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Knox County Community Foundation Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program
Jul 17, 2023
The 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECSP) application is now available in Knox County through the Knox County Community Foundation. The LECSP will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Knox 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 Knox County through the Knox County Community Foundation, is open to all Indiana residents who:
• graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2024 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2024;
• 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.
Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Knox County and apply for this scholarship by visiting https://www.knoxcountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program. Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, August 25, 2023, at 12 noon EST to be considered.
Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Academic Performance, Community Service and Volunteer Activities, and Person Statement of Goals. One recipient and two alternates will be nominated by the Knox 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 $486 million. More than 5,000 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception.
The primary purposes of the 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.
Knox County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 27th year in Knox County. “We are grateful that Lilly Endowment has continued the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. This scholarship will make an enormous impact on the recipient’s life and educational goals. I’m excited to be part of the process,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Knox County Community Foundation.
The Knox County Community Foundation announces the distribution of community scholarships totaling $38,400. This year, funds established by generous donors provided scholarships to 18 area students. The scholarship breakfast for fund founders, recipients, and parents was held on Wednesday, May 1 at The Pantheon. In addition to announcing the recipients, the Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact, Laura Hazelman states, “The Knox County Community Foundation is thankful to our generous fund founders and donors for making these scholarships possible and investing in the education of our young adults. Thank you to our scholarship committee for being diligent in the review process. The selection is never easy because our Knox County students are amazing.” Scholarships awarded: The Zack Arnold Memorial Scholarship is an annual renewable scholarship established by Dr. Brian Arnold and his family in memory of his son Zack. Since golf was important to Zack, the scholarship benefits Knox County seniors who have participated on their school golf team. This year’s $1,500 scholarship recipient is Hunter Sievers, South Knox High School. The Persis McClure Hurst Memorial Scholarship was established by Sarah H. Keller in memory of her mother. It benefits graduating seniors of any Knox County High School planning to attend any Indiana college or university and who demonstrate an interest in English or history. This year’s $2,000 scholarship recipient is Noah Hayden, South Knox High School. McKinley Avenue Presbyterian Church Student Scholarship is an annual scholarship founded by the members of the McKinley Avenue Presbyterian Church Student Scholarship Committee. It benefits a graduating senior from any Knox County High School pursuing post-secondary education. The recipient of the $800 scholarship is Hunter Sievers, South Knox High School. The Velma and Herbert Pepmeier Scholarship was established by Herbert C. Pepmeier to benefit a graduating senior who is affiliated with St. John’s United Church of Christ in Vincennes or Bethel Church in Freelandville. This year’s $5,000 scholarship recipient is Harlee Keller, North Knox High School. The James (Jim) Jenks Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by friends of Jim Jenks to help graduating seniors of Knox County pursue advanced education. Jim was an avid golfer, so recipients must have been a member of their school’s golf team during their senior year of high school. The scholarship will be awarded to a female student and one male student. This year’s $500 award recipients are Tori Thompson, South Knox High School and Emmett Ransom, Lincoln High School. The Kathleen W. Rinsch Educational Scholarship is an annual renewable scholarship established by the past director of the Knox County Community Foundation, Kathy Rinsch. She was a former English and Latin teacher at North Knox High School and established this scholarship to encourage recent graduates and non-traditional students to pursue higher education in the field of education. The recipient of the $1,500 scholarship is Cora Armes, North Knox High School. The Robert W. Nordhorn Memorial Scholarship was established by Mrs. Marcia Nordhorn in memory of her husband Robert. The scholarship is awarded to a student at Lincoln High School who has participated in arts/technical theater, choir, or band and who has participated in theatrical productions. This year the $600 scholarship recipient is Emmett Ransom. The Roger Montgomery, M.D. Memorial Scholarship was established by Sue Montgomery in memory of her husband Dr. (Walter) Roger Montgomery, a Vincennes nephrologist. It is available to graduating seniors of any Knox County high school or certified home school program who are pursuing post-secondary education. This year the $3,500 scholarship recipient is Mason Trent, Rivet High School. The Southwest Indiana Purdue Scholarship was established by the Knox County Purdue Ag Alumni. It is open to students in Knox, Daviess, Greene, Sullivan, Pike, and Gibson Counties who are pursuing a degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette. This year’s $2,000 award recipient is Jordan Remsburg, Purdue University. The Heather Bird Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Robert H. Bird in memory of his daughter. Active members of the Vincennes Township Fire Department with at least one year of service and their spouses who have a high school diploma or GED or children of active members who are graduating high school seniors are eligible. This year the $1,500 scholarship recipient is Aschiah Birden, South Knox High School. Schott North America-Vincennes Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Schott North America, Inc. to encourage the children or grandchildren of Schott North America, Inc. employees to further their education, to recognize academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential. This year Tori Thompson of South Knox High School and Trinity Bradford of Sullivan High School will each receive $2,000. Knox County Community Foundation Scholarship This year, 27 students applied for the Knox County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The Community Foundation was able to award a scholarship to the first and second alternate to the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship along with each student who was a finalist. The scholarships are made possible by donors to the Friends of Knox County Fund. Sharaya Wolfe, North Knox High School was named the First Alternate and awarded $6,000; and Evan Dreiman, South Knox High School was named Second Alternate and was awarded $2,000. The following students were finalists and each will receive $1,000; Allison Hensley, Rivet; Mason Trent, Rivet; Makinley Beard, South Knox; Mallory Friend, Lincoln; Jaelyn Grumieaux, South Knox; Ally Sims, South Knox; and Olivia Halter, North Knox. McKenna Henderson of Lincoln High School is the 2024 Knox County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient. She will receive a full tuition scholarship to the Indiana college of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. After graduation, McKenna plans to attend Butler University. The Community Foundation handles the applications, and a volunteer selection committee of community leaders completes the review process for this award, submitting final nominations to Independent Colleges of Indiana. The Knox County Community Foundation County Advisory Board would like to thank the parents, family members, teachers, school administrators, coaches, mentors, and everyone who has inspired these students to be the very best they can be. Congratulations to these outstanding students and their families. We wish you the best as you pursue your college degrees and future opportunities.
Grouseland Foundation, Inc. recently received a $1,000 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation through the Knox Gives Grant Program. The Knox Gives Grant Program allows Knox County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Drew Garretson for general support of Grouseland Foundation. For more information about funding opportunities through the Knox County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.890.4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org .
Blue Jeans Community Center, Inc. recently received a $1,000 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation through the Knox Gives Grant Program. The Knox Gives Grant Program allows Knox County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Lorrinda Ellermann for general support of the Blue Jeans Community Center in Monroe City. For more information about funding opportunities through the Knox County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.890.4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org. Pictured: (front row) Lorrinda Ellermann, Knox County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; Bill Marsh, and Lori Dreiman Daniel, Blue Jeans Community Center Board Secretary.
The Vincennes Police Department recently received a $1,000 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation through the Knox Gives Grant Program. The Knox Gives Grant Program allows Knox County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Andrew Hinz for emergency first aid kits for each police vehicle. For more information about funding opportunities through the Knox County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.890.4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org. Pictured: (front row) Assistant Chief Hensley; Andrew Hinz, Knox County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; and Chief Jon Hillenbrand.
The Knox County Community Foundation is now accepting online letters of inquiry for a $100,000 Target Lasting Change Grant. The deadline to submit a letter of inquiry is Friday, May 31, 2024. This grant cycle will use a two-step process; step one is the letter of inquiry. Once reviewed by the Foundation, successful applicants will be invited to submit a formal grant application with the deadline of Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The Knox County Community Foundation will award the Target Lasting Change (TLC) Grant to a 501(c)(3) public charity located in Knox County. We are seeking funding requests focused on quality of life and quality of place programs or projects in Knox County that have the potential to stimulate economic growth within the county. Charitable entities can view details related to funding requirements and access the grant portal via the Foundation’s website at https://www.knoxcountycf.org/target-lasting-change-grant-initiative . Agencies and projects not eligible for funding include religious organizations proposing activities that support a religious purpose, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation or debt reduction, annual appeals or membership contributions, and general operating costs not associated with the program/project. For questions, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at 812.886.0093 (office), 812.890.4469 (cell), or via email at lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org.
Band Boosters, Inc. of Vincennes recently received a $1,000 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation through the Knox Gives Grant Program. The Knox Gives Grant Program allows Knox County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Nash Dunn for general support of the Lincoln High School and Clark Middle School Band. For more information about funding opportunities through the Knox County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.890.4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org. Pictured: (front row) Nash Dunn, Knox County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; Bill Marsh and Garrett Coffer, LHS/CMS Band; and Shea Duke, Lincoln High School Principal. (back rows) Lincoln Band students.
Vincennes Education Foundation recently received a $1,000 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation through the Knox Gives Grant Program. The Knox Gives Grant Program allows Knox County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Christina Lange for general support of the Vincennes Education Foundation. For more information about funding opportunities through the Knox County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.890.4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org. Pictured: Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact; Gary Hackney, Director of Vincennes Education Foundation; and Christina Lange, Secretary for Knox County Community Foundation Advisory Board.
The Knox County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for available scholarships through the Community Scholarship Program. The deadline to apply is 12:00 noon on Friday, January 19, 2024. “Donors have honored their loved ones, high schools, or professions by creating endowment funds through the Knox County Community Foundation,” says Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “Individuals, families, and organizations have created community scholarship funds that provide scholarships 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 at www.knoxcountycf.org/community-scholarship-program . 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. Applications will be accepted until 12:00 noon on Friday, January 19, 2024.
The Knox County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Knox County – McKenna Sueann Henderson of Lincoln High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “McKenna’s dedication to her school and community was apparent in her application and interview. The nominating committee was honored to have the opportunity to meet McKenna and recommend her for this life-changing scholarship opportunity,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Knox County Community Foundation. McKenna is the daughter of Justin and Miranda Henderson. Following graduation, she plans to major in Health Sciences for Pre-Med. McKenna is interested in OB/GYN Physician as a career choice. In addition to excelling academically, she has been active in extracurricular activities such as Interact Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Class President, and Champions Together. McKenna was nominated by her school principal for Rising Stars of Indiana. She has been active in Volleyball for all 4 years and earned two varsity letters. In addition to working in food service and retail, she is also active in the community volunteering for Versiti blood drives, Generations Build a Basket and Children Blankets programs, Wreaths Across America, and The Salvation Army bell ringing. 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 Knox County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominee, consideration was given to academic performance; community service and volunteer activities; personal statement of goals; work experience; school activities, honors, and awards; an impromptu essay; and communication of ideas and interview skills 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. “The Community Foundation was thoroughly impressed with the quality of applicants and their level of involvement, Knox County has many outstanding young adults full of talent and drive,” said Hazelman. Scholarship award alternates were also announced. Sharaya Wolfe of North Knox High School was named the first alternate, and Evan Dreiman of South Knox High School was named as 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.
The Knox County Community Foundation distributed $101,086.96 in grants to 18 local nonprofit organizations through their 2023 Community Good Grants program. This year’s grants provide flexible funding for a variety of charitable projects and organizations serving Knox County. The grants awarded are: · $20,386.96 to Knox County Sheriff’s Office to purchase updated mission-critical portable radios and necessary communication accessories for the Knox County SWAT team; · $16,000 to the City of Bicknell to assist with the cost of paying a contractor to construct two new block dugouts and remove the existing structures in Southside Park; · $10,000 to Life After Meth, Inc. to purchase fifteen new industrial-grade beds for the Level 3 Recovery residence; · $7,500 to Pantheon Educational Center to assist with the purchase of flip-top training tables and stacking chairs; · $7,000 to Children & Family Services, Corp to purchase a cabinet to store art therapy materials and assist with free art therapy access in Knox County for groups and individuals hosted by Grasshopper Group; · $6,500 to Knox County Life Enrichment Foundation (KCLEF) to assist with the expense for the e-Knox Digital Literacy Program, which includes instructor, purchase of computers, and miscellaneous supplies; · $5,000 to Backpacks of Love for VCSC to purchase food to put in bags for children to take home; · $5,000 to the Knox County Drug Court Foundation to assist with requests for rent assistance, utility payment, past due/disconnected utility remedy, and other emergency situations communicated through case managers; · $4,500 to Vincennes University Foundation to purchase books, supplies, and materials needed for all activities and games for enrichment activities for the StoryWalk on the Wabash; · $3,000 to Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America to assist with the membership cost for Knox County students to join Scouting; · $3,000 to BABE of Knox, Inc. to purchase special request items such as car seats, double strollers, crib mattresses, highchairs, baby swings, diapers, wipes, and clothing; · $3,000 to Red Skeleton Museum Foundation, Inc. to purchase ten commercial-grade vendor tents with sides to be used for vendors at the Christkindlmarkt; · $2,500 to Holly’s House, Inc. to provide support for the direct costs of program materials for the prevention program in Knox County Elementary Schools; · $2,500 to the City of Vincennes to assist with the cost of building the covered extension on the existing Riverfront Pavilion; · $2,000 to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry to purchase beds and mattress covers; · $1,500 to Old Town Players Community Theater to assist with the cost of publishing royalties, scripts, marketing artwork, printing, and materials for “A Christmas Story”; · $1,000 to Word of Life Church to purchase life jackets for Rainbow Beach patrons to use at no cost; and · $700 to Indiana Military Museum to assist with the cost to print and/or upgrade signage associated with military displays. Funding for the program is provided by donors and organizations establishing and donating to 33 Community Good (Unrestricted) Funds held by the Community Foundation. Those funds are: · Bad Medicine Band Unrestricted Fund · Bertha Wallace Reynolds Fund · Bill and Jenny Hackney Family Fund · Brent Bierhaus Unrestricted Fund · Burkhart Family Fund · Cantwell Family Fund · Chris and Cecilia Vieck Memorial Fund · Clarence J "Mac" McCormick III Fund · David and Pam Gardner Fund · Don and Debbie Jones Community Good Fund · Dr. Phillip M Summers Family Fund · Dr. Roger and Sue Montgomery Fund · Eugene and Marilyn Glick Fund for Education Enhancement in Knox County · Farbest Foods Community Good Fund for Knox County · Friends of Knox County Fund · German American Bancorp Community Fund - Knox · Gordon, William, and Christina Miller Fund · Helping Others Pursue Education (HOPE) Fund · Jacoby Family Fund · Jim and Gail Eskew Fund · Jim and Terri Gislason Unrestricted Fund · John D. Miller Memorial Fund · Kathy Rinsch For Knox County, Forever Fund · Leonard Family Fund · Louis (Brocky) Brocksmith Family Fund · Medical Center of Vincennes Inc. Fund · Norbert M. and Louise A. Welch Fund · Old National Fund for Knox County · Richard P. and Helen G. Lux Unrestricted Fund · Robert M. Orvick Memorial Fund · Waldroup Family Fund · Women's Fund of Knox County · Youth Inspiring Peers Fund To learn more about the Knox County Community Foundation and establishing a fund to create greater good for Knox County, please visit our website at knoxcountycf.org or contact Savannah Linenburg, Regional Director of Development at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org .
