The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Posey County through the Posey County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Posey County. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the costs for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Posey County through the Posey County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, is open to all Indiana residents who: graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2026 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2026; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; and meet the criteria specific to Posey County Community Foundation. Visit poseycountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Posey County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Posey County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Posey County Community Foundation website. Applications must be completed and submitted by August 25, 2025, to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: GPA, curriculum, community service, volunteer activities, essay, personal statement/unusual circumstances, work experience, honors and awards, school activities, financial need or special hardships, and interview. Three finalists will be nominated by the Posey County Community Foundation, and their names will be submitted to ICI for final selection of the recipients. Scholarship recipients will be notified in December. Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million. More than 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of LECSP are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state. Posey County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Posey County. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a remarkable opportunity for high school seniors in Posey County. I’m honored to be part of a process that recognizes students’ achievements and aspirations. Not only transforms the life of its recipient by supporting their educational and personal growth, but it also benefits the local community by investing in future leaders who are likely to give back and make a lasting difference in the region,” said Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact.

Since its founding in 2004, the Women’s Fund of Posey County has awarded more than $225,000 to nonprofits and programs that address critical needs and improve the quality of life in Posey County. The Fund, held by the Posey County Community Foundation, unites women from across the county dedicated to making a lasting impact through collective philanthropy. At this year’s annual grant award ceremony at the CountryMark Pavilion, $20,000 in grants were awarded to 17 local organizations serving Posey County. Congratulations to the 2025 Grant Recipients! Thrive Afterschool, Inc. MSD of Mount Vernon – Opportunity Center MSD of Mount Vernon – Bobcat Boutique MSD of North Posey – Viking Vault Riverbend Food Pantry MSD of Mount Vernon – Mindfulness Prime Time Class MSD of Mount Vernon – Mrs. Harris Occupational Therapy Classroom Habitat for Humanity of Evansville Children’s Learning Center of Posey County Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare NewLife Rescue & Adoption, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana Mudpuppy Palace, Inc. Holly’s House, Inc. Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana One New Harmony Deaconess Hospital Foundation The generosity that powers these grants is made possible by the Women’s Fund’s signature fundraiser, the annual Golf Scramble. Community members are invited to support this important event as sponsors or players. The 2025 Golf Scramble is looking for volunteers to get involved!