The 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Posey County through the Posey Community Foundation. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide, including one 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 of required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study, 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 Community Foundation, is open to all Indiana residents who: Graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2027 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027 Intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana Meet the criteria specific to their local community foundation. Visit the Posey County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship page for complete information regarding the Posey County application criteria and to apply. Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, August 14, to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: academic performance, 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 Community Foundation, and their names will be submitted to ICI for final selection of the recipients. The scholarship recipient 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. The Community Foundation of Southwest Indiana is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 30th year in Posey County. “We encourage all eligible high school seniors to apply. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a life-changing opportunity, and we’re here to support students through every step of the process,” said Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer.

Since its founding in 2004, the Women’s Fund of Posey County has awarded grants 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 community dedicated to making a lasting impact through collective philanthropy. At this year’s annual grant award ceremony at the CountryMark Pavilion, $30,000 in grants were awarded to 21 local organizations serving Posey County. Congratulations to the 2026 Grant Recipients! Recipients and projects funded include: At The Cross Mission | $1,000: Food and supplies to provide meals for women and children Autism Evansville | $1,500: 25 sensory kits given to first responders to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana | $600: End-of-the-year celebrations and graduation stoles for Bigs & Littles Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America | $1,000: Financial assistance for youth members Chemo Buddies | $2,000: First Day Bags for chemotherapy patients Christian Church Day Care | $1,000: Educational materials for programs Deaconess Foundation | $2,000: Mobile mammograms and other health services to at-risk women Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet, Inc. | $2,000: Socks for students who receive shoes on shoe day Mount Vernon Youth Baseball | $1,000: New equipment & player gear MSD of Mount Vernon | $600: New clothing items for the Bobcat Boutique MSD of Mount Vernon | $600: Holiday gifts, clothing, and hygiene for students who may otherwise go without holiday gifts and essentials MSD of Mount Vernon | $500: Safety and uniform items for the Mount Vernon Jr. High School wrestling team MSD of Mount Vernon | $500: Safety and uniform items for the Mount Vernon High School girls wrestling team Mudpuppy Palace | $500: Educational materials and learning prompts for Marty’s Curiosity Collection New Harmony Ministry Association Food Pantry | $1,000: Nutritional supplements for those who are diabetic or have nutritional difficulties NewLife Rescue & Adoption, Inc. | $1,200: Pet food for the Community Pet Food Bank One New Harmony | $500: Upkeep and growth of the free kids’ amenities for Candyland at Christmas in New Harmony Posey County Council on Aging | $2,400: A monthly series of educational and informational presentations on requested and relevant topics Posey County Health Department | $3,000: Prescriptions, medical equipment, and infant car seats via our P.E.A.C.H. (Pregnancy Education & Child Health) Program River Bend Food Pantry | $2,550: Food to fill the bags for the Summer Kids’ program Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. | $1,200: Art-based and creative expression materials, plus environmental and space improvements to the kids’ corner area Thrive | $2,000: Healthy, nutritious snacks daily for 90 students Town of New Harmony Park Board | $600: A hand dryer for the Murphy Park public restroom The Working Men’s Institute | $750: Items for the Library of Things collection 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. For more information, contact Juli Collins at jkorn59@yahoo.com , or Cindy Naab at cindynaab@yahoo.com .