The Posey County Community Foundation distributed more than $92,000 to 22 local Posey County students from its Community Scholarship Program. These scholarships are funded by generous donors who have established a scholarship fund with the Posey County Community Foundation. Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Community Scholarship Program! Ben Dickhaut Memorial 4-H and FFA Scholarship - Brant Oakley Bobby Rogge Memorial Scholarship - Maggie McCutchan Byron and Lila Brenton Memorial Scholarship Sophie Scheller Kayla Jones Carran Family Scholarship Shawnee LaMar Chloe Swartz Cash Family Scholarship - Kyra Rainey CountryMark Technical Trade School Scholarship - Shelby Lang Craig Andrew Spradley Memorial Scholarship - Maggie McCutchan Edwin W. Martin and Aletha C. Martin Scholarship Brant Oakley Alyssa Heath Aubrey Brandenstein Tate Wilson George and Peggy Rapp Scholarship - Laney Owens Gillenwater Scholarship - Maggie McCutchan Harry A. Logan Fire Service Scholarship - Colby Angel Herb and Betty Curry Scholarship - Shawnee LaMar James W. Moore Scholarship - Colton Green Katie Kanowsky Memorial Scholarship - Noah Koester Kevin Dillon North Posey Memorial Scholarship - Rebekah Alderson Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship - Colton Green Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship 1st Alternate - Maggie McCutchan Mac McCutchan Scholarship - Lacy Baehl Margaret Corbin Wathen Scholarship - Shawnee LaMar Oscar and Helen Uebelhack Agriculture Scholarship - Chloe Swartz Posey County Co-op Scholarship - Rowan Wheeler Riedford Health Professionals Scholarship - John Thomason Robby Wilson Memorial Scholarship - Laney Owens Rosella and Doyle Oursler Scholarship - Charlotte Smith SABIC Innovative Plastics Scholarship - Ethan Mansfield Whitney Wehr Memorial Scholarship - Malley Wagner William H. Keck Leadership Scholarship - Kyra Rainey

The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Posey County through the Posey 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 Posey 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 Posey County through the Posey 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 Posey County Community Foundation. Visit poseycountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Posey County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Posey County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Posey 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: GPA, curriculum, community service, volunteer activities, essay, personal statement/unusual circumstances, work experience, honors and awards, school activities, financial need or special hardships, and interview. Three finalists will be nominated by the Posey 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. Posey County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Posey County. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a remarkable opportunity for high school seniors in Posey County. I’m honored to be part of a process that recognizes students’ achievements and aspirations. Not only transforms the life of its recipient by supporting their educational and personal growth, but it also benefits the local community by investing in future leaders who are likely to give back and make a lasting difference in the region,” said Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact.

Since its founding in 2004, the Women’s Fund of Posey County has awarded more than $225,000 to nonprofits and programs that address critical needs and improve the quality of life in Posey County. The Fund, held by the Posey County Community Foundation, unites women from across the county dedicated to making a lasting impact through collective philanthropy. At this year’s annual grant award ceremony at the CountryMark Pavilion, $20,000 in grants were awarded to 17 local organizations serving Posey County. Congratulations to the 2025 Grant Recipients! Thrive Afterschool, Inc. MSD of Mount Vernon – Opportunity Center MSD of Mount Vernon – Bobcat Boutique MSD of North Posey – Viking Vault Riverbend Food Pantry MSD of Mount Vernon – Mindfulness Prime Time Class MSD of Mount Vernon – Mrs. Harris Occupational Therapy Classroom Habitat for Humanity of Evansville Children’s Learning Center of Posey County Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare NewLife Rescue & Adoption, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana Mudpuppy Palace, Inc. Holly’s House, Inc. Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana One New Harmony Deaconess Hospital Foundation The generosity that powers these grants is made possible by the Women’s Fund’s signature fundraiser, the annual Golf Scramble. Community members are invited to support this important event as sponsors or players. The 2025 Golf Scramble is looking for volunteers to get involved!

The Women’s Fund of Posey County, a fund with the Posey County Community Foundation, is now accepting applications for projects or programs supporting Posey County. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by completing the grant application no later than March 3, 2025. The Community Foundation welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Applications submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency must include a written statement signed by the agency’s board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity’s fiscal sponsor, to receive grant funds if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project. The project or program must provide support in one of the following areas: · Arts and Culture · Community Development · Education · Environment · Health · Human Services · Youth Development Eligible nonprofit organizations can learn more and apply at www.poseycountycf.org/womens-fund-grants-program . The Women’s Fund Steering Committee will review funding requests and contact grant applicants for an interview. Once interviews have concluded, the steering committee will make its recommendations on funding to the Community Foundation Alliance Board of Directors. No lobbying or soliciting of the steering committee or board members will be permitted.  To learn more, contact Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org.

The Posey County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Posey County – Lora Commens, North Posey High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. Scholarship award alternates were also announced. The first alternate, Maggie McCutchan, will receive a scholarship from the Friends of Posey County Fund. Shelby Lang was named the second alternate. “The nominating committee unanimously agreed that Lora was the ideal choice for this honor. She is not only a well-rounded student but also strives to be a role model for others,” said Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Posey County Community Foundation. Smith continued, “This year, 17 exceptionally talented students applied for the scholarship. Each one excelled academically and actively participated in a wide variety of extracurricular and community activities. The quality of the applications made the selection process challenging for the dedicated committee, who carefully reviewed and fairly scored each submission according to the established guidelines.” Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities. “I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity and appreciate the support (Lilly Endowment Inc.) will provide me as I continue my academic journey through college,” said Lora Commens, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. In determining Posey County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to GPA, curriculum, community service and volunteer activities, essay, personal statement, work experience, honors and awards, school activities, financial need, and finalist interview by the LECSP Nominating Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients. Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Wildcats Remembered Fund, held by the Posey County Community Foundation, recently awarded Mount Vernon High School (MVHS) a $17,860 grant. Foundation staff, along with Principal Dr. Scott Strieter and Vice Principal Mr. Cody Ungetheim, presented the grant to MVHS students. The Wildcats Remembered Fund’s grants to MVHS continue to support a wide range of educational and extracurricular activities that benefit the school and its students.

Many of our donors have chosen to honor their loved ones, communities, high schools, colleges, and professions by establishing scholarship funds through their local Community Foundations in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties. These funds support the annual Community Scholarship programs, providing valuable opportunities for students in Southwest Indiana. Thanks to their contributions, applications are being accepted now, with a deadline of Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. "We are excited to once again provide scholarship opportunities to students in our Southwest Indiana region,” says Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer at the Community Foundation Alliance. “By offering these scholarships, we are not only investing in individual students but also in the future of our communities. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take a step towards achieving their educational and career goals." Students may apply for one or more scholarships if they meet the eligibility requirements and selection criteria established by donors. Details about each scholarship and the application are posted on the website at communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships . Each scholarship is unique and supports students with a variety of backgrounds, educational goals, and economic statuses. Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin and are based on a competitive process that may consider academic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal aspirations, educational goals, and financial need. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply today!

The Posey County Community Foundation awarded more than $162,000 in grants to 26 nonprofits through its 2024 Community Good Grants program. These nonprofits are committed to supporting the needs of Posey County. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients! $10,000 to Youth First, Inc . to provide students with access to prevention education and mental health support at no cost $5,000 to Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet, Inc. to purchase 167 pairs of athletic-type shoes for students in need in Posey County schools $18,000 to Thrive to support the out-of-school time programming including program supplies and program development, and to purchase materials for owner-occupied home repairs and whole-home rehabilitation of blighted properties $14,500 to the River Bend Food Pantry to supplement pantry stock with additional supplies for the Summer Kid's Program, as well as with regular monthly pantry supplies $2,100 to Bread of Life Ministry Inc. to pay the freight for donated food and to purchase food items at discounted prices to distribute to low-income families in the Tri-State area $3,015 to Family Matters of Posey County Indiana, Inc. to equip adults with a bike, helmet, and lock to enable them to seek employment, get to appointments, and meet basic transportation needs $5,000 to Zion Lippe United Church of Christ to assist in the food needs of the Posey County Food Pantries and United Caring Services Inc. $5,000 to Holly’s House, Inc. to teach skills to keep kids safe from abuse by providing child abuse prevention programming to elementary students $18,000 to the United Way of Posey County Inc. to mail one high-quality book per month from the Dolly's Imagination Library to Posey County residents between the ages of 0 to 5 $2,000 to Trades for Tomorrow to purchase materials/supplies for Thrive Afterschool on-site field trips, and to cover expenses with website and flyer updates $12,000 to the New Harmony Volunteer Fireman’s Club to purchase 15 spare air bottles for the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) $10,000 to NewLife Rescue & Adoption, Inc. to cover the costs of spaying/neutering surgeries for the cats and dogs in Posey County $1,770 to the Posey County Domestic Violence Taskforce (WillowTree of Posey County) to provide information and promotional materials with contact information for victims of domestic violence and the general public $17,000 to Mount Vernon Youth Baseball to upgrade the existing scoreboards, pour a concrete extension around Field 3 to tie into the main path to concessions, and under existing bleachers on the 3rd base side of Field 2, and purchase equipment for upgrade or support of current facilities $5,000 to At the Cross Mission to purchase containers for the to-go meals, food, and cleaning supplies $4,000 to Mudpuppy Palace to purchase electronic/technology equipment for Marty’s Makery $2,500 to Rapp Granary-Owen Foundation to replace two (2) of the six (6) HVAC units $3,000 to Zion Nursery Center to purchase 6 new metal cabinets for the storage of educational materials $5,000 to the American Red Cross Southwest Indiana Chapter to support year-round and around-the-clock local home fire and disaster responses in Posey County, Indiana, by providing financial assistance, purchase of smoke alarms, and disaster relief $5,000 to Hope Outdoors Southern Indiana for the purchase of an Action Trackchair STS for the use of individuals with special needs for outdoor experiences $5,000 to Deaconess Hospital Foundation to provide patients who do not have access to transportation with rides to ensure they can consistently get to oncology treatments and appointments $2,000 to Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Inc. to purchase new kitchen equipment for their Emergency Shelter $2,500 to Chemo Buddies to purchase supplies for 63 first-day comfort kit bags and last-day balloons for cancer patients from Posey County $1,500 to St. Wendel Catholic School to provide funding for the Team Building Leadership Course, House Service Challenge Day, supplies for Eagle Etiquette Challenge Day, and supplies for Monthly House Challenge Competitions $910 to Trotter House Posey County to purchase a new laptop for clients to complete life skill courses $2,700 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana to grow recruitment efforts in Posey Count by hosting two community recruitment events and four lunch-and-learn informational events 

The Posey County Council on Aging has been awarded a $65,000 grant from the Posey County Community Foundation’s Capital Improvement Project Grant program. This generous funding will enhance the center for local seniors, ensuring a better quality of life and increased accessibility. The Capital Improvement Project Grant was a targeted funding opportunity for non-profit organizations in the county with existing facilities. The Posey County Advisory Board identified 13 agencies eligible to apply, of which 8 submitted proposals by the deadline. After a thorough review process, five agencies were chosen as finalists. Committee members met with each finalist before presenting their recommendations to the entire Posey County Advisory Board, who then voted and made the final decision. This grant will fund improvements to the Council’s facilities, including upgrades to restrooms, installation of exterior security cameras, and the addition of automatic entrance doors. These enhancements aim to create a more welcoming environment that promotes community engagement and participation, particularly among Posey County’s aging population. “We are incredibly grateful to the Posey County Community Foundation for their support,” said Brooke Cohoon, Executive Director of the Posey County Council on Aging. “This grant will allow us to make vital improvements to our facility that will directly benefit our seniors.” Cohoon stated, “The Council is celebrating its 50 th Anniversary this year, so this was perfect timing for us to complete upgrades to the facility.” The Posey County Council on Aging is committed to addressing the needs of seniors in the community through various programs and services, including nutritional assistance, social activities, and educational workshops. It also provides transportation, Medicare Assistance, and homemaking services. “Investing in our senior community is essential,” said Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, for the Posey County Community Foundation. “We believe this grant will make a significant impact on the quality of life for seniors in Posey County, and we are proud to support such a vital organization.” The Posey County Council on Aging looks forward to beginning the project and invites the community to stay tuned for updates on the progress and impact of these improvements. Learn more about the Posey County Council on Aging and its programs, please visit https://poseycoa.com/ . For more information about the Posey County Community Foundation activities, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/poseycocommfoundation/ or visit www.poseycountycf.org .