Over $197,000 Awarded to 26 Local Organizations Serving Spencer County
Eve Baughman • November 21, 2025
The Spencer County Community Foundation announced that more than $197,000 has been awarded to 26 local nonprofits through its Community Good Grants Program. These grants support projects that strengthen the Spencer 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 Spencer County,” said Emily Alvey, 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
- $1,860 to Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Inc. for a one-year subscription to Bloomerang Volunteer Management System
- $9,250 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana to grow and support the number of youth served in Spencer County by recruiting more Bigs to be paired with Littles in the community
- $10,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Evansville to support staffing and supplies essential to delivering year-round club programming for students in Rockport, Indiana
- $2,100 to Bread of Life Ministry Inc. to cover the cost of freight for donated food and purchase food items for low-income families
- $8,300 to Chrisney Baptist Church to provide weekend backpacks of food to students who qualify for free or reduced lunches at Chrisney Elementary School
- $5,500 to Deaconess Foundation to provide mammograms and necessary follow-up care to uninsured or underinsured Spencer County women
- $150 to Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra for 3rd–5th grade Spencer County students to attend the Orchestra’s Helen M. McKinney Young People’s Concerts in March 2026
- $6,270 to Heritage Hills PATS to provide a safe, supervised space and sporting equipment for all students to participate in various team sports one night a week
- $3,500 to Holly’s House, Inc. for child abuse prevention programming to Spencer County elementary students
- $4,375 to Honor Flight of Southern Indiana to honor America’s senior veterans by providing them with an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
- $13,275 to Isaiah 117 House Spencer/ Perry for the purchase of a mower, trimmer, and blower for yard upkeep at the House in Chrisney, Indiana, and a yard barn to store the equipment
- $7,000 to Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana to serve Spencer County students through hands-on, volunteer-led classroom programs and real-world learning experiences
- $4,938 to Luce Elementary School to install a rock climbing/traversing wall at Luce Elementary School to promote physical fitness, social development, and student engagement
- $4,000 to Luce Elementary School for the continuation of Family Shopping Night for families served through the South Spencer Schools Food Pantry
- $8,000 to North Spencer Community Action Center, Inc. for the purchase of food for the food pantry
- $2,834 to North Spencer County School Corporation for monthly sets of take-home art supplies for low-income students
- $10,000 to Operation Parent to provide Spencer County youth parents with a Parent Handbook that addresses relevant topics
- $8,500 to Saint Meinrad Volunteer Fire Dept. for the purchase of a headset system to communicate on scenes in noisy situations
- $9,000 to Santa Claus Volunteer Fire Department INC. to purchase battery-powered rescue equipment
- $1,850 to SAWs (Servants At Work Inc) to support the construction of at least one ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp for low-income Spencer County residents with a disability
- $15,000 to SonShine Early Learning Ministry to expand tuition assistance and improve facilities for young children
- $2,500 to Spencer County CASA for volunteer recruitment
- $5,000 to Spencer County Council on Aging for the purchase of equipment to safely secure O2 tanks while in transport with Spencer County residents
- $5,000 to Spencer County Emergency Management Agency to purchase the equipment and supplies needed for Project Lifesaver
- $20,000 to Spencer County Historical Society for the digitization of Spencer County Newspapers into a searchable “Optical Character Recognition” database for public use
- $20,000 to St. Meinrad Chamber of Commerce for the electrical infrastructure project at the St. Meinrad Park
- $8,925 to Stir-N-Up Hope Inc. for the completion of the exterior insulation
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 Spencer County.
Why This Matters
The Spencer 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 Rachael Goldsberry at rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org or 812.649.5724.
The Women’s Fund of Spencer County, held and administered by the Spencer County Community Foundation, recently awarded more than $6,900 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations serving Spencer County. Grants were announced at a small reception celebrating local organizations working to improve the lives of residents. Since its founding in 2006, the Women’s Fund has been a permanent resource dedicated to strengthening Spencer County through collective giving. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Spencer County by supporting programs that provide opportunities, encouragement, knowledge, and hope. This year’s grants support a wide range of programs—from equine-assisted learning and prevention education to mentoring, financial literacy, music, and more: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Indiana for the High School Bigs Sustainability project Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry for food and kitchen supplies for the House in Chrisney, Indiana Lincoln Hills Development Corporation to provide health insurance navigation services in Spencer County through the Covering Kids & Families program and expand outreach Holly’s House, Inc. for prevention programming for Spencer County students in Kindergarten–6th grade Stir-N-Up Hope Inc. for instructor certifications and continuing education in Equine-Assisted Learning Dale Women’s Organization for school supplies and Christmas gifts for Spencer County students in need Junior Achievement of Southwest Indiana to equip students with essential skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra to add a music component to the Learn with Lincoln program for 4th grade Spencer County students Boys and Girls Club of Evansville for the SMART Girls program at Rockport Elementary “The Women’s Fund was established in 2006 and gave out the first grants in 2009. It has been a collaboration of a lot of women putting their thoughts, money, talents, and treasures into a Fund that they thought would pay off someday. Today demonstrates that pay off,” said Marlene Parsley, President of the Women’s Fund of Spencer County. Parsley noted that the Fund’s work continues to grow thanks to the generosity of community members. “We typically have a Mother’s Day mailing, and that is our one single fundraiser each year, but we take donations year-round. The leadership group, which is ten women, got together and reviewed all the grant applications, which were all really good requests, and we were able to grant to nine different organizations. We’re grateful for that and hope to grow grantmaking down the road.” The impact of these grants demonstrates how local giving can create lasting change. To learn more about the Women’s Fund or how to create a legacy of giving in Spencer County, contact Rachael Goldsberry at rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org
The Spencer County Community Foundation awarded a $50,000 Impact Grant to the Christian Resource Center in support of its Hope for Tomorrow program, a transformational initiative designed to break the cycle of poverty and expand economic opportunity in Spencer County. Funded through the generosity of donors to the Foundation, the Impact Grant Program was designed to provide major support for local projects that address the county’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, mental health, substance use, and economic development.
The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Spencer County through the Spencer 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 Spencer 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 Spencer County through the Spencer 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 Spencer County Community Foundation. Visit spencercountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Spencer County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Spencer County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Spencer 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, activities and leadership roles, family and personal statement, essays, and interview. Three finalists will be nominated by the Spencer 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. Spencer County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Spencer County. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to administer the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program in Spencer County. This opportunity is truly life-changing for students,” said Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact.
The Women’s Fund of Spencer County, held by the Spencer County Community Foundation, is now accepting applications for its 2025 Grants Program. Nonprofit organizations serving Spencer County are invited to apply now through Monday, July 14, 2025. The Women's Fund of Spencer County holds an annual grant cycle to award funding to charitable partners addressing a wide range of local needs. Funding is available to support programs and projects that make a meaningful impact in Spencer County communities. Organizations can find detailed grant guidelines and submit their application online at spencercountycf.org/womens-fund-grants-program . For questions or assistance, please contact Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.649.5724 or ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org.
The Spencer County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Community Good Grants Program. Nonprofit organizations serving Spencer County are invited to apply now through Monday, July 28, 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 Spencer County communities. Organizations can find detailed grant guidelines and submit their application online at spencercountycf.org/community-good-grants-program . For questions or assistance, please contact Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.649.5724 or ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org.
The Spencer County Community Foundation distributed more than $78,000 to 21 local Spencer County students from its Community Scholarship Program. These scholarships are funded by generous donors who have established a scholarship fund with the Spencer County Community Foundation. This year’s recipients were celebrated and recognized at the Rise & Shine Scholars event with fund founders, recipients, and parents. Congratulations to the Community Scholarship Program recipients! Alieene Vance Memorial Scholarship - Alaina Rust, Heritage Hills High School Mike Ryan Memorial Scholarship - Alexis Paulin, Heritage Hills High School Randall L. Haaff Scholarship - Anna Begle, Heritage Hills High School Narl and Hazel Conner Scholarship – Bronson Pund, Heritage Hills High School Rockport American Legion Baseball Team Scholarship - Bronson Pund, Heritage Hills High School Cornelius R. Collignon Family Scholarship - Lucas Krzykowski, Heritage Hills High School Brauns Family Scholarship - Gabrielle Small, South Spencer High School Elisa and Brian Peters Memorial Scholarship - Grace Hopper, Heritage Hills High School Randall L. Haaff Scholarship - Jackson Carpenter, South Spencer High School Dale and Marilyn Hasler Memorial Scholarship - Kaden Frakes, Heritage Hills High School Narl and Hazel Conner Scholarship - Kaden Frakes, Heritage Hills High School Rockport American Legion Baseball Team Scholarship - Kaylee Schmitt, South Spencer High School Spencer County Farm Bureau, Inc. Educational Scholarship - Kendall Raaf, South Spencer High School Raleigh and Thelma Abshier Scholarship - Kendalyn Shourds, South Spencer High School Spencer Industries Incorporated Scholarship - Kylie Anastasiades, Cannelton High School Spencer Industries Incorporated Scholarship - Liz Gehlhausen, Purdue University Rockport American Legion Baseball Team Scholarship - Makayla Hulse, Cannelton High School Friends of IU Scholarship - Mayci Litherland, Heritage Hills High School Friends of Pioneer Scholarship - Molly Scherzer, Heritage Hills High School Harold and Thelma Hunter Scholarship - Paige Hart, Heritage Hills High School Othmar and Virginia Ringeman Family Scholarship - Samantha Alice Dilger, Heritage Hills High School Gene and Christina Schwindel Scholarship for Heritage Hills High School - Sawyer Wahl, Heritage Hills High School Mabel Mason Ryan Memorial Scholarship - Seth Beckort, South Spencer High School
The Spencer County Community Foundation is now accepting funding requests for its 2025 Impact Grant cycle. The Foundation seeks innovative projects or programs that address Spencer County’s most pressing challenges: breaking the cycle of poverty, improving mental health and addressing substance use, and increasing economic opportunities. Eligible projects should aim to tackle the root causes of these issues and offer transformational solutions that create lasting, positive change in the community. The 2025 Impact Grant Letter of Inquiry form will be open from March 14, 2025, to April 14, 2025. The Spencer County Community Foundation will award one $50,000 Impact Grant to support a project or program with a minimum total cost of $50,000. Eligible organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry through our online form by April 14, 2025. The Letter of Inquiry form is a preliminary step to assess whether the proposed project aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities before moving forward with a formal grant application. The Foundation uses a two-step application process to review Impact Grant requests: Letter of Inquiry Form: The deadline for submitting the Letter of Inquiry form is April 14, 2025. After review by the Foundation’s grants committee, all applicants will be notified of their status by May 15, 2025. Formal Application: Successful applicants will be invited to submit a formal grant application by June 12, 2025. Charitable organizations can view detailed funding requirements and fill out the Letter of Inquiry form online at www.spencercountycf.org/impact-grant-program . For questions, contact Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at 812.649.5724 or ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org. These grants are made possible by generous donors who established unrestricted funds with the Spencer County Community Foundation. For more information about creating a fund, please contact Rachael Goldsberry, Regional Director of Development at 812.649.5724 or rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org.
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 Spencer County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Spencer County – Hadley Leibering, Heritage Hills 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, Sawyer Wahl, Heritage Hills High School will receive a $2,500 scholarship renewable for up to four years totaling $10,000. Sean Windell, Heritage Hills High School was named the second alternate. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students,” said Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “The Community Foundation was thoroughly pleased with the quality of the applications submitted and the involvement of the applicants. Spencer County is fortunate to be the home of many talented youth.” 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 honored and grateful to be the 2025 recipient of the Spencer County Community Foundation Lilly (Endowment Community) Scholarship,” said Hadley Leibering, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “Thanks to God for the many opportunities I have had to learn and grow with the support of family and friends. I look forward to giving back to my community who has been so gracious and loving to me.”
The Spencer County Community Foundation awarded more than $229,000 in grants to 26 nonprofits through its 2024 Community Good Grants program. These nonprofits are committed to supporting the needs of Spencer County. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients! $9,500 to Saint Meinrad Volunteer Fire Department to update gear for compliance $8,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana to support youth in Spencer County by recruiting more mentors (Bigs) $5,000 to Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America to cover program expenses like the registration fee for the Scoutreach program $700 to North Spencer County School Corporation to create a space for students with sensory and/or mental health needs $8,300 to Chrisney Baptist Church to supply weekend food backpacks to Chrisney Elementary students who qualify for free or reduced lunches $3,500 to Holly’s House to support prevention programming for 175 elementary students in Spencer County $6,112.81 to Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry to purchase materials for installing a privacy fence at the Isaiah 117 House in Chrisney, Indiana $12,990.87 to Stir-N-Up Hope Inc to repair the arena roof and insulate the west wall of the arena $7,500 to Heritage Hills PATS to provide monthly treats to all students to promote a sense of belonging $2,121.09 to Spencer County Sheriff’s Office to offer a personal protection course to Spencer County residents $13,000 to North Spencer Community Action Center, Inc to repair the roof of the building in Dale, Indiana $7,000 to North Spencer County School Corporation to support Spencer County Tobacco Prevention/Cessation Program and VOICE Youth Leadership Team $8,000 to North Spencer County School Corporation to cover the cost of RIASEC clubs in all four elementary schools for student exploration $9,500 to the Town of Grandview for the purchase of new overhead doors at the Grandview Fire Department building $16,950 to Rockport Elementary School to install a STEM Lab in partnership with Purdue Extension and STEM Ed Works $10,000 to the Town of Dale toward the installation of family and ADA restrooms at the Park $3,000 to Chemo Buddies to provide comfort kits to Spencer County cancer patients $6,675 to Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana to serve approximately 1,200 Spencer County students through in-classroom and/or virtual experiences $2,100 to Bread of Life Ministry Inc to cover the cost of freight for donated food and purchase food items for low-income families $7,266.46 to Santa Claus Police Department to update the department’s body camera system $10,000 to Santa’s Elves and Santa Claus Museum to construct a post-frame building to answer children’s letters to Santa and preserve community history $1,000 to North Spencer County School Corporation to support creativity and skill development in elementary students through printmaking supplies $15,000 to the American Red Cross Southwest Indiana Chapter to support the collection of life-saving blood for medical facilities serving Spencer County residents $1,500 to Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Inc to cover travel costs for the survivor car $3,000 to The Isaiah 1:17 Project to support and encourage Spencer County fostering families $51,450 to Spencer County 4-H Association Inc to install air conditioning in the Vendor City Building for youth activities during the spring and summer months 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 Spencer County. Cevin and Debra Collins Family Fund Cleveland-Cliffs Fund Friends of Spencer County Fund German American Bancorp Community Fund-Spencer Goldman Family Fund Hoosier Hills Credit Union Better for Our Communities Endowment Fund – Spencer John D and Marilyn Schilling Fund John Paul and Mary Catherine Luecke Fund Kathleen Mary (Kathy) Kohm Memorial Fund Leibering Family Fund Mark and Susan Waterman Community Fund Mike and Mabel Mason Ryan Unrestricted Fund Mulzer Family Fund Ralph & Helen Kennedy Community Good Fund Randall L Haaff Unrestricted Fund for the Benefit of Spencer County Ruby L Winkler Family Fund TCB Bank/ Fifth Third Bank Spencer County Fund Thermwood Fund Todd and Angie Ruxer Family Fund Trustee Community Fund For more information, please contact Rachael Goldsberry, Regional Director of Development at 812.649.5724 or rgoldsberry@communityfoundationallianceorg
