RCCF SCHOLARSHIPS
One Application for 80+ Awards
In 2025, 66 Rush County students received 119 scholarships totaling more than $254,000.
Timeline
- The online scholarship system opens in mid-December.
- Applications are due by February 15 at 11:59:59 pm.
Eligibility
RCCF scholarships are open to:
- Students beginning or continuing coursework in post-secondary education within the calendar year of the application deadline
- Residents of Rush County
- Residence is defined by maintaining a permanent address in Rush County, or being claimed as a dependent by a Rush County resident.
A small number of RCCF scholarships are also open to non-residents.
- Bob and Avie Pike Family Memorial R.N. Scholarship Fund – also open to direct descendants of a former Rush County resident
- Jinks Family Scholarship Fund – also open to residents of Fayette County
- John and Rosemary Cain Scholarship Fund – for members in good standing of St. Mary Catholic Church in Rushville who are graduating seniors of an accredited high school in Indiana
- Judge John W. Goddard Family Scholarship – for graduating seniors of Greensburg Community High School in Decatur County
- Ken Brashaber Purdue FarmHouse Scholarship Fund for Monroe and Rush County Students
- Victor and Dorothy Koontz Memorial Scholarship Fund – open to any male students studying to become a Christian minister
- William F. and Lelande Anise Hunt Beher Memorial Scholarship Fund – also open to Rush County natives
Application Process
STEP 1: Application
One online application automatically determines your eligibility for all awards.
The application opens in mid-December for classes starting in the fall semester of the following year.
It is due February 15 at 11:59:59 pm. You will need to submit an official transcript and SAR (Student Aid Report), which you receive when you file your FAFSA.
The application is your time to shine. Tell your story and make your case. Note your academic successes, of course, but also your extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and job experience. It all adds up.
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! Each donor sets the criteria for their scholarship. Some require additional essays, which you won’t be aware of until you submit.
STEP 2: Notification
Once the volunteer scholarship committee has scored all applications and made their recommendations, the RCCF board of directors makes the final approval. Learn more about this process.
If you are awarded any scholarships, you will receive an invitation in early May to our Scholarship Celebration, which is held in mid-May.
STEP 3: Celebration
The Scholarship Celebration is an open house format with light refreshments and photo opportunities. You will be able to bring 2 guests and are expected to attend.
You’ll learn more about your award(s), meet RCCF staff and board, and celebrate with friends. Donors are also invited. If they are able to attend, you will have the chance to meet them, too.
You will also receive a packet with your award info and follow-up instructions.
STEP 4: Follow-Up
After the celebration, you can log into the scholarship system to view your award(s) and find follow-up instructions with due dates. You’ll need to complete a bio for RCCF social media and website, write thank you notes to your donor(s), turn those into the RCCF office, and submit your billing information.
FAQ
Do I have to complete the entire application at once?
If my parents are divorced, do I have to provide both parents' financial information?
I'm paying for my own education. Do I have to supply my parents' income?
Can I use my scholarship for room and board?
No. RCCF is a 501(c)(3) organization and must follow IRS regulation for scholarship distribution.
Qualified expenses include:
- Tuition and fees required to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution
- Course-related expenses such as fees, books, supplies, and required equipment.
Expenses that do not qualify include:
- Room and board
- Travel
- Research or clerical help
- Equipment and other expenses not required for enrollment or attendance
