The Knox County Community Foundation announced that more than $110,000 has been awarded to 23 local nonprofits through its Community Good Grants Program. These grants support projects that strengthen the Knox 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 Knox County,” said Laura Hazelman, 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 $3,000 to Backpacks of Love for VCSC for purchasing food to send home with children on the weekends $15,000 to Blue Jeans Community Center, Inc. for assisting with the cost of replacing the roof over the gymnasium to ensure the availability of a safe, functional space for recreation, wellness, education, and community gatherings $5,000 to Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America for assisting with the cost of the KCARC Scout Reach program by covering membership fees for Scouts and Leaders, and supplies $2,200 to Children’s Center for Dance Education for assisting with the cost to bring the ballet “Aladdin” to Knox County in the spring and assisting local dancers with the cost of costumes and ballet shoes $1,717 to Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra for assisting with the cost to bring a musician to Knox County to provide group lessons and retirement home concerts $10,000 to First City Sunrise for assisting with the cost of case management, operational costs, staff training, and program development for the homeless population $1,000 to Generations, Division of Vincennes University’s Statewide Service for assisting with invitations, lunch for attendees, materials, and packets for the Dementia Friendly Knox County Community Development program $8,624 to Heart to Heart, Inc. A Women’s Resource Center for purchasing essential items such as diapers, wipes, medicine, clothing, car seats, cribs, crib mattresses, and pack-and-plays for emergency assistance, families in crisis, and walk-in clients $2,230 to Indiana Military Museum for assisting with the cost of printing and applying the new billboard on the corner of Sixth and Willow Streets $5,000 to Isaiah 117 House Knox County, IN for purchasing items to stock the giving room with clothing and hygiene items and to have funds available for special sizes or items needed for the children $2,750 to Irreverent Warriors – Vincennes Chapter for assisting with the cost of the Vincennes Silkies Hike and Mental Health First Aid for local veterans $4,500 to Life After Meth, Inc. for assisting with the cost of electrical upgrades required by insurance to be a Level 3 recovery residence $3,000 to North Knox Social Ministries for assisting with the cost of utility and rent assistance and the purchase of diapers and hygiene items $5,000 to Old Town Players Community Theater for assisting with the cost of painting the exterior of the theater building $7,500 to Red Skelton Museum Foundation, Inc. for assisting with the cost of bringing nationally recognized speakers to the Hometown Humor Takeover, which promotes healthy humor to improve health and wellness $5,000 to the Knox County Drug Court Foundation for assisting with requests for rent assistance, utility payments, utility reconnections, and other emergency situations communicated through case managers $3,000 to Holly’s House, Inc. for providing support for the direct costs of program materials for the Brave Boundaries prevention program in Knox County Elementary Schools $929 to Vincennes Community Food Pantry for purchasing a freezer to store food donations $2,000 to Vincennes Community School Corporation for assisting with the cost of installing safety film on internal classroom windows in Clark Middle School to decrease visibility during emergencies and reduce distractions during the day $2,000 to Vincennes Community School Corporation for assisting with the purchase of personal hygiene products and clothing for the Caring Cabinet at Lincoln High School $15,000 to Vincennes University Foundation for assisting with the cost of course certification exam fees, clinical site costs/insurance requirements, textbooks, and materials for students enrolled in the CNA program $5,000 to Youth First, Inc. for assisting with the cost of having a Mental Health Professional in Rivet Elementary and Rivet Middle/High School to provide students with access to prevention education and mental health support at no cost $1,000 to Word of Life Church for assisting with the cost of swimming lessons at the Vincennes YMCA for local youth 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 Knox County. Why This Matters The Knox 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 Savannah Linenburg at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org or 812.886.0093.

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 Knox County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Community Good Grants Program. Nonprofit organizations serving Knox County are invited to apply now through Monday, August 25, 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 Knox County communities. Organizations can find detailed grant guidelines and submit their application online at knoxcountycf.org/community-good-grants-program. For questions or assistance, please contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.886.0093 or lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org.

The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Knox County through the Knox 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 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, 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 Knox County Community Foundation. Visit knoxcountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Knox County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Knox County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Knox 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, community service and volunteer activities, personal statement of goals, work experience, and school activities. Three finalists 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 $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. Knox County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Knox County. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program offers an amazing opportunity for students to pursue higher education with financial support, enabling them to achieve their career goals,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact.

The Knox County Community Foundation distributed more than $37,000 to 16 local Knox County students from its Community Scholarship Program. These scholarships are funded by generous donors who have established a scholarship fund with the Knox County Community Foundation. This year’s scholarship breakfast to celebrate and recognize these exceptional students was held at The Pantheon, with fund founders, recipients, and parents attending. In addition to announcing the recipients, the Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact, Laura Hazelman reflected on how important the community is in stewarding education in Knox County.

Each year, the Knox County Community Foundation announces the recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Knox County, which covers full tuition, required fees, and includes a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment, for up to four years. Alongside, two alternates are designated, ensuring readiness in case the initially selected scholar cannot accept the award due to special circumstances. This year, after the initially named recipient, Savannah Staggs, graciously declined the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, the scholarship was offered to the First Alternate, Zoe Herron, Lincoln High School. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend a college here in Indiana without worrying about finances. I know the Lilly [Endowment Community Scholarship] community will allow me to continue developing my leadership skills and will support me throughout my college journey and beyond,” said Herron. The initial recipient, Savannah Staggs declined the scholarship after accepting a full ride to attend Indiana University.  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. 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.

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 Knox County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Knox County – Savannah Staggs, South Knox High School . Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “The Knox County Community Foundation was extremely impressed with the applicants this year, said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “Their educational success, community service, and future goals are inspiring, and we know they will all make a positive impact on Knox County now and in the future!” 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. “Receiving the Lilly Endowment (Community) Scholarship is a life-changing dream realized for me. I am deeply grateful to the Community Foundation for this opportunity, which eases the financial burden of my college education, allowing me to focus on my academic pursuits,” said Savannah Staggs, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “I am excited to represent Knox County at Indiana University while pursuing a biology degree. This scholarship resonates with me on a personal level, reflecting my motivation to succeed and continue contributing to my community. I am excited to embrace this journey and make the most of what lies ahead.” In determining Knox County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to academic performance, community service and volunteer activities, personal statement of goals, work experience, school activities and honors/awards; those advancing to phase two were scored on an in-person interview by the LECSP Nominating Committee and impromptu essay, designed to demonstrate the student’s verbal communication skills and overall civic pride and interest in the quality of their community. 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 Knox County Community Foundation awarded more than $108,000 in grants to 22 nonprofits through its 2024 Community Good Grants program. These nonprofits are committed to supporting the needs of Knox County. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients! $2,500 to Holly’s House, Inc. to support the direct costs of program materials for the prevention program in Knox County Elementary Schools $5,000 to Life After Meth, Inc . to assist with the purchase of new industrial-grade beds for the Recovery residence $1,500 to BABE of Knox, Inc. to assist with the purchase of special-order items $3,300 to Freelandville Improvement Club to assist with the cost of landscape materials for a new playground $5,320 to South Knox School Corporation to assist with the cost of expanding the Spartan Robotics program $7,000 to Pantheon Educational Center to support the Pantheon Entrepreneur Empowerment Initiative that supports Knox County residents launching new businesses $6,765 to the Palmyra Township Fire Department to purchase three defibrillators for first responders $7,500 to Vincennes University Foundation to assist with the purchase of food for the Generations Meals on Wheels program that provides meals to homebound older adults $2,500 to Old Town Players Community Theater to assist with the cost of painting the theater building $14,853 to Family Health Center to purchase home safety items for their clients so they can pass a safety inspection $2,000 to Vincennes Community School Corporation to assist with the purchase of personal hygiene products and clothing for the Caring Cabinet located at Lincoln High School $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 $1,932 to Children’s Center for Dance Education to assist with the cost of bringing “The Children’s Nutcracker” to Knox County $3,500 to the Knox County Superior Court I to assist with the cost of cooking supplies for the Cooking Through Recovery program participants $3,170 to Red Skeleton Museum Foundation, Inc. to purchase a new information tent and caroler costumes for the Christkindlmarkt $6,500 to Irreverent Warriors – Vincennes Chapter to assist with the cost of the IW Hike for local Veterans $3,000 to North Knox Social Ministries to assist with utility and rent assistance and the purchase of diapers $6,750 to Children & Family Services, Corp to assist the Grasshopper Group with the cost of the first open access Expressive Arts Camp in Knox County $2,000 to United Way of Knox County Indiana to assist with the purchase of 20 boxes of Bedtime in a Box $8,320 to Heart to Heart, Inc A Women’s Resource Center to purchase car seats, cribs, crib mattresses, diapers, wipes, baby skin ointment, Tylenol, ibuprofen, pack-n-plays, and gas drops for their clients $5,000 to Vincennes Cub League, Inc to assist with the Veterans Field renovation project $5,000 to Salvation Army Vincennes Corps to provide funding for emergency financial assistance for utilities, rent, temporary lodging, and gas to Knox County residents Funding for the Community Good Grants program wouldn’t be possible without the donors and organizations who donate to Community Good (Unrestricted) and Field of Interest Funds held by the Community Foundation. Thank you for your generosity and support of Knox County. 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 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 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 John M. Lyons Fund For more information about the Friends of Knox County Fund, please contact Savannah Linenburg at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org .