Spencer County Community Foundation Awards Community Good Grants Over $220,000
December 19, 2023
The Spencer County Community Foundation recently announced Community Good Grants totaling $220,717.86 to twenty-seven organizations serving Spencer County.
This year’s grant recipients are as follows:
· American Red Cross Southwest Indiana Chapter was awarded $10,000 to support the collection of life-saving blood that will supply medical facilities serving Spencer County residents.
· Association for a Better Rockport was awarded $5,060 to host the 2024 Summer Concert Series and the Solar Eclipse event and for the purchase of supplies for the events.
· Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana was awarded $5,000 to grow the number of youth served in Spencer County by recruiting more mentors and expanding to new site-based locations.
· Boys and Girls Club of Evansville was awarded $9,500 to offer the Triple Play program at Rockport Elementary School.
· Bread of Life Ministry Inc. was awarded $2,100 to cover the cost of freight for donated food and to purchase food items at discounted prices to distribute to low-income families in the Tri-State area.
· Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America was awarded $9,000 to Institute Scoutreach in the South Spencer School Corporation serving kindergarten - 5th grade students.
· Chemo Buddies was awarded $4,528 to provide comfort kits to Spencer County cancer patients.
· Chrisney Baptist Church was awarded $8,000 to provide food for students in need at Chrisney Elementary School every weekend for the school year.
· Christian Resource Center was awarded $10,000 to purchase food for the Food Pantry.
· Crisis Connection, Inc. was awarded $4,430 to provide advocacy support to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Spencer County.
· Dale Presbyterian Church was awarded $9,803.86 to replace two convection ovens used for weekly Community Table meals.
· Epsilon Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa was awarded $2,000 to support the Anabel Wood Plein Air Paint Out event.
· For Evansville was awarded $9,500 to provide a platform that enables agencies to work together towards a comprehensive pathway to success for those navigating crises.
· Friends of Lincoln State Park, Inc. was awarded $7,500 to provide entertainment for those expected to converge in Spencer County for the solar eclipse.
· Heritage Hills PATS was awarded $13,000 to provide a Heritage Hills shirt to each student in grades 7th – 12th to foster a sense of community and belonging.
· Lincoln Hills Development Corporation was awarded $2,500 to provide free health insurance enrollment assistance to prevent coverage loss and increase access to healthcare in Spencer County.
· Luce Elementary School was awarded $6,065 to expand the Farm to School Program by purchasing raised beds, hydroponics, and greenhouse supplies.
· Maria Hill Foundation was awarded $9,805 to build a 20-space, ADA-compliant parking lot at the Mariah Hill Community Building.
· North Spencer Archery Club was awarded $10,187 to purchase additional archery equipment.
· North Spencer County School Corporation was awarded $14,000 to support Spencer County Tobacco Prevention/Cessation Program and VOICE Youth Leadership Team in providing prevention, cessation, and educational activities and programs for youth, adults, organizations, health care providers, and employers within Spencer County.
· Santa’s Elves and Santa Claus Museum was awarded $500 to purchase letters with a Christmas message to be sent in response to children's letters to Santa and letters on which children may write to Santa.
· Spencer County 4-H Association Inc. was awarded $29,500 to install the plumbing and HVAC for the new restroom facility at the 4-H Center.
· Stir-N-Up Hope was awarded $7,000 to purchase two new program horses that support ability-inclusive horsemanship.
· The Way of Rockport Indiana, Inc. was awarded $3,340 to purchase items for The Way Home, such as cleaning and laundry supplies, food, and educational materials for the 12-Step Celebrate Recovery Support Group.
· Town of Grandview was awarded $3,899 to replace flagpoles at the Spencer County Veterans Memorial.
· Town of Richland was awarded $19,500 for a pickleball court that will provide a recreational opportunity to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
· Young Women LEAD was awarded $5,000 to provide a leadership event for area high school girls focused on leadership, education, and personal development.
These grants were made possible by generous donors who created community good or field of interest funds with the Spencer County Community Foundation.
· Cevin and Debra Collins Family Fund
· Cleveland-Cliffs Fund
· Friends of Spencer County Fund
· German American Bancorp Community Fund-Spencer
· Goldman Family 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
· 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 about establishing a fund, please contact Rachael Goldsberry, Regional Director of Development at 812.649.5724 or rgoldsberry@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
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!
Grants totaling $10,000 were awarded to eight organizations serving Spencer County, by the Women’s Fund of Spencer County, held by the Spencer County Community Foundation. Grant Recipients: Holly’s House: $1,500 for the Preventing Violence through Education program Dale Women’s Organization: $800 for back-to-school supplies for Spencer County students in need Memorial Hospital Foundation: $1,500 for the Patient Assistance program for Spencer County women Isaiah 1:17 Project: $1,500 for the Hopes and Dreams for Children in Spencer County program Deaconess Hospital Foundation: $2,200 for the Mobile Mammography Outreach program in Spencer County Boys and Girls Club of Evansville: $1,000 for the SMART Girls program at Rockport Elementary School Mariah Hill Foundation: $500 for baby changing stations at the new community building Lincoln Hills Development Corporation: $1,000 for community outreach and free health insurance enrollment assistance for Spencer County children and families The Women’s Fund of Spencer County committee reviewed grant requests and made recommendations to the Spencer County Community Foundation. The types of charitable activities that were considered through this grant program were arts and culture, community development, education, health, human services, environment, recreation, and youth development projects and programs. This Fund was established in the fall of 2006, dedicated to supporting programs that give opportunities, encouragement, knowledge, and hope to the Spencer County community. “The Women’s Fund of the Spencer County Community Foundation is delighted to offer these grants,” says Joy Zook, chair of the steering committee. “I firmly believe we stayed on target with our mission when selecting these eight local organizations as recipients.” For more information about the Women’s Fund of Spencer County, contact Rachael Goldsberry, Regional Director of Development at rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org, or call 812.649.5724.
The 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Spencer County through the Spencer County Community Foundation. 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, 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.spencercountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding Spencer County’s application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Spencer County and apply for this scholarship by visiting https://www.spencercountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program . Applications must be completed and submitted by August 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m. to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Academic Performance, Activities, 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 $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. Spencer County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 28th year in Spencer County. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to administer the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Spencer County. This scholarship opportunity is truly life-changing for students,” says Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer for the Community Foundation Alliance.
The Spencer County Community Foundation will begin accepting online applications for its Community Good Grants Program on Monday, June 10, 2024. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, July 22, 2024. The Community Good Grants program supports a variety of charitable purposes in Spencer County. The grant encompasses four different request levels: · Level 1: Requests of $500 or less · Level 2: Requests of $501 – $2,500 · Level 3: Requests of $2,501 – $9,999 · Level 4: Requests of $10,000 or more Charitable organizations can view details related to funding requirements and access the grant application via the Foundation’s website at https://www.spencercountycf.org/community-good-grants-program . Funding requests are reviewed by a committee of community leaders under the local advisory board. They review all grant applications, conduct site visits to potential grantees, and deliberate on which organizations best serve the community’s greatest needs. All organizations submitting grant proposals will be notified of the outcome on or before October 31, 2024. For questions, contact Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at 812.649.5724 or ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org or Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer, at 812.429.1191 (ext. 103) or mwaldroup@communityfoundationalliance.org . These grants are made possible by generous donors who established Community Good or unrestricted funds with the Spencer County Community Foundation. For more information about starting a fund, please contact Rachael Goldsberry, Regional Director of Development at 812.649.5724 or rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org.
The Spencer County Community Foundation announces the distribution of community scholarships totaling $77,950. This year, funds established by generous donors provided scholarships to area students. In addition to announcing the recipients, the Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact, Emily Alvey says, “The Spencer County Community Foundation expresses gratitude towards our philanthropic fund founders and donors, whose generosity enables the realization of these scholarship awards. Their commitment to the education of our youth profoundly influences the future of every recipient. Selecting deserving individuals for these scholarships is carried out by a dedicated committee of volunteer leaders. We deeply appreciate their efforts and dedication in this endeavor. The selection process is always challenging due to the exceptional caliber of our Spencer County students.” Scholarship awards were announced as follows. The Brauns Family Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Thomas and Vicki Brauns to benefit graduating seniors of South Spencer High School who have attended at least two years at Luce Elementary School and are pursuing post-secondary education. The recipient of this year’s award in the amount of $1,000 is Max Eble , a senior at South Spencer High School and the son of Jeremy and Jennifer Eble. Following graduation, he plans to attend the University of Evansville to study Actuarial Science. The Community Scholarship Trust of Spencer County Fund is an annual scholarship created by the Community Scholarship Trust of Spencer County and sponsored by the Spencer County 4-H Association to benefit graduating seniors of any Spencer County high school pursuing post-secondary education. The recipient of this year’s award in the amount of $500 is Kyra Campbell , a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Laura Campbell and the late Robert Campbell. Following graduation, she plans to attend Sullivan University to pursue a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. The Dale and Marilyn Hasler Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by family and friends of Dale and Marilyn Hasler to benefit graduating seniors of Heritage Hills High School or Southridge High School pursuing a post-secondary, 4-year degree in engineering. The recipient of this year’s award in the amount of $500 is Esau Valdez , a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the son of Esau and Maria Valdez. Following graduation, he plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana to pursue a degree in Engineering. The Elisa and Brian Peters Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by the Peters Family in memory of Elisa Peters to provide scholarships to Heritage Hills High School seniors. Elisa was a life-long advocate of learning with a passion for the medical sciences. The recipient of this year’s $1,000 award is Nadia Eisenhauer , a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Daniel and Jaima Eisenhauer. Following graduation, she plans to attend the University of Evansville to study Nursing. The Friends of Pioneer Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Pioneer sales representatives in the LPH Territory to support the educational endeavors of high school graduates and graduating seniors who have a parent employed in the agriculture industry. This year’s $2,000 scholarship recipient is Katlyn Betz, a senior at Forest Park High School and the daughter of Nathan and Rachel Betz. Following graduation, she plans to attend Vincennes University to major in Agribusiness and minor in Animal Husbandry. The Gene and Christina Schwindel Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Gene and Christina Schwindel to benefit graduating seniors or graduates of Heritage Hills High School pursuing post-secondary education. This year’s recipient, receiving $4,000 is Taylor Ruxer , a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Clint and Kelly Ruxer. Following graduation, she plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana to study Exercise Science. The Harold and Thelma Hunter Scholarship is an annual scholarship created in memory of Harold Hunter by his wife, Thelma Hunter, and their children to help graduates of Heritage Hills High School pursue advanced education. The recipient of the $500 scholarship is Grace Keller , a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Dixon and Martha Keller. Following graduation, she plans to attend Indiana Tech to pursue a degree in Sports Management. The Mabel Mason Ryan Memorial Scholarship is an annual renewable scholarship created by the estate of Mabel M. Ryan to advance education in nursing and medicine. This year’s $10,000 scholarship recipient is Kiya White , a senior at South Spencer High School and the daughter of Timothy White and Heather White. Following graduation, she plans to study Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology at Hanover College. The Mike Ryan Memorial Scholarship is an annual renewable scholarship created by Mabel M. Ryan in memory of her husband to benefit graduating seniors of any Spencer County high school pursuing post-secondary education. The recipients of this year’s scholarship, each receiving a $10,000 scholarship, are Maxwell Etienne and Shelby Ford . Maxwell is a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the son of Sheryl Etienne and the late Daniel Etienne. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a degree in Film Production at Western Kentucky University. Shelby is a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Gerri Ford and the late Kelly Ford. Following graduation, she plans to study Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy. The Narl and Hazel Conner Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Deann Siegel, Keith Conner, Ron Conner, and Eric Conner as a loving tribute to their father and mother to benefit Heritage Hills High School seniors who plan to enroll as full-time students at an accredited 4-year college or university. This year’s recipients, receiving $1,000 each, are Allie Wetzel and Claire Coleman . Allie is a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Josh and Amber Wetzel. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at Western Kentucky University. Claire is a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Clint and Amy Coleman. Following graduation, she plans to attend Western Kentucky University to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene. The Othmar and Virginia Ringeman Family Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Othmar and Virginia Ringeman to support the post-secondary education of Heritage Hills High School graduates. This year’s recipients, receiving $3,000 each, are Hannah Bolin , Taylor Ruxer , Allie Wetzel , and Samantha Haefling . Hannah is a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Duane and Karen Bolin. Following graduation, she plans to obtain a degree in Social Work at the University of Southern Indiana. Samantha is a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Paul Haefling and Ellen Haefling. Following graduation, she plans to attend Indiana University Southeast to study Business. The Raleigh and Thelma Abshier Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Jeaniece Scheessele to advance education in honor of her parents to benefit graduating seniors of South Spencer High School pursuing post-secondary education. This year’s $750 scholarship recipient is Kailey Gibbs , a senior at South Spencer High School and the daughter of Kenneth and Kimberly Gibbs. Following graduation, she plans to study Brain and Behavior Sciences at Purdue University. The Randall L. Haaff Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Randall L. Haaff to help graduating seniors pursue advanced education at the University of Southern Indiana. This year’s recipients, receiving $600 each are Esau Valdez and Hailey Brown . Hailey is a senior at South Spencer High School and the daughter of Brandon Brown and Lindsay Brown. Following graduation, she plans to further her education at the University of Southern Indiana. The Rockport American Legion Baseball Team Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by the Rockport American Legion Baseball Team in memory of Bobby “Coach” Snyder to help graduating seniors pursue post-secondary education at an accredited institution. This year’s recipients, receiving $5,000 each, are Boston Schulte , Brailee Head , and Cyrilla Sommer . Boston is a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the son of Karen Schulte. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science at Kansas State University. Brailee is a senior at South Spencer High School and the daughter of Brandi Erwin. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at the University of Southern Indiana. Cyrilla Sommer is a senior at Tell City High School and the daughter of Andy and Sara Sommer. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in Finance at Indiana University. The Spencer County Farm Bureau, Inc. Educational Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by the Spencer County Farm Bureau to assist students pursuing post-high school educational programs. The recipient of this year’s award in the amount of $1,500 is Sarah Day . Sarah is a 2023 graduate of Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Eric and Lisa Day. She is currently a student at Indiana University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience. The Spencer Industries Incorporated Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Spencer Industries Incorporated employees to further the education of natural, adopted, or step-children of employees, recognize the academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential. This year’s recipients, receiving $2,000 each, are Claire Coleman , Liz Gehlhausen , and Brittney Wahl . Liz is a 2022 graduate of Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Tina and Brian Gehlhausen. She is currently a student at Purdue University pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Brittney is a 2023 graduate of Tecumseh High School and the daughter of Timothy and Rita Wahl. She is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing at the University of Southern Indiana. The Community Foundation Advisory Board would like to thank the parents, family members, teachers, school administrators, coaches, mentors, and everyone who has inspired these students to be the best they can be. Congratulations to these outstanding students and their families. We wish you the best as you pursue your college degrees and future opportunities.
