The foundation is a catalyst for igniting action that elevates the quality of life in Shelby County. (Serve Shelby County by encouraging philanthropy, inspiring action that improves lives and builds stronger communities.)
Blue River Foundation Inc directs most of its recent grantmaking to Shelby County organizations and uses a mix of large operating awards, facility funding, and community grants to support local nonprofits. In 2025, its largest listed grant went to Boys and Girls Club of Shelby County for fund distribution, followed by a major operating support grant to Healthy Shelby County and facility expenses for Early Learning Shelby County. Those awards sit alongside recurring support for groups tied to youth development, health, education, and community life in Shelbyville and nearby towns. The foundation’s recent records show a strong preference for established local institutions. Major Health Partners received operating support in both 2023 and 2024, while Shelby Co Players received capital campaign support in consecutive years as well. Blue River Foundation Inc also appears in education and family-serving work through Early Learning Shelby County, and in public-facing community work through grants to the Shelby County Public Library and Shelby Senior Services Inc. Its giving pattern reflects a local funder that combines program support, capital needs, and general operating support across a small geographic area.
Blue River Foundation Inc supports a broad set of community needs, but several cause areas stand out in the recent grants. In health, it gave $691,521 to Healthy Shelby County for operating support and $44,355 to Mhp Foundation for medical support. In early childhood and education, Early Learning Shelby County received $543,863 for facility expenses. For arts and culture, Shelby Co Players received $335,839 for a capital campaign. The foundation also funded accessibility work through a $69,500 grant to Morristown Community Development Partnership Inc for an ADA playground. Social services and basic needs also appear in the record. Shelby Senior Services Inc received $53,007 for food pantry/programs, while Girls Inc received $59,275 for program support after a prior $88,324 mental health grant. These awards show a funder supporting both direct service organizations and facilities that carry community programs.
Typical grants cluster in the low tens of thousands, with a p25 of $8,632, a median of $14,950, and a p75 of $30,310. The recent record also includes several much larger awards, showing that the foundation uses both modest program grants and sizable institutional support. Repeated awards to the same organizations across 2023, 2024, and 2025 point to ongoing relationships rather than one-time grants. Blue River Foundation Inc is a regular funder, funds individuals, and makes its grants through local community and scholarship programs as well as direct nonprofit support. Several listed community grant programs accept unsolicited applications.
$3.6M
$62.3M
$12.1M
$5.8M
Most grants fall between $9K and $30K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$9K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$30K
BRADY CLAXTON
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Blue River Foundation Inc gives overwhelmingly in Indiana: 98% of its grants go to recipients in the HQ state, and the recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based. Shelbyville appears frequently among recent grantees, along with Morristown and Indianapolis. The strongest concentration is in Shelby County, including Shelbyville organizations such as Boys and Girls Club of Shelby County, Healthy Shelby County, and Shelby County Public Library, plus Shelby County-based programs for senior services and arts groups. A smaller share reaches nearby Indiana locations such as Morristown and Indianapolis.
The recent record shows support for education, health, arts and culture, civic work, social services, and community development. Named grants include operating support for Healthy Shelby County, facility expenses for Early Learning Shelby County, a capital campaign for Shelby Co Players, and food pantry support for Shelby Senior Services Inc.
Yes. Its active programs include BRCF Scholarships, which serve high school seniors, current college students, and nontraditional students. The program uses a centralized application and draws from multiple scholarship funds administered by BRCF.
The reported distribution is p25 $8,632, median $14,950, and p75 $30,310. That suggests many awards are relatively modest, even though the recent list also includes larger grants for operating support, facility expenses, and capital campaigns.
Very local. The foundation’s geographic scope is listed as local, 98% of grants go to recipients in Indiana, and the recent grants are concentrated in Shelbyville, Morristown, and nearby Shelby County communities.
Yes. Several active programs accept unsolicited applications, including the BRCF Scholarships program, the community grant programs for Southwestern, Waldron, and Northeastern Shelby County, the Wortman Family Foundation Grants, the Shelby County Commissioners - Tindall Farm Fund Grant Program, Community Grants, and City & County Progress Grants.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Blue River Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Organizations providing basic needs to residents in Shelby County.
Deadline: Applications due February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1; awarded quarterly.
Who can apply: Projects or organizations must serve residents of the designated Northeastern quadrant of Shelby County.
Deadline: Applications are due by July 1; grants awarded in August.
Who can apply: Projects or organizations must serve residents of the designated Southwestern quadrant of Shelby County.
Deadline: Applications are due by July 1; grants awarded in August.
Who can apply: Projects or organizations must serve residents of the designated Waldron quadrant of Shelby County.
Deadline: Applications are due by July 1; grants awarded in August.
Who can apply: Projects or organizations serving residents in the designated area of Shelby County; each fund serves a school-district-based quadrant (Northwestern, Northeastern, Waldron Area, Southwestern).
Deadline: Applications are due by July 1; grants awarded annually in August.
Who can apply: Charitable causes that serve Shelby County residents; not for organizational endowments, taxing entities or organizations funded through taxes such as schools and public libraries, or professional development/student enrichment expenses.
Deadline: Interest form deadline July 1; full application due in early August after invitation.
Who can apply: Serving Shelby and Hancock counties.
Deadline: Grant interest forms due November 1; awarded in January.
Who can apply: Local 501(c)(3) nonprofits and organizations exempt from filing for 501(c)(3) status; organizations without 501(c)(3) status must show documentation of charitable purpose; fiscal sponsor advisable if needed; units of government, school corporations, and religious organizations qualify; projects or programs must serve Shelby County residents; no individuals; no organizational endowments, annual campaign drives, political campaigns, previously started/completed projects, debts, travel, or regular school curriculum projects; general operating support is not typically eligible except occasionally for a new or pilot program.
Deadline: Grant interest forms due March 1; awarded in May.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SHELBY COUNTY | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $798,837 | 2025 | FUND DISTRIBUTION |
| HEALTHY SHELBY COUNTY | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $691,521 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| EARLY LEARNING SHELBY COUNTY | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $543,863 | 2025 | FACILITY EXPENSES |
| SHELBY CO PLAYERS | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $335,839 | 2025 | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| SCUFFY | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $123,816 | 2025 | CAMPAIGN SUPPORT |
| THE INDIANAPOLIS SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL FOUNDATION | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $100,000 | 2025 | BUILDING MAINTENANCE |
| SHELBY CO COUNCIL | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $98,570 | 2025 | PROGRESS GRANTS |
| GIRLS INC | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $59,275 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SHELBY SENIOR SERVICES INC | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $53,007 | 2025 | FOOD PANTRY/PROGRAMS |
| FOREST HILL CEMETARY ASSOCIATION | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $47,500 | 2025 | PAVING |
| SHELBY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $43,323 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| MORRISTOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP INC | MORRISTOWN, IN | $42,750 | 2025 | PARK EQUIPMENT |
| MHP FOUNDATION | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $33,848 | 2025 | MEDICAL SUPPORT |
| GROVER CENTER MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $28,815 | 2025 | BUILDING IMPROVEMENT |
| MARIETTA VOL FIRE DEPARTMENT | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $28,677 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SHELBYVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $28,000 | 2025 | RESCUE EQUIPMENT |
| SHELBY CO MASONIC LODGE 28 | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $26,677 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| MT GILEAD BAPTIST CHURCH | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $26,677 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ISU FOUNDATION | TERRE HAUTE, IN | $26,677 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR 73 | MANILLA, IN | $26,677 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| JANE PAULEY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $26,677 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HANCOCK HEALTH FOUNDATION | GREENFIELD, IN | $25,000 | 2025 | MENTAL HEALTH |
| DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATION | PIGEON FORGE, TN | $23,000 | 2025 | BOOK PROGRAM |
| DIVISION OF OVERSEAS MINISTRIES | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $20,000 | 2025 | FOOD PROGRAM |
| IVY TECH FOUNDATION | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $18,475 | 2025 | MANUFACTURING LAB |
| THE VILLAGES OF INDIANA INC | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $17,500 | 2025 | HEALTHY FAMILIES |
| THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $16,385 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CANCER ASSOCIATION OF SHELBY COUNTY | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $15,430 | 2025 | HEALTHY EATING PROG |
| MORRISTOWN METHODIST CHURCH | MORRISTOWN, IN | $15,000 | 2025 | PARSONAGE UPDATES |
| THE ARC OF SHELBY CO | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $15,000 | 2025 | SENSORY GYM EQUIP |
| GLEANERS FOOD BANK | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $14,954 | 2025 | FOOD PANTRIES |
| BLUE RIVER CAREER PROGRAMS | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $12,566 | 2025 | INDUSTRY PROGRAM |
| HANCOCK COUNTY FOOD PANTRY | GREENFIELD, IN | $11,000 | 2025 | PANTRY SUPPORT |
| NINE13SPORTS | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $11,000 | 2025 | KIDS BUILDING BIKES |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HANCOCK COUNTY | GREENFIELD, IN | $10,645 | 2025 | EXERGAME EQUIPMENT |
| TURNING POINT | COLUMBUS, IN | $10,530 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SHELBYVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOLS | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $10,459 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SHELTER FROM THE STORM INC | FAIRLAND, IN | $10,320 | 2025 | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE |
| NETWORK FOR GOOD | LAS VEGAS, NV | $10,000 | 2025 | FUNDRAISING SERVICES |
| GEIST CHRISTIAN CHURCH | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| GREENFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION | GREENFIELD, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION ENRICHMENT |
| SERVANTS AT WORK INC | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | ACCESSIBLE RAMPS |
| ST THOMAS ESPISCOPAL CHURCH | FRANKLIN, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | ST THOMAS CLINIC |
| LOVE INC | GREENFIELD, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | FAITH & FINANCES |
| HANCOCK COUNTY CHILDREN'S CHOIR | GREENFIELD, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | ARTS PROGRAM |
| MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $8,510 | 2025 | OPER SUPPORT |
| INLOW IMAGING CENTER MAJOR HOSPITAL | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $8,450 | 2025 | CONTINUING EDUCATION |
| FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $5,840 | 2025 | FOOD PANTRY/BUILDING |
| OUR HOSPICE OF SOUTH CENTRAL IN | COLUMBUS, IN | $5,800 | 2025 | HOSPICE PROGRAM |
| SHELBY COMMUNITY BAND | SHELBYVILLE, IN | $5,521 | 2025 | TRAILER PURCHASE |
HEALTHY SHELBY COUNTY
$691,521OPERATING SUPPORT
EARLY LEARNING SHELBY COUNTY
$543,863FACILITY EXPENSES
SHELBY CO PLAYERS
$335,839CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
THE INDIANAPOLIS SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL FOUNDATION
$100,000BUILDING MAINTENANCE
SHELBY CO COUNCIL
$98,570PROGRESS GRANTS
SHELBY SENIOR SERVICES INC
$53,007FOOD PANTRY/PROGRAMS
FOREST HILL CEMETARY ASSOCIATION
$47,500PAVING
SHELBY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
$43,323OPERATING SUPPORT
MORRISTOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP INC
$42,750PARK EQUIPMENT
MHP FOUNDATION
$33,848MEDICAL SUPPORT
GROVER CENTER MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$28,815BUILDING IMPROVEMENT
MARIETTA VOL FIRE DEPARTMENT
$28,677OPERATING SUPPORT
SHELBYVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
$28,000RESCUE EQUIPMENT
SHELBY CO MASONIC LODGE 28
$26,677OPERATING SUPPORT
MT GILEAD BAPTIST CHURCH
$26,677OPERATING SUPPORT
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR 73
$26,677OPERATING SUPPORT
JANE PAULEY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
$26,677OPERATING SUPPORT
HANCOCK HEALTH FOUNDATION
$25,000MENTAL HEALTH
DIVISION OF OVERSEAS MINISTRIES
$20,000FOOD PROGRAM
THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES
$16,385PROGRAM SUPPORT
CANCER ASSOCIATION OF SHELBY COUNTY
$15,430HEALTHY EATING PROG
MORRISTOWN METHODIST CHURCH
$15,000PARSONAGE UPDATES
THE ARC OF SHELBY CO
$15,000SENSORY GYM EQUIP
BLUE RIVER CAREER PROGRAMS
$12,566INDUSTRY PROGRAM
HANCOCK COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
$11,000PANTRY SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HANCOCK COUNTY
$10,645EXERGAME EQUIPMENT
SHELBYVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOLS
$10,459PROGRAM SUPPORT
SHELTER FROM THE STORM INC
$10,320DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
GEIST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
$10,000OPERATING SUPPORT
GREENFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION
$10,000EDUCATION ENRICHMENT
ST THOMAS ESPISCOPAL CHURCH
$10,000ST THOMAS CLINIC
LOVE INC
$10,000FAITH & FINANCES
HANCOCK COUNTY CHILDREN'S CHOIR
$10,000ARTS PROGRAM
MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
$8,510OPER SUPPORT
INLOW IMAGING CENTER MAJOR HOSPITAL
$8,450CONTINUING EDUCATION
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
$5,840FOOD PANTRY/BUILDING
SHELBY COMMUNITY BAND
$5,521TRAILER PURCHASE