Rising Sun Regional Foundation

03/28/2026

Rising Sun Regional Foundation Announces
Critical Funding Changes and Grant Reductions

Southeastern Indiana — The Rising Sun Regional Foundation (RSRF) announced significant and immediate changes to its grantmaking process following the loss of its primary funding source, marking a pivotal moment for the organization and the communities it serves.

Since 1994, the Foundation has played a vital role in driving progress across Ohio County, Ripley County, and the cities of Aurora and Batesville. With nearly $47 million reinvested into the region, RSRF has supported nonprofits, expanded educational opportunities, strengthened public safety services, and enhanced critical infrastructure.

As of December 31, 2025, however, the Foundation is no longer receiving monthly contributions tied to the adjusted gross revenue of the Rising Star Casino Resort, owned by Full House Resorts. While the casino remains in operation in Rising Sun, these contributions have ceased with no indication they will resume. The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the team at Ice Miller for their legal representation and guidance as the Board diligently attempted to negotiate an ongoing revenue stream.

“This is a significant and challenging turning point for the Foundation,” said Stan Wiedeman, Board President. “For more than three decades, these funds have allowed us to make a meaningful and consistent impact in our communities. The loss of this revenue requires us to make difficult but necessary changes to ensure we can continue serving the region responsibly.”

In response, the Board of Directors has begun reevaluating all aspects of its grantmaking strategy. Beginning with the 2026 third-quarter grant cycle, the maximum grant award will be reduced from $40,000 to $30,000 per quarter.
Additionally, the Foundation will place increased priority on projects that demonstrate strong matching funds and community investment.

“Moving forward, we must be more strategic than ever,” said Rachael Cole, Board Vice-President. “Projects that show strong local support and matching resources will rise to the top. Our goal is to maximize the impact of every dollar we are able to invest.”

Further changes to grant guidelines are currently under review, and additional updates are expected. The Foundation strongly urges all applicants to review current guidelines carefully prior to submitting an application.

“These changes are not made lightly,” added Kystie Philips, Board Treasurer. “Our commitment to this region has not changed—but the way we operate must evolve in response to this new financial reality.”

Despite the challenges ahead, the Rising Sun Regional Foundation remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen and sustain the communities it serves.
For more information about updated grant guidelines and application details, please visit www.rsrfonline.org or contact Cheryll Obendorf, Executive Director, 812-438-4490 or [email protected].

Serving Ohio and Ripley Counties and the Cities of Aurora and Batesville in Southeastern Indiana

02/03/2026

2026 Scholarship Application is now available to 2026 high school graduates who live in Ohio County, Ripley County, the city of Aurora, or the city of Batesville. For more information, please visit our website at www.rsrfonline.org/scholarships

07/08/2025

The Rising Sun Regional Foundation announces its Second Quarter 2025 Grant Awards!

The Rising Sun Regional Foundation (RSRF) awarded a total of $244,300 in new grants in the second quarter of 2025.

06/23/2025

The Rising Sun Regional Foundation is pleased to announce the award of $52,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors who reside in Ohio and Ripley counties and the cities of Aurora and Batesville, the Foundation's Southeastern Indiana grantmaking region.

The Rising Sun Regional Foundation is pleased to announce the award of $52,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors who reside in Ohio and Ripley counties and the cities of Aurora and Batesville, the Foundation’s Southe...

04/02/2025

Grants for the 1st Quarter 2025 have been announced!

April 2, 2025

01/15/2025

Rising Sun, IN - The Rising Sun Regional Foundation (RSRF) is pleased to announce its 2025 Scholarship Program, which will provide $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions of higher learning.

The program is open to students from the following public high schools*:

Batesville High School
East Central High School
Jac-Cen-Del High School
Milan High School
Rising Sun High School
South Dearborn High School
South Ripley High School

*Eligibility for students at any of these high schools requires residency in Ripley or Ohio counties, the city of Aurora, or the city of Batesville.

Additionally, scholarships are available to graduating seniors who are homeschooled or attend private or parochial schools, provided they are residents of the RSRF service area, which includes Ohio and Ripley counties and the cities of Aurora and Batesville.

To apply, students must submit a completed scholarship application along with transcripts by March 1, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Applications and further details are available on the RSRF website at www.rsrfonline.org.

For more information, please contact Cheryll Obendorf, Executive Director, at 812-438-4490 or [email protected].

Serving Ohio and Ripley Counties and the City of Aurora

09/11/2024

RSRF Board Statement on Potential Rising Star Casino Move

The Board of Directors of the Rising Sun Regional Foundation has diligently maintained a policy of wise investing over its 30-year history - yes, RSRF is 30 years old this year! Over those years, over $47 million in grant funding has been awarded to organizations in Ripley and Ohio counties and the cities of Aurora and Batesville. This funding has had a significant positive impact on our regional economy.

The RSRF Board is monitoring the situation carefully, but until the status of the casino is determined, RSRF will continue to operate as usual. Applicants are reminded that our next grant application deadline is October 15, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

03/19/2024

We host our fish fries to raise funds to maintain our equipment and keep up with various projects at the fire house, but most importantly, we do it to help strengthen our community. Our department has been very blessed in the recent months with donations and support from the local community. We as a department have decided to pay it forward in remembrance of an incredible young man who touched many lives in our community through his contagious smile and his love for photography. We had the honor of escorting Carson and the JCD Eagles back to Osgood on several occasions after some very special victories. Whether he hit a clutch 3 point shot or captured a breath taking photograph, we will always remember the light Carson brought to this world.

03/14/2024

03/10/2024

LAST CHANCE!!! Attention High School Seniors in Ripley County, Ohio County, cities of Aurora and Batesville, and homeschool students: Apply NOW before the deadline of March 15 at 4 pm!

Serving Ohio and Ripley Counties and the Cities of Aurora and Batesville in Southeastern Indiana

01/25/2024

www.rsrfonline.org/scholarships

Serving Ohio and Ripley Counties and the Cities of Aurora and Batesville in Southeastern Indiana