The Community Foundation Alliance is proud to announce that applications are now open for its Community Scholarship Program, offering hundreds of opportunities for students across Southwest Indiana and in select areas of Illinois and Kentucky. These scholarships, made possible by generous local donors, provide financial support for students pursuing college, university, technical programs, or other post-secondary education paths. “Our scholarships reflect the belief that investing in students is investing in the future of our communities,” said Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer of the Community Foundation Alliance. “We want every eligible student in Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky to have access to these opportunities and feel confident applying.” Scholarship Program Highlights Wide Range of Awards: Hundreds of scholarships for graduating seniors and high school graduates across Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky. Simple Application Process: Scholarships can be completed through our online Community Scholarships Common Application. Select special scholarship opportunities can be found on each community’s website. Deadline: Applications are open today and close on January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. How to Apply Visit communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships. Review the 2026 Scholarship Guidebook. Find your community and click through to its website. Review all available scholarship opportunities and their eligibility criteria for your community. Complete the 2025–2026 Community Scholarships Common Application. Receive your automatic matches to scholarships you qualify for. Submit all required materials, including essays and recommendation letters, by January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Start your application early! All supplemental materials must be submitted by the deadline, so build in plenty of time for each step. Give your references time to complete their recommendations, allow yourself enough time to write thoughtful essays, and request your transcripts early so your Guidance Counselor has time to process them. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please contact the staff member in your community. Kentucky & Illinois Michele Gates, Program Assistant mgates@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.429.1191 Daviess County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.254.9354 Gibson County Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.386.8082 Knox County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.886.0093 Perry County Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.547.3176 Pike County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.890.4469 Posey County Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.838.0288 Spencer County Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.649.5724 Vanderburgh County Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.422.1245 Warrick County Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.897.2030

The Perry County Community Foundation announced that more than $110,000 has been awarded to 21 local nonprofits through its Community Good Grants Program. These grants support projects that strengthen the Perry County community and improve the quality of life for local residents. “At its heart, the Community Foundation is here to build a stronger future for Perry County,” said Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “When our donors invest through the Foundation, they’re helping local organizations tackle real issues and create lasting impact.” 2025 Community Good Grant Recipients $15,000 to Catholic Charities Tell City for emergency food distribution food services through the partnering agencies of the Perry County Food Pantry Coalition $3,000 to Cannelton City Schools to equip classrooms, offices, and cafeterias with safety bags $3,960 to Cannelton Police Department for mobile computer updates for the Department $6,449 to Crisis Connection Inc for advocacy and prevention services to Perry County residents $5,000 to Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board, Inc. to provide work-based learning support to Perry County teachers, counselors, and students $10,000 to Perry County, Indiana Habitat for Humanity for the construction of a new home for a Perry County partner family $5,000 to Junior Achievement of West Kentucky, Inc. for the purchase of student program materials and volunteer/teacher guidebooks and training for Perry County programs $8,000 to Lincoln Hills Development Corporation to assist individuals in establishing and meeting goals to obtain employment or educational opportunities $2,500 to Perry County Memorial Hospital to provide education and materials to newborn families during their initial visit following hospital discharge $5,000 to Perry County Council on Aging for the Meaningful Meals initiative to provide hearty meals to senior citizens $2,000 to Perry County Public Library to install Perry County Public Library signage at the Cannelton Branch $7,250 to Perry County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase and installation of a medical sensor in the Detox area $1,830 to Perry Childcare Initiative for the purchase of an interactive smart board and stand to be utilized in classrooms as part of the “Little Learners, Big Technology” initiative $3,600 to Safe Haven Recovery Engagement Center for the purchase of food to provide a hot meal once a week for the unhoused population in Perry County $3,700 to Servants at Work (SAWs) for the construction of ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for low-income Perry County residents with a disability $5,498 to Tell City Police Department for the Tell City Police Department Public Safety Drone Program $1,400 to Tell City Regional Arts Association to host quarterly Artist Lectures and Demonstrations in 2026 to inspire and educate Perry County's diverse community in unique art forms $2,000 to Tri-State Food Bank for supplemental food for 100 households at risk of hunger in partnership with Cannelton Food Pantry in Cannelton, Indiana $8,000 to United Way of Perry County for the Laced with Love project that provides a pair of new shoes to children in Perry County who are facing economic hardship during the holiday season $8,000 to Youth First, Inc. for Youth First Social Workers to provide students with free, easy-to-access, skilled mental health support in Perry County partner schools $2,850 to William Tell Elementary School to update technology for the VEX robotics program The Community Good Grants Program is just one of the powerful ways the Foundation connects local generosity to real community needs. Grants are funded through endowments established by donors who are deeply committed to the future of Perry County. Why This Matters The Perry County Community Foundation is more than a grantmaker. It’s a trusted local partner, connecting people who want to make a difference with the causes and organizations that make our community thrive. Each gift is invested for long-term growth, creating a permanent resource for local needs both now and for generations to come. To learn more about how you can give back or create your own fund, contact Rachael Goldsberry at rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org or 812.547.3176.

The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Perry County through the Perry 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 Perry 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 Perry County through the Perry 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 Perry County Community Foundation. Visit perrycountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Perry County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Perry County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Perry 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: academic performance, school and community activities, leadership roles in activities, essays, special circumstances, and interview. Three finalists will be nominated by the Perry 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. Perry County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Perry County. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to administer the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program in Perry County. This opportunity is truly life-changing for students,” said Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. 

The Perry County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Community Good Grants Program. Nonprofit organizations serving Perry County are invited to apply now through Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Community Good Grants are awarded to charitable partners addressing a wide range of local needs. Funding is available to support programs and projects that make a meaningful impact in Perry County communities. Organizations can find detailed grant guidelines and submit their application online . For questions or assistance, please contact Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.547.3176 or ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org. To learn more about the Perry County Community Foundation and stay updated on grant opportunities, follow us on Facebook .

The Perry County Community Foundation distributed more than $63,000 to 26 local Perry County students from its Community Scholarship Program. These scholarships are funded by generous donors who have established a scholarship fund with the Perry County Community Foundation. This year’s recipients were celebrated and recognized at the Rise & Shine Scholars event with fund founders, recipients, and parents. Congratulations to the Community Scholarship Program recipients! J. Matthew Moore Memorial Scholarship - Abby Mae Throgmorton, Cannelton High School Buehler Foods Scholarship - Addison Huber, Tell City High School Wendell and Loretta Werner Scholarship - Alden Marion, Tell City High School Perry County FOP Scholarship - Aubreigh Gogel, Perry Central High School Robert E. Boyles Scholarship - Bria Garrett, Cannelton High School John Marion Walker Scholarship - Caleb Gehlhausen, Perry Central High School Sam Reed Scholarship - Cambree Dupont, Tell City High School Sergeant Heather J. Glenn 338 Scholarship - Clara J Foertsch, Tell City High School Robert Ress Memorial Scholarship - Daelynn E Jacob, Tell City High School Branchville Correctional Facility Memorial Scholarship - Eli Underhill, Perry Central High School Charles S. (Blackie) and Rose H. Paulin Scholarship - Halie Michelle Biever, Purdue University Global Birch and Ruth Shafer Scholarship - Jada Etienne, Perry Central High School Loren and Bernice Lanman Scholarship - Jada Lindauer, Tell City High School Mildred Wempe Memorial Scholarship - Jada Lindauer, Tell City High School Cecil and Olive Foster Scholarship - Jadyn R. Schwartz, Perry Central High School Birch and Ruth Shafer Scholarship - Jazlyn Mahaney, Tell City High School Zachary Kleemann Memorial Scholarship - Jazlyn Mahaney, Tell City High School Rose Hazel Gabbert Paulin & Charles S. (Blackie) Paulin Scholarship - Joseph Mogan, Perry Central High School The Harriett & Don Neill "Perry County Values" Scholarship - Kallie Gayer, Perry Central High School Loren and Bernice Lanman Scholarship - Makayla Hulse, Cannelton City Schools Mildred Wempe Memorial Scholarship - Makayla Hulse, Cannelton City Schools Birch and Ruth Shafer Scholarship - Mallory King, Perry Central High School Gene and Christina Schwindel Scholarship for Perry Central High School - Naomie Delene Schultz, Perry Central High School York Family Scholarship - Reagan Borden, Perry Central High School Earl and Hazel Etienne Scholarship - Rose Jacob, Tell City High School Sam K. Oberhausen Memorial Scholarship - Rose Jacob, Tell City High School Stacey Peak Memorial Scholarship - Sarah Sander, Tell City High School Mark "Flash" Kleeman Memorial Scholarship - Savannah (Lucy) Whistle, Perry Central High School Jamon L. Burchett Memorial Scholarship - Savannah (Lucy) Whistle, Perry Central High School John Williams Memorial Scholarship - Savannah (Lucy) Whistle, Perry Central High School Old National Tell City Scholarship - Savannah (Lucy) Whistle, Perry Central High School Edgar and Evelyn Whitcomb Scholarship - Trista Jones, Perry Central High School Perry County 4-H Scholarship - Trista Jones, Perry Central High School Loren and Bernice Lanman Scholarship - Wyatt Sitzman, Perry Central High School

A broad spectrum of diverse demand for a wide variety of professionals and professional services exists in southern Indiana, representing an array of actionable growth opportunities and potential market development. These opportunities were recently strategically documented in a comprehensive report funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. The planning report, conducted in partnership with the Indiana First READI region, profiles and pinpoints specific growth opportunities for entrepreneurs in several categories, according to Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance here. “Based on direct primary research conducted across multiple counties, the Indiana First Quality of Life Economic Impact Analysis report reveals market potential and entrepreneurial gaps on a county-by-county basis, demonstrating areas of real demand,” said Carpenter. “A careful review of key areas can yield some significant potential market growth for the right companies, professionals, and entrepreneurs.” The economic development executives in the First Indiana region noted that they intend to mine the report to determine opportunities for scalable market growth and talent attraction. The report offers an analysis of the potential economic impact for addressing and improving defined issues throughout the region. “This report can be a workbook for professionals looking to expand, relocate, or start up a business in multiple categories,” said Chris Pfaff, CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development. “It provides actionable data on what services and capacity presently exist within our counties and region, and what services residents travel outside of the county or region to buy or obtain.” “Those gaps represent a definable opportunity to be evaluated and captured,” he added. “It can serve as a talent attractor and entrepreneurial opportunity of the first order for our region.” The information is expected to help the region enhance its state and local investments from the READI program and other private investment opportunities. “In order to get feedback from each county, key stakeholders were invited to participate in community conversations regarding essential services in their county in addition to a public survey facilitated by consultants,” said Julie Moorman, President and CEO of the Harrison County Community Foundation. “We are appreciative of the input from community stakeholders in helping identify gaps in essential services and sharing their input of quality-of-life amenities in their communities.” The 191-page report, assembled by TPMA (Thomas P. Miller and Associates), includes significant data analysis and identified specific opportunities to enhance the quality of life in five southern Indiana counties, sketching out gaps that can be filled through initiative planning and growth, infrastructure investments, and elevation of talent opportunities. Actionable potential engagement highlights for growth range from healthcare and essential services to entertainment and dining, as well as professional and technical services. "The report confirms what we’ve heard anecdotally for years—many Perry County residents travel outside the county for veterinary services," said Erin Emerson, President and CEO of the Perry County Development Corporation. "Now, by pairing local insight with concrete data, we can make an even stronger case that additional veterinary services could thrive here - this is just one of many opportunities highlighted in the analysis that align with the needs of our community." The full report, which analyzes needs, assets, and potential advantages of Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, and Spencer counties, is available on the Southwest Indiana Development Council website in the Indiana First section: https://swidc.org/indiana-first/ The full report profiles current inventory of essential services and quality of life amenities for each county and includes recommendations for addressing growth needs. The research and planning report and related activities were funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. Community Foundations in Pike, Perry, Knox, Spencer and Harrison counties served as partners for the planning and development of the comprehensive report. About the Community Foundation Alliance Community Foundation Alliance is comprised of affiliate Community Foundations serving nine counties throughout southwestern Indiana in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Through the establishment of endowed funds created by caring donors to benefit community causes, the Alliance works to improve the quality of life in affiliate counties by providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, please visit https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/ About the Harrison County Community Foundation Harrison County Community Foundation was founded in 1996 by the Harrison County Commissioners, with an initial donation from Caesars Southern Indiana. HCCF’s mission is to inspire and assist everyone in experiencing philanthropy, producing positive and sustainable growth in Harrison County. To date, HCCF has awarded over $133 million in grants, scholarships, and other support to Harrison County nonprofits, entities, and award recipients. The Foundation serves in a community leadership role to help grow Harrison County into the best place to live, work, and raise a family. For more information, please visit https://hccfindiana.org/ About Indiana First Representing the Indiana counties of: Harrison, Knox, Pike, Perry, and Spencer, the region was awarded $15 million from the state’s READI program, intended to accelerate projects that will enhance the area’s quality of life, and increase competitiveness for economic growth. For more information, please visit https://swidc.org/indiana-first/

The Perry County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Perry County – Maggie Taylor, Perry Central Jr./Sr. 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 is Julia Walsh, Perry Central Jr./ Sr. High School, and Addison Huber; Tell City Jr./ Sr. High School, was named the second alternate. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students,” said Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “The Community Foundation was thoroughly pleased with the quality of the applications submitted and the involvement of the applicants. Perry County is fortunate to be the home of many talented youth.” 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. Maggie Taylor, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar said, “I am so honored to be awarded this prestigious scholarship, and I am excited to serve my community in the future!” In determining Perry County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to academic performance, school and community activities, essay, special circumstances, 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.

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 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Perry County through the Perry County Community Foundation. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Perry 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 Perry County through the Perry County Community Foundation, is open to all Indiana residents who: graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2025 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2025; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; and meet the criteria specific to their local community foundation. Visit https://www.perrycountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding Perry County’s application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Perry County and apply for this scholarship by visiting https://www.perrycountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program . Applications must be completed and submitted by August 28, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: School and Community Activities and Leadership, Essays, Special Circumstances, Academics, and Interview. Three finalists will be nominated by the Perry 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 $490 million. More than 5,300 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. Perry County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 28th year in Perry County. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to administer the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Perry County. This scholarship opportunity is truly life-changing for students, said Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer for the Community Foundation Alliance.”