Wortman Family Foundation Fund invests in 19 local projects to begin 2026

The Wortman Family Foundation Fund for Shelby and Hancock Counties has announced the recipients of the 2026 Wortman Family Foundation Fund grants.

Following a competitive review process, 19 nonprofit organizations were awarded funding to support meaningful programs and projects that reflect Mr. Wortman’s deep connection to these communities and his long-standing commitment to giving back.

These grants advance health and education initiatives while creating lasting benefits for residents of Shelby County and Hancock County.

Grant recipients are:

• Amplify Hancock: This multi-year funding will support a collaborative workforce and education initiative to create a centralized career and technical education hub in Hancock County.
• Aspire Indiana Health: As the new Community Mental Health Center for Hancock and Shelby Counties, this funding supports the transition of behavioral health patients into Aspire’s care.
• Blue River Career Programs: Funding supports upgrades to equipment and furnishings in its Health Sciences CNA lab, replacing outdated and nonfunctional items with modern, industry-relevant tools.
• Boys & Girls Club of Shelby County: Launching an after-school tutoring and enrichment program at all four club sites, aimed at addressing persistent reading and math learning gaps.
• Eastern Hancock Education Foundation: Funding to help build a fully equipped outdoor classroom, creating a dedicated space for engaging, hands-on learning across all grade levels. The outdoor classroom will feature durable seating, instructional boards, a teacher workstation, and storage, along with additional elements to ensure the space remains safe, accessible, and usable throughout the school year.
• Grover Center Museum and Historical Society: Funding to create the Shelby County Railroad and Towns Exhibit, transforming the existing model train space at the Grover Center into a comprehensive educational experience.
• Hancock County Food Pantry: The Hancock County Food Pantry, located in Greenfield, provides essential food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
• Hancock Health Foundation: This multi-year funding will support Healthy365, a program of Hancock Health that promotes community well-being by addressing mental health, substance abuse, and overall wellness.
• Indiana Women In Need (IWIN) Foundation: Funding to provide non-medical support services for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment in Hancock County. The grant helps ensure local women can access essential assistance such as transportation, meal delivery, childcare, housekeeping, and wellness support, easing financial and emotional stress during treatment.

• Jane Pauley Community Health Center: Supporting the expansion of its Food Pantry program by investing in a dedicated food delivery vehicle to serve patients across its clinical network, including locations in Shelbyville and Greenfield.
• Joshua Center: Funding to provide immediate, school-based grief support for elementary students in Shelby County through small group and limited individual counseling at Waldron, Southwestern and Morristown elementary schools.
• Love Inc. of Greater Hancock County: The nonprofit organization supports individuals and families in need by providing various services, including emergency assistance, food, clothing, and help with household needs.
• Meals on Wheels of Hancock County: The organization received funding to support its Meal Delivery for Low-Income Clients program, providing hot, medically tailored meals and daily wellness checks to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in Hancock County.
• Mental Health Partners of Hancock County: Funding supports its Student Counseling Assistance Program, providing up to 10 mental health counseling sessions for children who lack insurance or cannot afford out-of-pocket care.
• New Palestine Education Foundation: The foundation received funding to expand Educator Grant support, allowing additional classroom projects to be funded, including requests not supported in the initial grant cycle and new emerging needs.
• Shelby County Players: This multi-year funding will support the new Wortman Family Civic Theater, expanding Shelby County Players’ ability to engage the community.
• Shelby County YMCA: Funding to establish a dedicated Sensory Room and Sensory Break Program within its early learning, preschool, and childcare programs.
• Shelby Eastern Schools Early Learning Program: Receiving funding to help offset preschool tuition costs for lower income families in its communities. The support provides a critical bridge for families who may not fully qualify for state assistance, helping ensure children have access to high quality early childhood education.
• Southwestern High School: Southwestern Consolidated Schools received funding to support its Project Lead The Way Biomedical Sciences program, expanding access to hands on, career focused learning in a high demand healthcare field.

For more information about the Wortman Family Foundation for Shelby and Hancock Counties, visit blueriverfoundation.com/wortman-family-foundation

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