START A FUND
Create a Never-Ending Legacy
Starting a fund at RCCF is the perfect way to connect your charitable giving to your dreams for Rush County. Then watch it grow and grow. All dollars stay local to support the people, places, and programs that make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
STEP 1: Determine Your Donation Strategy
You can start your fund today with cash, stocks and bonds, a QCD (qualified charitable distribution), or real estate. You can set up your fund with a deferred gift such as one in your will, an insurance policy, or IRA. Learn more about giving options and benefits.
STEP 2: Decide on a Type of Fund
The next step is to decide what type of fund. Which of these best matches your goals?
I want my support to go where it’s needed most.
Unrestricted Fund – also called Community Grants Fund at RCCF
- These are the most flexible grant dollars available. These funds support the ever-changing needs and interests of Rush County by supporting the work of local nonprofits.
- Two grant cycles are offered annually. Applications are reviewed by a committee of volunteers. Their recommendations are given to the board which makes final approvals.
- Minimum donation: $5,000 | must reach $10,000 (within 5 years) to begin paying out
I want to support a cause I feel passionate about.
Field of Interest Fund
- These grant dollars support organizations, programs, and projects in a broad area of interest such as agriculture, arts, education, health, natural resources, etc.
- Each fund is open for applications once per year. Staff determines which project best fits the donor’s wishes.
- Minimum donation: $5,000 | must reach $10,000 (within 5 years) to begin paying out
I want to support a specific organization or program.
Designated Fund
- These dollars support one organization or program with an annual payment, providing financial stability.
- Funds are automatically distributed annually, usually in March.
- Minimum donation: $5,000 | must reach $10,000 (within 5 years) to begin paying out
I work for/am involved with an organization. We would like to start an endowment to create financial stability.
Agency Fund
- These funds are similar to Designated Funds but are started by the organization to support itself.
- Funds are automatically distributed annually, usually in March.
- Minimum contribution: $5,000 | must reach $10,000 (within 5 years) to begin paying out
I want to help students afford college or trade school.
Scholarship Fund
- These dollars are awarded to students seeking to further their education beyond high school. (As determined by the IRS, RCCF scholarships may only be used for tuition.)
- We work with you to define the criteria you want your scholarship to prioritize. Do you want to support students in a specific field of study or certain school? Is community service important to you? Your values will be honored.
- Awards are determined by a committee. You can choose to be involved in the decision but don’t have to. The committee’s recommendation is sent to the board of directors for final approval.
- Payments are made directly to the student’s school each semester.
- Minimum contribution: $25,000
I want to make grants to nonprofits myself.
Donor Advised Fund
- You decide which organizations (not limited to those in Rush County) receive your support.
- You make requests through our online donor portal, and we take care of the rest.
- Minimum contribution: $10,000
I want to support the ongoing operations of RCCF.
Operational Fund
- These dollars provide support for the day-to-day operations of RCCF.
- We will receive an annual payment.
- Minimum contribution: $10,000
STEP 3: Name Your Fund
Donors often start funds in honor or memory of loved ones. But choose a name that’s meaningful to you. This is your chance to create a legacy; your fund’s name will stay with it forever.
STEP 4: Finalize the Paperwork
Once your fund’s type, scope, and name have been determined, we will draft an agreement. Once finalized and signed, your fund is ready to start enhancing life in Rush County.
“RCCF brings the money to life. When you’re actually able to put that money to use, that’s what makes it real."
"I love that his legacy of serving and improving our hometown will now continue well into the future."
“As a family, we came up with a set of values: gratitude, faith, adventure, creativity, honesty, simplicity. Simplicity leads to happiness. We just want to support good community stuff.”
