BRCF Creative Committee: For the Birds - Celebration of Art & Nature in Shelby County

Julie Alvis September 10, 2026

Come celebrate the completion of Carl Leck's bird mural and Shelby County's designation as Indiana's first county-wide BirdTown.

Explore the connections between art, nature, and the birds in our own backyard.

Saturday, October 17th: 10:00am-2:00pm (Open House)
at Shelby County Players Wortman Family Civic Theatre

Start the morning with a bird walk!
8:30am - SHS Ecology Lab - Spots limited
Email forthebirdsSC@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Event supporters:
Blue River Community Foundation
Mark-DePrez Community Arts Fund
Beaty Construction/CTech Corporation
Shelby County Tourism & Visitors Bureau

NONPROFIT NEWS

Featured

Community Foundation of Hancock County: News Navigators Program

The Community Foundation of Hancock County is offering the following program: News Navigators. Through presentations, discussions, and conversations with local media professionals and content creators, participants will have an opportunity to learn how news is produced, explore the changing media landscape, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about issues that affect how people stay informed. Learn More and Register...

Su Casa and De Colores Arts Collective now serving Shelby County

Two new agencies have joined our Shelby County Nonprofit family!

Su Casa: Latino centered social service agency
De Colores Arts Collective: Celebrating Hispanic cultural arts, music, craft, and community

Shelby County YMCA: New Director

Josh Martin was hired as the new Executive Director of the Shelby County YMCA. He will officially begin his new role on Mon., August 10. Congrats, Josh!

Charitable Advisors: 10 Grant Opportunities for IN Nonprofits (by Morgan Riley)

Finding grant funding can feel especially challenging in today's uncertain landscape, but new opportunities are available. In a recent Charitable Advisors article, Morgan Riley shares 10 grant opportunities for Indiana nonprofits and offers practical encouragement for organizations looking to diversify funding, strengthen partnerships, and build long-term resilience. Whether your organization is large or small, this resource is a great place to start exploring new funding possibilities. Read article…

Shelby County Players receives $1M Arts & Culture Award (READI 2.0)

Shelby County Players recently received a $1 million Arts & Culture Award through Indiana's READI 2.0 program to support Phase 2 of the Wortman Family Civic Theatre project. The funding will provide professional lighting, sound, audio-visual, and networking technology, enhancing performances while expanding opportunities for educational programs, community events, workforce training, and increased accessibility.

Sunshine House: Hours Changed

Sunshine Houses hours have changed; the Red Barn will now be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am-1pm.

Salvation Army: Groups Needed to Provide Meals

The Salvation Army of Shelbyville, Indiana has a few Sundays and Holidays that they need a Church, Group, or Family to provide a meal for the Community Meal Program. Groups would be responsible for bringing the meal in or cooking on site. Serving the meals, and cleanup.

Shelby County Public Library: Strategic Plan Survey

Want to help build a better future? Take the community survey for their Strategic Plan! The library would love your feedback! Feel free to share with others! https://bit.ly/3PKCkml

Lilly Endowment Request for Information from Indiana Human Service Organizations

Lilly Endowment has just issued a request for information from human service organizations. We welcome Indiana-based nonprofit human service organizations to submit the information outlined in the Indiana Human Services Organizations Request for Information (RFI), which can be accessed at the following link:

https://lillyendowment.org/request-for-information-from-indiana-human-service-organizations/.

Shares, Inc.: Seeking Musical Instruments

Shares, Inc. is looking for musical instruments and karaoke machines for programming. Contact them if you have any that you would be willing to donate!

We Ride Bikes: Volunteers Needed

The We Ride Bikes 2026 season starts in May! They need pilots to join their team to help give rides this summer. Please email us at celijo@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out.

Fairland Historical Society: Celebrates 2 Years with New Website

The Fairland Historical Society is proud to celebrate their second anniversary! As they continue sharing the stories that shape our community, they’re excited to introduce their new website—a hub for local history. Explore historic photos, discover helpful resources, and stay updated on upcoming events at https://sites.google.com/view/fairland-historical-society. Be sure to bookmark the page and check back often!

SCAAC: Box Fan Drive for Seniors

The Shelby County Active Aging Coalition is collecting box fans for our Beat the Heat Fan Drive! If you would like to get involved to help our seniors during the heat of summer, please see the flyer for more information. Donations can be dropped off at Shelby Senior Services (2120 Intelliplex Dr Ste. 101, Shelbyville, IN 46176) Mon - Fri 8am-4:30pm.

Shelby County Players: Guitar Player Needed for Godspell Production

Debbie Stafford, the music director for the Shelby County Players production of Godspell, is searching for someone to play the guitar in the band for the show. The show will be at the Wortman Family Civic Theatre at 1416 Miller Avenue. Shelby County Players is a volunteer organization and this would be a volunteer position. Performances are April 24-26 and May 1-3. Friday & Sat at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00. They will need the band for tech week-April 19-23.

Shelby County Fairgrounds - Volunteers Needed

The Fairgrounds and Fairboard would appreciate any help that groups would be willing and able to provide in efforts to make this year's fair better than ever - and we can't do that without your help!

SCUFFY: 72nd Annual Fundraising Campaign

Shelby County United Fund (SCUFFY) kicked off their 72nd Annual Fundraising Campaign to a full house on March 4 at Blessings Opera House! Their 2026 Drive Theme is “One Community One Heartbeat” and they have a goal of raising $940,000. This funding supports 12 different Shelby County nonprofits each year. At the event, they announced that their pacesetters have already raised $169,352.34. You can learn more and give directly via their website: https://www.scuffy.org/

Grover Center: Volunteers Needed!

Root beer float season is just around the corner at the Grover Center and they are looking for friendly faces to help serve floats to our community! This is a fun way to earn volunteer or service hours while enjoying a sweet treat!

Shelby County Public Library: Planned Renovations

Shelby County Public Library is ready to begin extensive renovation and rejuvenation – just in time for spring. Work is slated to begin on March 4 or 5. The project will be financed by a $2 million General Obligation Bond, which was approved by the Shelby County Council in July 2025.

Foster First Inc.: New Nonprofit - Seeking Clothing / Hygiene Products / Toy Donations

Welcome to the Shelby County Nonprofit family, Foster First Inc.! They are an organization located in Shelby Co. with personal experience working with foster children, kinship placements, and CHINS. Through their experience, they have seen the needs for the children and want to help. They are finalizing a location and anticipate a grand opening this summer. They strive to be a fully stocked and open to the public. They are accepting donations of clothes, diapers, hygiene products, and more.

Meals on Wheels: Drivers needed in the Fairland Area

Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers to deliver meals to clients in the Fairland area the 1st and 2nd Tuesdays of March, April and May. They are also searching for a volunteer to deliver the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Food is picked up at Town Hall in Fairland and deliveries take approximately one hour and a half. For more information, please contact Dee at mow@lightbound.com

Shares Inc.: Seeking Board Members

Interested in serving on the Shares, Inc. Board of Directors? Contact Michele Coffey at michelercoffey@gmail.com or 317-370-6225.

CASA Volunteer Info Sessions (Jan. 15, 22, or 29)

Join a 30-minute virtual info session to learn more about the Rush Shelby CASA program (Court and Child Advocacy Group Inc.) and how you can get involved as a volunteer advocate for children in Shelby County!

Emergency Management Shelby County: Text Alerts

Did you know that you can sign up to receive text alerts from Emergency Management Shelby County? Recently this system was activated to share about severe weather, the Warming Shelter that was activated, and who to contact to volunteer.

Shelby County Drug Free Coalition: 2026 Grant Cycle (Apps due Jan. 23)

Each year the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition offers funding opportunities to agencies seeking to reduce substance abuse in Shelby County. Grants will be awarded to projects in three areas: Prevention/ Education, Treatment/Intervention and Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement.

Featured

ECHO Effect: Expanded Services - Music & Art Classes

ECHO Effect has started a music and arts program with more than 50 students from the Shelbyville and Waldron Boys and Girls Club and Shelby County Homeschoolers Association. They are in the works of opening this opportunity to more students! Donations are needed so that they can offer these classes free of charge to students.

Helping Local Food Pantries

Learn how you can help our local food pantries.

HSI: Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance Program is Now Accepting Applications for 2025–2026! Crisis Assistance begins November 1, 2025. Visit www.hsi-indiana.com for additional information about the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

Volunteer with CASA

Rush/Shelby County CASA is seeking volunteers. Imagine being a child, facing one of the hardest times in your life, and being told you’ll have to wait for someone to help. Today, 24 kids are still on the waitlist for a CASA volunteer. You can change that today.

City of Shelbyville opens bi-weekly shower access at City Hall for the homeless

View the link for more information!

Human Services, Inc. - Notice of Office Relocation

Important announcement!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Featured

Gleaners Shelby County Mobile Food Pantry (New Shelbyville Location!)

Gleaners Shelby County Mobile Food Pantry will be meeting at the Blue River Career Programs parking lot on the third Saturday of every month from 10am-Noon beginning Sat., August 16, 2025. The Mobile Food Pantry truck also travels to Morristown (209 S Washington St. Morristown, IN 46161) on the 4th Friday of every month from 1-2:30pm. Volunteers are needed before and during the event.

Rupert's Kids Community Days

If you want to shop and support a good cause, make sure to follow Rupert’s Kids for their regular Community Days Events in Shelbyville and Flat Rock. Community Day Events are a unique opportunity for Rupert's Kids to give back to the community while also supporting our mission through fundraising. These events are made possible through our valuable partnership with CVS, which donates unused inventory that might otherwise end up in landfills. You can learn more and sign up to receive their enewsletter here.

Featured

Shelby County Health Dept.: Safe Sitter Course (Oct. 3)

SAFESITTER Essentials with CPR prepares students in grades 6–8 to safely stay home alone, care for younger siblings, or babysit through hands-on activities covering choking rescue, CPR, and other essential safety skills. The class will be held October 3 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Shelby County Health Department, with registration limited to 10 students and a cost of $20.

BRCF Creative Committee: For the Birds - Celebration of Art & Nature in Shelby County

Come celebrate the completion of Carl Leck's bird mural and Shelby County's designation as Indiana's first county-wide BirdTown. Explore the connections between art, nature, and the birds in our own backyard.

Shelbyville Business & Professional Women: Dine to Donate Fundraiser (Aug. 10)

Stop by Culver’s (1930 N Morristown Rd. Shelbyville IN 46176) on Mon., August 10 any time from 5-8pm. A portion of sales will be donated to Shelbyville Business & Professional Women.

Morristown Community Historical Society: (2nd and 4th Tuesday)

All are welcome to attend Morristown Community Historical Society monthly meetings! They meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Morristown Fire Station.

Judicial District 17 VASIA: Lunch & Learn (Sept. 17)

Judicial District 17 VASIA invites community members to a Lunch & Learn on September 17 at Vino Villa in Greenwood, IN to explore what it means to become a volunteer advocate. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet current advocates, learn how they can make a meaningful difference in the life of a vulnerable adult, and enjoy a complimentary lunch. As a thank-you for attending, each participant will receive a gift card, making this a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about advocacy in a welcoming, informal setting.

Cancer Association of Shelby County: Annual Cancer Bash (Sept. 12)

Join the Cancer Association of Shelby County for the 15th Annual Cancer Bash on Saturday, September 12, at the Royal Grand Palace in Shelbyville. Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Flame Kissed BBQ, bid on exciting items during the live and silent auctions, and help provide financial assistance to Shelby County residents battling all types of cancer. Tickets are $30 per person, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served at 6:00 p.m.

Shelby Community Band: Camp Crescendo: Fine-Tuning Your Skill (Aug. 23)

Shelby Community Band meets at St. Luke's Church every Tues. at 7pm for practice. This is open to anyone 18 years and older. They perform seven concerts / year. They can bring smaller ensembles for events. They are offering the following workshop on Aug. 23 (4-6pm) at St. Luke's Church: 'Camp Crescendo: Fine-Tuning Your Skill.'

Shelby County Arts Fest: Arts in the Park (Sept. 12)

Plan to join the Shelby County Arts Fest for Arts in the Park on Saturday, September 12 (9am-2pm / Free Admission) at Blue River Memorial Park in Shelbyville.

Healthy Shelby County: CommunityLink Open House (Sept.30)

Healthy Shelby County is excited to celebrate the Mary Jane Reed & Robert W. Reed CommunityLink. This nonprofit center will feature various office and meeting space for several of our social service agencies. An open house will be held on Wed., September 30 (3pm-6pm) at 2311 S. Miller St. Shelbyville, IN.

Shelby County Public Library: Virtual Golf Outing and Fundraiser (July 29)

Join the Shelby County Public Library for a fun golf fundraiser at Pure Strike Sim and Social on Wednesday, July 29. Play a virtual Scottish golf course for $50 per person, which includes two hours of play, a hot dog, chips, and a drink. Open to ages 12 and up, with proceeds supporting library programs for all ages. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Register online or contact the library for more information.

SASS: Back to School Drive

Registration is happening now! Visit SASS of social media and click the link to register!

Fairland Historical Society: Indiana Through the Mapmaker's Eye (Aug. 17th)

Join Tamara Hemmerlein on Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. for “Indiana Through the Mapmaker’s Eye,” exploring how maps have documented Indiana’s history, influenced politics, and served as art. This free event will be held at the Moral Township Government Center in Fairland.

Fairland Historical Society: Fairland Walking Tours (July 13th)

Join the Fairland Historical Society for a free guided walking tour of Fairland on Sunday, July 13, with tours beginning at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Meet under the shelter at Fairland Community Park (209 Commercial St.) to enjoy refreshments before exploring the town's history. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, and keep an eye out for weather updates in case of storms.

MHP: Snap Match Prgram

Stretch your grocery budget at the Shelby County Farmers Market with our SNAP Match program! Simply visit the Farmers Market Information Table, use your EBT card to purchase market tokens for SNAP-eligible foods, and we'll match up to $20 in Market Bucks each market. It's an easy way to get more fresh, local fruits, vegetables, and other eligible foods while supporting local farmers. Join us every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Shelbyville Public Square and make your SNAP benefits go even further!

Purdue Extension: State Fair Tickets

Did you know that Purdue Extension still has State Fair Tickets available? You can simply drop off 2 boxes of cereal and get a FREE State Fair ticket.

Shelby County 4-H Junior Leaders: Collecting Boxes of Cereal

The Shelby County 4-H Junior Leaders have set a goal of collecting 500 boxes of cereal to help support local families. In partnership with SASS (Shelby Accessing Social Supports), the cereal drive will help provide breakfast items for children receiving school supplies through the 6th Annual S.A.S.S. Back to School Distribution. Community members are encouraged to donate two boxes of breakfast cereal at the 4-H Building during the Shelby County Fair. As a thank-you, the first 250 donors will receive one free Indiana State Fair admission ticket while supplies last.

Morristown Derby Days: Flag Football Tournament (July 25)

Community members are invited to take part in the Derby Days Flag Football Tournament on Sat., July 25 at 2pm at Morristown Community Park. Registration is open now.

Shelby County Public Library: Make Friends with a Horse (June 25th)

The Shelby County Public Library will host Harnessing Hope Therapeutic Riding and Driving on June 25 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Outdoor Plaza. Families can meet a horse, enjoy activities, and create a themed craft while learning about the therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs offered by the Morristown-based organization.

Shelby County Reads: Writing Contest, Book Discussions & Storytimes

Shelby County Reads is celebrating its 23rd season with a community-wide reading program featuring both a fiction and nonfiction selection inspired by the themes of America 250. Through shared reading, book discussions, a community writing contest, and a special storytime at the Farmer's Market on August 29, the program invites residents to explore stories of history, identity, and resilience while connecting with one another through meaningful conversations.

Shelby County Youth Assistance Program: Trivia (June 28th)

Shelby County Youth Assistance Program is hosting a TV/Movie Trivia Fundraiser! Bring your friends and compete for a great cause and fun prizes! Teams can have up to 6 players. Categories include Sitcoms. Rom-Coms, Thrillers, and more! We can't wait to see you there

Shelby County Players: Youth Theatre Camp (July 20-24)

The Shelby County Players Youth Theatre Camp is a fun, hands-on theatre experience for students entering grades 3–12. Held July 20–24 at the Wortman Family Civic Theatre, campers will explore acting, stage direction, costumes, set design, prop making, and more before showcasing their talents in a public performance on July 25. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Blue River Youth Choir: Summer Camp (June 22-26)

Join the Blue River Youth Choir Summer Camp June 22–26, 2026, for a week of music, creativity, and fun! Open to students entering grades 2–12, the camp helps young singers build vocal skills and confidence while making new friends. The week concludes with a public performance on June 26 at the Wortman Family Civic Theatre. Registration is open through June 19, and financial assistance is available.

Rush Shelby CASA: Music Bingo (June 17)

Looking for a fun night out with great music, good company, and a chance to make a difference? Join Music Bingo at Cadillac Jack's in Shelbyville on Wed., June 17 at 7:30pm and learn how you can become a voice for children in our community through Rush Shelby CASA. Cadillac Jack's will generously be donating 10% of all sales to Rush Shelby CASA as well!

Second Baptist Church: Juneteenth Celebration (June 20th)

Second Baptist Church is having a wonderful celebration at Sunset Park on Saturday, June 20th from 11am to 3pm. Music, food trucks, kids activities and more!

Shelby County Public Library: Concert in the Plaza (May 29th)

Shelby County Public Library will launch its Adult Summer Reading Challenge with a free concert featuring The Sad Dad Society on Friday, May 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the plaza. Community members of all ages are invited to enjoy live music, food truck vendors, and sign up for the reading challenge during the event.

Shelby County Fair (June 15th-20th)

Shelby County, get ready for thrilling Grandstand Events at the Fair! Enjoy seven exciting events, including NEW RPM Flat Track Racing on Saturday, June 13th, along with favorite Fair food and family fun for all ages.

SCAAC: Longest Day Walk of Shelby County (June 19)

The 6th Annual Longest Day Walk will take place at Blue River Memorial Park on June 19 to raise awareness and funds in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:00 a.m. Funds raised through the event help support Alzheimer’s research, programming, family support services, and more.

Shelby County Public Library: Summer Reading Kick-Off Party (June 1)

Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and have a great messy time at the Shelby County Public Library (Mon., June 1 / 3-6pm)! -Messy Obstacle Course -Slip n Slide -Water Activities -Crafts -Music

Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau: Taste of Shelby County (June 5th)

The 12th Annual Taste of Shelby County will be held on June 5th, 2026, offering a free evening of food, music, art, and family-friendly entertainment in downtown Shelbyville. The event features over 14 food and beverage vendors along with attractions such as live music, a car/truck and bike show, live animal shows, art displays, and interactive activities. Additional entertainment for 2026 will be announced soon.

Shelby Senior Services: Strawberry Festival (June 5th)

The Strawberry Festival is less than a month away. Community members are encouraged to join the celebration on June 5th for strawberries, cake, and ice cream in downtown Shelbyville or at MHP, with options for both walk-up and drive-thru service.

BRCF Creative Committee: For the Birds - Celebration of Art & Nature in Shelby County

NONPROFIT NEWS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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