The Ripley County Community Foundation aims to serve the community by providing grants to nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit Ripley County. They focus on adapting to community needs, supporting change-oriented projects, ensuring the most benefit per dollar granted, utilizing matching grants, and valuing organizational strength and community support.
The Ripley County Community Foundation Grants Program aims to support projects that are change-oriented and problem-solving in nature, with an emphasis on providing "seed" money or pilot project support, though general operating support grants may also be considered. The program is designed to be flexible in responding to the community's evolving needs, focus on maximizing the impact of each dollar granted, and encourage the leveraging of additional funds through matching, challenge, and other grant-making techniques. The program particularly values projects that demonstrate strong community support, leadership, clear proposals, and eligibility. Additionally, the Tarter / Herman-Crum Grants specifically aim to improve the quality and enjoyment of life for residents of Osgood and its rural surroundings, with annual grants of up to $2,500 available through the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund and the Ray Herman & Louise Herman-Crum Memorial Endowment Fund.