The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Gibson County through the Gibson 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 Gibson 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 Gibson County through the Gibson 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 Gibson County Community Foundation. Visit gibsoncountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Gibson County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Gibson County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Gibson 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, school activities and work experience, community service, volunteer activities, personal statement/unusual circumstances, impromptu essay, and interview. Three finalists will be nominated by the Gibson 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. Gibson County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Gibson County. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a remarkable opportunity for high school seniors in Gibson 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.

Gibson County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Community Good Grants Program. Nonprofit organizations serving Gibson County are encouraged to apply by Monday, August 4, 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 Gibson County communities. Organizations can find detailed grant guidelines and submit their application online . For questions or assistance, please contact Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.386.8082 or asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org.