RHI Legacy Foundation Awards $1.7 Million in 2025 Grants to Rutherford County Organizations

The RHI Legacy Foundation has awarded $1,712,562 in grants to local nonprofits and municipalities, supporting health, education, and community programs across Rutherford County.

Among the recipients, the Rutherford County Detention Center will receive $38,000 to enhance recreation programs and upgrade its split recreation yard. Sheriff Ellenburg said the improvements, scheduled to begin in 2026, will be available to qualified inmates and aim to support life skills, personal growth, and rehabilitation. “This grant is another step forward in addressing mental health, addiction, and the cycle of recidivism,” Ellenburg said.

Dr. Sarah Horne with Preferred Choice Healthcare helped secure the grant. Sheriff Ellenburg noted that mental health services for inmates have expanded with the support of Horne and her organization.

The largest single grant of 2025, $1 million, will support the completion of the Dr. Bobby F. England Health and Sciences Center through the Isothermal Community College Foundation.

RHI Legacy Foundation Board Chair Kerry Giles emphasized the importance of the grants in promoting community health. “This marks our twelfth year of awarding funds, and each year we see the dedication of organizations striving to make lasting positive change,” Giles said.

Executive Director Terry Hines said the 2025 grants focused on active living, chronic disease prevention, and healthy eating. Forty-two projects were funded, including programs ranging from pediatric cancer support and mental health therapy to community food pantries and recreation initiatives.

Community Impact Director Jill Miracle highlighted the Foundation’s approach to grantmaking. “We emphasize healthy eating and active living because of their proven impacts on preventing chronic diseases,” Miracle said. “Partnerships with our grantees help us address health issues across the county and monitor the real impact of these programs.”

Since 2014, RHI Legacy Foundation has awarded more than $17.2 million to local organizations, including infrastructure projects like the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Plans for the 2026 grant cycle will be announced in spring 2026.