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 .

The Knox County Community Foundation awarded the City of Vincennes $100,000 through the Target Lasting Change (TLC) grant initiative. This grant will be used to assist with the purchase of new playground equipment for the Next Level Gregg Park project. The City of Vincennes accepted the grant at an outdoor presentation in Gregg Park with Mayor Joe Yochum, Parks Superintendent J.R. Field, and Park Board members present. “The City of Vincennes is excited to be receiving the $100,000 Target Lasting Change grant to improve our parks. Our plan is designed with inclusivity, ensuring that children of all abilities can play, explore, and learn together. With accessible playground equipment and handicap-friendly features, we aim to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play. We are committed to fostering a community where all children feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully in play activities,” says Mayor Joe Yochum. The TLC grant initiative supports programs and projects that improve quality of life and enhance economic vitality in Knox County. Since its inception in 2008, this is the fifth TLC grant awarded, made possible by generous donations to the Friends of Knox County Fund, which has contributed over $305,000 in grant funding. The first TLC grant, awarded in 2008, went to Life After Meth Inc. for its Community Model Program, which helps incarcerated individuals recover and reintegrate into society. The second grant, in 2012, was given to Children and Family Services for Hope’s Voice, a program supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2016, the third grant was awarded to the Salvation Army Vincennes for its Pathway of Hope program, which helps families break the cycle of poverty and escape ongoing crises. The most recent grant, awarded in 2021, supported Good Samaritan Hospital’s efforts to enhance pediatric readiness and expand its Mobile Integrated Health-Community Paramedicine program, benefiting pediatric patients and their families in Knox County. For more information about the Friends of Knox County Fund, please contact Savannah Linenburg at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org .

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 Knox County through the Knox County Community Foundation. 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, 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.knoxcountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding Knox County’s application criteria. 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 Wednesday, August 14, 2024, by Noon to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Academic Performance, Community Service and Volunteer Activities, and Personal Statement of Goals. 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 $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. Knox County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 28 th year in Knox County. “We are fortunate 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,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Knox County Community Foundation.

Vincennes Community Food Pantry 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 Michael Mullen for general support of the Vincennes Community Food Pantry. 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: Tom Yochum, Volunteer; Michael Mullen, Knox County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; Ruth Yochum, Secretary of Vincennes Community Food Pantry; and Melissa Hendrix, President of Vincennes Community Food Pantry.