the Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII match initiative that allowed the Winkler-Smith family to triple their impact in the community. The Winkler-Smith Family Community Fund is now one of 34 unrestricted funds at RCCF.
This fund is not their first involvement with RCCF, though. From 2012-2017, Smith served on the RCCF board, including as treasurer, helping to support Rush County with a “whirlwind of projects.” He assisted RCCF in the Root Building and Community Building projects during his tenure, and he wanted to start this fund because of the positive impact he has seen across the community through RCCF. “It could help any organization in the whole county,” Smith said.
With lineage tracing back generations, including to Rush County’s earliest days, their family has been heavily involved in the community throughout its history.
Contemporary family members have been associated with and leaders of the Rush County Historical Society, the Arlington East Hill Cemetery Association, the Rush County School’s School Board and school system, Posey Township Trustee, RCHS Athletics, the Rush County Agricultural Association, Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Rushville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 4-H, directorships at Rush/Shelby Energy, Arlington State Bank, Peoples Trust Company, MainSource Bank and in their church.
They continue to expand their legacy as community-oriented leaders who want to give back to Rush County. Since his tenure on the RCCF board, Smith has continued to provide support for Rush County through his position as president of County Council, following in the footsteps of his late father-in-law, Norman Winkler.
Their multigenerational support of Rush County proves their ardent commitment continues to this day.
To join their family in supporting Rush County, contribute to the Winkler-Smith Family Community Fund online or mailing your gift to RCCF, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173.
