Author: Betsy Trotzke

Deadline to apply: August 18, 2026

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and two scholarships in Monroe 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 Monroe County through CFBMC, is open to all Indiana residents who:

• graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2027 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027;
• 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 www.cfbmc.org for complete information regarding Monroe County’s application criteria.

Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Monroe County and apply for this scholarship by visiting https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/lilly-scholarship/. Monroe County applications must be completed and submitted by Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to be considered.

Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: leadership skills, civic potential through community service, exemplary school citizenship, and outstanding academic performance. Two finalists will be nominated by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, 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.

CFBMC is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 30th year in Monroe County. “For 30 years, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship has opened doors for students,” said Tina Peterson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County. “We are grateful to Lilly Endowment and Independent Colleges of Indiana for their continued investment in young people who are learning, leading, and preparing to build their futures.”

“We hope many of these scholars will see the Indiana Uplands as a place to begin their careers, post-graduation, contributing to the communities that helped shape them,” added Peterson. “We encourage families, educators, and community members to help ensure eligible students know about this opportunity and apply before the August 18 deadline.”

Eligibility Requirements for Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships:

• Applicant must be a legal resident of Monroe County, Indiana.
• Applicant must be currently attending or have attended an accredited Monroe County high school and/or the Indiana Academy (in Delaware County) for a minimum of three consecutive years (including senior year) and graduate by June of 2027. Eligible schools include The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Bloomington Graduation School, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Covenant Christian School, Edgewood High School, Harmony School, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Seven Oaks Classical School.
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or above (on a weighted four-point scale) through the end of their junior year and plan to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an Indiana college or university beginning in the Fall of 2027.
• Applicants must be available to participate in an interview with the selection committee on the evening of October 26 or 27 if selected as a finalist for the scholarship.

Evaluation Process for Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships:

There is no rigid model for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. A student who demonstrates notable abilities, leadership skills, civic potential through community service, exemplary school citizenship, and outstanding academic performance will be considered for this scholarship opportunity.

Applications are blindly reviewed and independently scored by members of a Lilly Scholarship committee at each Monroe County high school to identify semifinalists. Each school’s senior class size determines the number of semifinalists identified.

In September, students selected as semifinalists in Monroe County will be invited to answer additional application questions and provide reference recommendations from teachers or others. Applications for the finalist round will be due by September 24, 2026. The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee then evaluates the semifinalist applications. This committee, comprised of community members and a former Monroe County Lilly Scholar, blindly reviews and scores applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. In October, each finalist will be interviewed, and their interview scores will be combined with scores from the written application. In nominating recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, consideration is given to academic performance and activities, community engagement and civic service, student employment, and leadership potential.

The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship nominees, are then submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County prior to the formal announcement in December.

For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program or other scholarships administered by CFBMC, visit https://www.cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/ or contact Marcus Whited, Program Director, at 812-333-9016 or marcus@cfbmc.org.

About the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County connects donors and resources to catalyze solutions that strengthen Monroe County through grantmaking, leadership, and strategic partnerships to drive both immediate and long-term impact. Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted $52 million to more than 600 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $59 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources to address our community’s most pressing challenges and seize its most compelling opportunities.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 28 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,400 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5.3 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

Three funding tiers will help organizations address immediate needs, advance strategic initiatives, and pursue transformative investments.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) is launching a multi-tiered grant funding initiative to support the growth, resilience, and long-term vitality of Monroe County. Through these multi-tiered investments, CFBMC seeks to position our community to advance efforts that support meaningful progress toward enhancing quality of life, attracting and retaining younger adults and families, increasing livability, and advancing community priorities in Monroe County.

“By offering a tiered approach, this initiative is structured to balance immediate community needs with longer-term opportunities for transformational change,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “We are continually inspired by the organizations that create meaningful impact in Monroe County. Through this new effort, CFBMC seeks to strengthen and expand the capacity of local organizations while investing in bold, transformational solutions that will shape the future of our community.”

Funding will be available to a range of eligible organizations, including nonprofit organizations, schools, post-secondary institutions, local governmental entities, and religious organizations. In select cases, mission-aligned for-profit entities may also be considered if they can effectively address a charitable community need.

Tier 1: Rapid Response Grants for Capacity and Organizational Sustainability

Rapid Response Grants for Capacity and Organizational Sustainability are intended to help organizations quickly strengthen operations, improve sustainability, and respond to increased demand or growth opportunities. The goal of this competitive funding tier is to prioritize responsiveness and flexibility—to help organizations build capacity, improve sustainability, and enhance the services they provide to our community.

Examples of potential grant uses include technology upgrades, equipment or vehicle purchases, facility improvements, staffing support, and other operational investments. Up to $500,000 in funding is available for this tier, with individual grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000. Grant applications for this tier will be reviewed in two rounds: the first-round deadline is July 10, and the second-round deadline is August 10. Organizations will be notified of award decisions in early August for the first round and early September for the second round.

Rapid Response Capacity and Organizational Sustainability Grant guidelines and application instructions are available online at https://cfbmc.org/grant-guidelines-tier-1-rapid-response-grants-for-capacity-organizational-sustainability/.

Tier 2: Strategic Impact Grants

Tier 2 will launch this fall to support larger grant requests in amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Strategic Impact Grants are expected to be more comprehensive in their design and implementation, with longer performance periods to deliver upon programmatic priorities.  

These grants are intended to support strategic, outcome-driven initiatives positioned for sustained community impact. Priority will be given to innovative projects, transformative solutions to critical community issues, and cross-organizational and/or cross-sector collaborations to increase impact and effectiveness. Up to $750,000 in funding is available for this tier. Since the intent of the first two grant tiers does not overlap, applicants can apply for funding in either or both tiers.

For specific questions about eligibility and application procedures for Tiers 1 and 2, please email info@cfbmc.org.

Tier 3: Transformative Community Investment Grants

Tier 3 grants will support bold, catalytic, and collaborative projects through grants of up to $500,000 each. Transformative Community Investment Grants are positioned to support high-impact opportunities such as housing, workforce development, economic mobility, talent attraction and retention, community health, entrepreneurship, innovation, or other efforts that strengthen community competitiveness.

Approximately $2 million in funding will be available in this tier. In late 2026, CFBMC will work closely with a small number of organizations to develop concept papers. Organizations with the most promising concepts will then be invited to develop full implementation proposals.

About Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County:

The Community Foundation connects donors and resources to catalyze solutions that strengthen Monroe County through grantmaking, leadership, and strategic partnerships to drive both immediate and long-term impact. Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted $52 million to more than 600 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $59 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources to address our community’s most pressing challenges and seize its most compelling opportunities.

The Community Foundation is deeply honored to be entrusted as the home of the Isabella Hutchison Memorial Scholarship Fund, a permanent endowment established through a planned gift bequest. The endowment, funded by an estate gift of more than $350,000 from Isabella Hutchison, will provide college scholarships to students from the Bloomington High School South Orchestra. The endowment honors Isabella’s love of music and her belief in the power of the arts while providing post-secondary educational opportunities for aspiring students.

“We are honored to play a role in carrying forth Isabella’s legacy through this endowment,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “The Isabella Hutchison Memorial Scholarship Fund will serve as a fitting tribute to her legacy—celebrating her passion for equipping young people to fully develop their talents and capabilities.”

Born on June 11, 1933, in Bloomington, Indiana, to Walter B. and Marion S. (Beveridge) Hutchison, Isabella Hutchison led a life characterized by pioneering spirit, athletic achievement, and dedicated leadership. From her earliest days as the first woman to receive a Girl’s Athletic Association scholarship at Bloomington High School, she forged a path that would uplift women’s athletics and shape opportunities for generations to come.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Recreation in 1959 and a Master’s in Health and Safety in 1963 from Indiana University, Isabella demonstrated both athletic prowess and academic rigor. Her talents spanned basketball, field hockey, softball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton — excelling as both a team All-Star and a champion individual athlete.

In 1965, she carried that passion and ambition to the University of Miami, where she laid the foundation for what would become a thriving women’s athletics department. Beginning by establishing intramural sports for women, she elevated the university to the national stage—launching full recruiting programs and securing scholarships under the emerging Title IX. Her leadership earned her the role of Director of Women’s Athletics by 1977, and she was later honored with induction into the University of Miami Hall of Fame.

Returning to Bloomington, she served as the Associate Athletic Director for Women’s Sports at Indiana University until her retirement in 2000. Under her leadership, IU’s women’s teams in tennis, golf, track & field, cross country, and softball all rose to national prominence — earning top-20 rankings and cultivating All-American and All-Conference athletes.

Isabella passed away on September 21, 2024 — capping a life defined by leadership, generosity, and an enduring commitment to equity in sports. While her career focused on athletics, she leaves behind a legacy gift to the Community Foundation that will forever honor her other passions – music, the arts, and her love for her high school.

The application period for the inaugural Isabella Hutchison Memorial Scholarship will open in spring 2027.

—

For more information on planned giving to the Community Foundation, please contact Meagan Niese, Development Director, at meaganniese@cfbmc.org or (812) 333-9016.

About the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County

The Community Foundation connects donors and resources to catalyze solutions that strengthen Monroe County through grantmaking, leadership, and strategic partnerships to drive both immediate and long-term impact. Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted $52 million to more than 600 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $59 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources to address our community’s most pressing challenges and seize its most compelling opportunities.

We’re excited to share an update on Monroe County’s 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships.

After Erica Urheim chose to pursue other scholarships and post-secondary education opportunities, the Community Foundation was pleased to award a 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to Edgewood High School senior Isabella Carson.

“I am beyond grateful for this experience, and would like to say thank you to everyone who made this scholarship possible for me,” said Carson. “I appreciate my friends, family, and the good people at the Community Foundation for all of your support and love. Again, I am very thankful for this amazing opportunity.”

Isabella plans to attend the University of Evansville this fall.

Monroe County’s other 2026 Lilly Scholarship recipient, Helee Patel, also a senior at Edgewood, plans to attend Indiana University.

Congratulations to Erica, Isabella, and Helee! We’re proud to support all three of these outstanding students as they take their next steps and look forward to the impact they will make in their communities and beyond.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Monroe County: Helee Patel of Edgewood High School and Erica Urheim of Bloomington High School North. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

“Helee and Erica are shining examples of the motivated, talented, and community-minded young leaders emerging from Monroe County and the Indiana Uplands region,” said Tina Peterson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County. “Their academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to service reflect the very best of our community. We are proud to welcome them to the Lilly Endowment Community Scholars network and look forward to seeing the impact they will make as they pursue their college educations.”

Members of Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship evaluation committee noted that both students distinguished themselves through their leadership, civic engagement, and character during a highly competitive selection process.

“Helee and Erica stood out not only for their academic excellence, but for the way they lead with empathy, curiosity, and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” said Matt Hawkins, member of the Community Foundation’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship evaluation committee. “Both students are already making meaningful contributions to our community, and they reflect the values of service, leadership, and character that this scholarship is designed to recognize.”

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).

Helee Patel is a senior at Edgewood High School. Her parents are Kalpesh Patel and Dharmistha Patel.

At Edgewood, Helee is the Key Club International president, founder of Global Minds, Student Council historian, and an officer of the German Club. Helee’s other school activities have included Academic Bowl, Environmental Club, Leadership Academy, Varsity Soccer, and Unified Track. Outside of school, Helee has been actively involved with Pantry 279, Monroe County Youth Council, Letters for Rose, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She’s also gained valuable, diverse work-based learning experiences as a math tutor, cashier, language translator, early childhood educator, real estate associate, property manager, and Nextech Catapult intern.

Two years ago, Helees’s interest in global community needs, cultures, and perspectives led her to co-found Global Minds. Through this organization, Helee and high school students developed a curriculum to educate second-grade students about diverse cultures and viewpoints, broadening their understanding of cultures from around the globe. Students have tasted new foods, learned traditional dances, and explored cultural traditions from around the world.

The idea for Global Minds came after a service trip to a low-income neighborhood in St. Louis. “This experience shined light on the gap we have with unequal access to education,” said Patel. “My own past as an immigrant exposed me to a variety of worldviews, but many other children lack the same foundation.” Patel added, “Global Minds grew into a rope that connected everyone, regardless of their differences, as it expanded everyone’s awareness of our increasingly diverse world.”

“I am deeply honored to be a Lily Scholar and am very grateful to the Community Foundation for this opportunity,” said Helee Patel, Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “I wouldn’t have been able to be where I’m standing today without the support from my family, teachers, and friends. I aim to carry this pride in my future career in business and law.” 

Erica Urheim is a Bloomington High School North senior. Erica is the daughter of Sima Setayeshgar.

At Bloomington North, Erica is the captain of the soccer team, the concertmaster/lead violinist with the Hoosier Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of the Spanish Honors Society, and a Peer Tutoring Program tutor. Outside of school, Erica has been actively involved in volunteering with Stone Belt and Community Kitchen and participated in competitive rock climbing and Cutters Soccer Club. She’s also gained valuable work-based learning experiences at Hoosier Heights and as a research assistant with the IU Maurer School of Law.

In the 10^th grade, Erica lobbied her counselor to enroll in the Peer Tutoring Program, a course typically open to juniors and seniors. Through the program, she tutored students with learning and developmental disabilities in math and science. Erica said this experience not only inspired her to volunteer at Stone Belt but also enabled her to form new friendships, getting to know her peers as creative, funny, smart, and caring friends.

“Redefining the words’ friend’ and ‘advocate’ within the context of civil and disability rights is a goal I hold in the highest regard as I consider a career in law,” said Erica.

“I am deeply honored to be named as a 2025 Lily Scholar,” said Erica Urheim, Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “The core values of the Lily Endowment and the Community Foundation embody so much of who I strive to be. Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity, and to everyone who has supported me.”

In nominating Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, the committee considers leadership skills, civic potential through community service, exemplary school citizenship, and outstanding academic performance.

After narrowing the field of 95 applicants, 20 semifinalists, and 10 finalists, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.

“Monroe County continues to be home to an extraordinary group of young leaders,” Peterson added. “With 95 applicants this year, the selection process was highly competitive and thoughtful at every stage. Our scholarship committees devoted significant time to reviewing each application, and we are proud to put forward scholars who represent our schools and our community exceedingly well.”

Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program’s primary purposes are:

• To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.
• To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.
• To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.

For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program or other scholarships administered by CFBMC, visit https://www.cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/ or contact Marcus Whited, Program Director, at 812-333-9016 or marcus@cfbmc.org.

About the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County

Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted $52 million to more than 600 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $55 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.:

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI):

Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30% of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.

Congrats to Monroe County’s 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients: Helee Patel and Erica Urheim!

We made surprise visits today to their schools to share the big news. Helee and Erica will each receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private college or university. 

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program is administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County.
For more information on our scholarships, visit https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/

During this holiday season of festive lights and the shimmer of joy, we are reminded of those who illuminate our paths toward a stronger, thriving, and more connected community.

Your generosity and commitment make our community shine brightly throughout the year.

From all of us at the Community Foundation, we hope your holidays be filled with the same warmth and brightness you’ve shared. Here’s to a season of joy, gratitude, and the promise of an even brighter future together.canb

Our offices will be closed from December 22 to 26. We will be open again December 29-31, and then closed again January 1-2. If you need to reach out to us, drop us a line at info@cfbmc.org, or leave us a message at (812) 333-9016.

Small conversations shape big futures!

On Nov. 18, Monroe County nonprofits with designated Foundation endowment funds joined us to connect, share stories, and receive their annual agency fund distributions.

We’re grateful for the passion and commitment each organization brings to Monroe County, and we’re proud to support them through endowments that provide reliable, growing resources—fueling their missions today and strengthening their impact for generations to come.

On Nov 17, we celebrated ten outstanding high school seniors named as Monroe County’s finalists for the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Each student was honored for exceptional achievement, leadership, and service—both in the classroom and across our community. A heartfelt thank-you to the parents, families, school administrators, and Monroe County’s 2025 Lilly Scholars for joining us in recognizing these remarkable young leaders.

Monroe County’s 2026 Lilly Scholarship Finalists (pictured left to right):

• Marcella Miles (Bloomington High School South)
• Alice Racek (Bloomington High School South)
• Lucinda Miksza (Bloomington High School South)
• Hazel Hammerstein (Bloomington High School South)
• Rebekah Arnold (Bloomington High School South)
• Ashton Crosley (Bloomington High School South)
• Elliana Vagedes (Edgewood High School)
• Erica Urheim (Bloomington High School North)
• Isabella Carson (Edgewood High School)
• Helee Patel (Edgewood High School)

Stay tuned: Monroe County’s two scholarship recipients will be announced in December.

Learn more about Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.