Posey County Community Foundation Announces the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program Recipient
Eve Baughman • December 19, 2024
The Posey County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Posey County – Lora Commens, North Posey High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. Scholarship award alternates were also announced. The first alternate, Maggie McCutchan, will receive a scholarship from the Friends of Posey County Fund. Shelby Lang was named the second alternate.
“The nominating committee unanimously agreed that Lora was the ideal choice for this honor. She is not only a well-rounded student but also strives to be a role model for others,” said Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Posey County Community Foundation.
Smith continued, “This year, 17 exceptionally talented students applied for the scholarship. Each one excelled academically and actively participated in a wide variety of extracurricular and community activities. The quality of the applications made the selection process challenging for the dedicated committee, who carefully reviewed and fairly scored each submission according to the established guidelines.”
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.
“I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity and appreciate the support (Lilly Endowment Inc.) will provide me as I continue my academic journey through college,” said Lora Commens, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.
In determining Posey County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to GPA, curriculum, community service and volunteer activities, essay, personal statement, work experience, honors and awards, school activities, financial need, and finalist interview by the LECSP Nominating Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.
Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program.
The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 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 Women’s Fund of Posey County, a fund with the Posey County Community Foundation, is now accepting applications for projects or programs supporting Posey County. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by completing the grant application no later than March 3, 2025. The Community Foundation welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Applications submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency must include a written statement signed by the agency’s board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity’s fiscal sponsor, to receive grant funds if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project. The project or program must provide support in one of the following areas: · Arts and Culture · Community Development · Education · Environment · Health · Human Services · Youth Development Eligible nonprofit organizations can learn more and apply at www.poseycountycf.org/womens-fund-grants-program . The Women’s Fund Steering Committee will review funding requests and contact grant applicants for an interview. Once interviews have concluded, the steering committee will make its recommendations on funding to the Community Foundation Alliance Board of Directors. No lobbying or soliciting of the steering committee or board members will be permitted. To learn more, contact Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org.
The Wildcats Remembered Fund, held by the Posey County Community Foundation, recently awarded Mount Vernon High School (MVHS) a $17,860 grant. Foundation staff, along with Principal Dr. Scott Strieter and Vice Principal Mr. Cody Ungetheim, presented the grant to MVHS students. The Wildcats Remembered Fund’s grants to MVHS continue to support a wide range of educational and extracurricular activities that benefit the school and its students.
Many of our donors have chosen to honor their loved ones, communities, high schools, colleges, and professions by establishing scholarship funds through their local Community Foundations in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties. These funds support the annual Community Scholarship programs, providing valuable opportunities for students in Southwest Indiana. Thanks to their contributions, applications are being accepted now, with a deadline of Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. "We are excited to once again provide scholarship opportunities to students in our Southwest Indiana region,” says Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer at the Community Foundation Alliance. “By offering these scholarships, we are not only investing in individual students but also in the future of our communities. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take a step towards achieving their educational and career goals." Students may apply for one or more scholarships if they meet the eligibility requirements and selection criteria established by donors. Details about each scholarship and the application are posted on the website at communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships . Each scholarship is unique and supports students with a variety of backgrounds, educational goals, and economic statuses. Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin and are based on a competitive process that may consider academic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal aspirations, educational goals, and financial need. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply today!
The Posey County Community Foundation awarded more than $162,000 in grants to 26 nonprofits through its 2024 Community Good Grants program. These nonprofits are committed to supporting the needs of Posey County. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients! $10,000 to Youth First, Inc . to provide students with access to prevention education and mental health support at no cost $5,000 to Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet, Inc. to purchase 167 pairs of athletic-type shoes for students in need in Posey County schools $18,000 to Thrive to support the out-of-school time programming including program supplies and program development, and to purchase materials for owner-occupied home repairs and whole-home rehabilitation of blighted properties $14,500 to the River Bend Food Pantry to supplement pantry stock with additional supplies for the Summer Kid's Program, as well as with regular monthly pantry supplies $2,100 to Bread of Life Ministry Inc. to pay the freight for donated food and to purchase food items at discounted prices to distribute to low-income families in the Tri-State area $3,015 to Family Matters of Posey County Indiana, Inc. to equip adults with a bike, helmet, and lock to enable them to seek employment, get to appointments, and meet basic transportation needs $5,000 to Zion Lippe United Church of Christ to assist in the food needs of the Posey County Food Pantries and United Caring Services Inc. $5,000 to Holly’s House, Inc. to teach skills to keep kids safe from abuse by providing child abuse prevention programming to elementary students $18,000 to the United Way of Posey County Inc. to mail one high-quality book per month from the Dolly's Imagination Library to Posey County residents between the ages of 0 to 5 $2,000 to Trades for Tomorrow to purchase materials/supplies for Thrive Afterschool on-site field trips, and to cover expenses with website and flyer updates $12,000 to the New Harmony Volunteer Fireman’s Club to purchase 15 spare air bottles for the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) $10,000 to NewLife Rescue & Adoption, Inc. to cover the costs of spaying/neutering surgeries for the cats and dogs in Posey County $1,770 to the Posey County Domestic Violence Taskforce (WillowTree of Posey County) to provide information and promotional materials with contact information for victims of domestic violence and the general public $17,000 to Mount Vernon Youth Baseball to upgrade the existing scoreboards, pour a concrete extension around Field 3 to tie into the main path to concessions, and under existing bleachers on the 3rd base side of Field 2, and purchase equipment for upgrade or support of current facilities $5,000 to At the Cross Mission to purchase containers for the to-go meals, food, and cleaning supplies $4,000 to Mudpuppy Palace to purchase electronic/technology equipment for Marty’s Makery $2,500 to Rapp Granary-Owen Foundation to replace two (2) of the six (6) HVAC units $3,000 to Zion Nursery Center to purchase 6 new metal cabinets for the storage of educational materials $5,000 to the American Red Cross Southwest Indiana Chapter to support year-round and around-the-clock local home fire and disaster responses in Posey County, Indiana, by providing financial assistance, purchase of smoke alarms, and disaster relief $5,000 to Hope Outdoors Southern Indiana for the purchase of an Action Trackchair STS for the use of individuals with special needs for outdoor experiences $5,000 to Deaconess Hospital Foundation to provide patients who do not have access to transportation with rides to ensure they can consistently get to oncology treatments and appointments $2,000 to Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Inc. to purchase new kitchen equipment for their Emergency Shelter $2,500 to Chemo Buddies to purchase supplies for 63 first-day comfort kit bags and last-day balloons for cancer patients from Posey County $1,500 to St. Wendel Catholic School to provide funding for the Team Building Leadership Course, House Service Challenge Day, supplies for Eagle Etiquette Challenge Day, and supplies for Monthly House Challenge Competitions $910 to Trotter House Posey County to purchase a new laptop for clients to complete life skill courses $2,700 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana to grow recruitment efforts in Posey Count by hosting two community recruitment events and four lunch-and-learn informational events
The Posey County Council on Aging has been awarded a $65,000 grant from the Posey County Community Foundation’s Capital Improvement Project Grant program. This generous funding will enhance the center for local seniors, ensuring a better quality of life and increased accessibility. The Capital Improvement Project Grant was a targeted funding opportunity for non-profit organizations in the county with existing facilities. The Posey County Advisory Board identified 13 agencies eligible to apply, of which 8 submitted proposals by the deadline. After a thorough review process, five agencies were chosen as finalists. Committee members met with each finalist before presenting their recommendations to the entire Posey County Advisory Board, who then voted and made the final decision. This grant will fund improvements to the Council’s facilities, including upgrades to restrooms, installation of exterior security cameras, and the addition of automatic entrance doors. These enhancements aim to create a more welcoming environment that promotes community engagement and participation, particularly among Posey County’s aging population. “We are incredibly grateful to the Posey County Community Foundation for their support,” said Brooke Cohoon, Executive Director of the Posey County Council on Aging. “This grant will allow us to make vital improvements to our facility that will directly benefit our seniors.” Cohoon stated, “The Council is celebrating its 50 th Anniversary this year, so this was perfect timing for us to complete upgrades to the facility.” The Posey County Council on Aging is committed to addressing the needs of seniors in the community through various programs and services, including nutritional assistance, social activities, and educational workshops. It also provides transportation, Medicare Assistance, and homemaking services. “Investing in our senior community is essential,” said Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, for the Posey County Community Foundation. “We believe this grant will make a significant impact on the quality of life for seniors in Posey County, and we are proud to support such a vital organization.” The Posey County Council on Aging looks forward to beginning the project and invites the community to stay tuned for updates on the progress and impact of these improvements. Learn more about the Posey County Council on Aging and its programs, please visit https://poseycoa.com/ . For more information about the Posey County Community Foundation activities, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/poseycocommfoundation/ or visit www.poseycountycf.org .
Pictured (left to right): Deanna Rhodes, Regional Director of Development, Jane Koch, and Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact.
The Women’s Fund of Posey County, a fund with the Posey County Community Foundation, is now accepting applications for projects or programs supporting Posey County. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by completing a grant application no later than March 1, 2024. Applications will be considered from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Applications submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency must include a written statement signed by the agency’s board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity’s fiscal sponsor, to receive grant monies if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project. The project or program must provide support in one of the following areas: · Community Development · Education · Environment · Health · Human Services · Youth Development The grant application process is being conducted online at https://www.poseycountycf.org/womens-fund-grants-program . The Women’s Fund Steering Committee will review funding requests and contact grant applicants for an interview. Once interviews have concluded, the steering committee will make its recommendations on funding to the Posey County Community Foundation. No lobbying or soliciting of the steering committee or board members will be permitted.
Posey County Community Foundation Announces The 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipient
The Posey County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Posey County – Lily Hagan of Mt. Vernon Senior High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “The nominating committee felt that Lily was the perfect choice as the recipient, not only is she a well-rounded student but also strives to be a role model to others, while her involvement in the community and volunteerism is outstanding”, said Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Posey County Community Foundation. Lily is the daughter of Brian and Chelsea Hagan, of Evansville, Indiana, and plans to attend Indiana University or the University of Notre Dame to study Business Finance. In addition to excelling academically, she has been involved in a variety of school activities including the Student Council, National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, Key Club, and FFA. Lily has received multiple honors and awards in music including being named Outstanding Musician and the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award. She performs with the MVHS Concert Band, Marching Band, and the Wolfgang Community Orchestra. Lily volunteers her time with Vanderburgh Humane Society, the Adopt-A-Highway program, and is the founder of Volunteer Bridge of Posey County, and Mentors for Music. She has held many leadership positions both in and out of school and has a strong work ethic. Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities. In determining Posey County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominee, consideration was given to academic achievement in completed course work, the difficulty of the high school curriculum, completion of college prep curriculum prior to graduation, community service, and volunteer activities by the LECSP Nominating Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients. “This year we had 10 extremely talented students apply for the scholarship. Each student not only excelled academically but also participated in a wide range of extracurricular and community activities,” said Smith. She added, “The quality of the applications made the selection process difficult for the very dedicated committee, which thoroughly reviewed each application and scored fairly based on the set forth guidelines.” Scholarship award alternates were also announced. The first alternate, Rylee Schmuck will receive a scholarship from the Friends of Posey County Fund. Jackson Graff was named the second alternate. Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 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.
This year, donors to the Posey County Community Foundation are once again making scholarship awards available through the Community Scholarship Program. Applications must be received by midnight on Friday, February 2, 2024. “Many Foundation donors have honored their loved ones, high schools, or professions by endowing scholarship opportunities through the Foundation,” says Amy Smith, the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “We administer scholarships established by individuals, families, and organizations to assist local students in pursuit of advanced education. Together, these scholarships make up our Community Scholarship Program.” Students may apply for one or more scholarships, as long as they meet the particular eligibility requirements. Details about each scholarship and the application are posted on the website at poseycountycf.org/scholarships . Eligibility requirements and selection criteria are determined by donors and are posted on the website. Each scholarship is unique and supports students with a variety of backgrounds, educational goals, and economic statuses. Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin and are based on a competitive process that may consider academic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal aspirations, educational goals, and financial need. The deadline to apply is midnight on Friday, February 2, 2024.
The Posey County Community Foundation has awarded $164,774.78 in grants to 35 local nonprofit organizations through its 2023 Community Good Grants program. This year’s grants provide flexible funding for a variety of charitable projects and organizations serving Posey County. This year’s grant recipients were: · $9,710.78 to the Town of Cynthiana for the Community Center to make improvements to the restroom to accommodate families and meet ADA requirements; · $5,000 to Youth First, Inc. to provide school-based Social Workers and community programs to strengthen 2300 youth and families in Posey County, at no cost to families; · $8,510 to Mount Vernon-Black Township Parks and Recreation to build a new office for the Maintenance Division; · $5,000 to Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet, Inc. to purchase 250 pairs of athletic-type shoes for the most disadvantaged elementary students in North Posey Schools; · $2,500 to the Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana to facilitate 81 JA experiences in Posey Co, serving 1,782 students, focusing on Work Readiness, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Literacy; · $8,000 to Thrive to provide high-quality, holistic afterschool programming to Mt. Vernon youth in K - 8th grade from West Elementary and the Junior High School; · $7,000 to the River Bend Food Pantry for the Summer Kids Program; · $2,100 to Bread of Life Ministry Inc. to pay the freight for donated food and to purchase food items at discounted prices to distribute to low-income families in the Tri-State area; · $2,595 to Family Matters of Posey County Indiana, Inc. to equip adults with a bike, helmet, and lock to enable them to seek employment, get to appointments, and meet basic transportation needs; · $5,000 to Zion Lippe United Church of Christ to assist in the food needs of the Posey County Food Pantries and United Caring Services Inc.; · $5,000 to Holly’s House, Inc. to teach skills to keep kids safe from abuse by providing child abuse prevention programming to elementary students; · $10,000 to the United Way of Posey County Inc. to support in-home projects for the elderly, disabled, and financially strapped individuals who own their homes to stay in them safer and longer; · $5,000.00 to the Habitat for Humanity of Evansville to build two homes in its service area of Posey County; · $3,500 to Trades for Tomorrow to provide hands-on experience at local building trade schools to better help kids decide on a career when the time comes; · $9,000 to the New Harmony Ministry Association for rent and utility assistance to residents living in the northern part of Posey County; · $5,000 to NewLife Rescue & Adoption, Inc. to cover the costs of spaying/neutering surgeries for the cats and dogs in Posey County; · $2,456 to the Posey County Domestic Violence Taskforce (WillowTree of Posey County) to Provide support and assistance to safe house residents; · $15,000 to Mount Vernon Youth Baseball to purchase a new building for storage of equipment such as the lawnmower, 4-wheeler, and other related equipment; · $5,000 to the MSD of Mt. Vernon to support the annual summer musical for K-12 students of Mt. Vernon; · $3,000 to At the Cross Mission to purchase food for families, children, the homeless, and anyone desiring a meal; · $5,616 to the Children's Learning Center of Posey County to resurface the parking lot, replace parking bummers, and striping; · $1,000 to Hope Outdoors Southern Indiana to minister to individuals with special needs through outdoor experiences at no cost to the participant or their family; · $4,150 to the Posey County Fair Association to replace the flooring of the community center, and partially fund the LED light project; · $2,500 to Deaconess Hospital Foundation to provide support in delivering mammography screening services and education to Posey County women in need; · $1,100 to Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Inc. for new safe rubber material to be installed under and around our current playground; · $1,500 to Chemo Buddies to purchase wigs, hats, accessories, and cosmetics; · $6,000 to Posey County Council on Aging to update computers and technology; · $1,500 to The Isaiah 1:17 Project for the Bags of Hope Program; · $8,437 to St. Matthew Catholic School to create a STEM lab providing the building materials and activities to allow students to develop their own science ingenuity; · $4,000 to the Griffin Community Ruritan Club Foundation, Inc. to restore the brick exterior where water is entering the building; · $2,000 to St. Wendel Catholic School to purchase wireless microphones and lighting equipment for the drama and music programs; · $2,000 to the Working Men's Institute to create a children's area within its library that is dedicated to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math); · $2,500 to Trotter House Posey County to renovate a room within our facility to become a boutique so we can provide supplies for women and their families in need; · $2,000 to Wolfgang Orchestra and Chorus for maintenance on existing instruments, including cleaning, adjustments, and replacing pads, felts, or corks; · $2,100 to Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America to provide registration and membership assistance to Scouts in Posey County; Funding for the program is provided by donors and organizations establishing and donating to Community Good (Unrestricted) and Field of Interest Funds held by the Community Foundation. Those funds are: · Atkins Family Fund · CountryMark Black Township Fund · Morris Family Fund · Posey County Youth Council Fund · Rosella and Doyle Oursler Fund · Charles and Frances Crawford and Beth Ann Mosier Fund – Posey · ConAgra Fund · CountryMark Posey County Fund · Ella and Stanley Maynor Memorial Fund · Friends of Posey County Fund · German American Bancorp Community Fund – Posey · Heritage Federal Community Good Fund of Posey County · Memorial Fund of Posey County · Posey County Community Foundation Founders & Futures Endowment Fund · Posey County Veterans of Foreign Wars Fund · Robert and Carole Rust Fund · Smithville Charitable Foundation Fund of Posey County · Smithville Targeting Lasting Change Fund · Tom and Nelda Hickey Fund
