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The Community Foundation Alliance would like to congratulate staff member, Emily Alvey, on her recent employment anniversary. Alvey recently celebrated her fifth work anniversary as the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for Perry and Spencer counties, part of the nine-county regional footprint of the Alliance. In her role, Alvey identifies and helps address the needs of the community by working with community leaders and with grants and scholarships committees. Alvey also serves on various nonprofit boards to further her passion for helping her community. The recently introduced Generosity at Work Grant Program enables Alliance staff members to contribute to the communities they serve by recommending a $500 grant to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their preference through the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund on their work anniversary. Alvey selected Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry to receive a $500 general support grant through the Generosity at Work Grant Program. “I am passionate about the work of this organization,” explains Alvey. “I've been fortunate to observe the emergence of this organization within our community—starting with raising community awareness, progressing to breaking ground, and now gearing up to open its doors.” The Isaiah 117 House for Spencer and Perry counties is currently under construction in Chrisney, Indiana. The purpose of Isaiah 117 is to provide a space that allows children who have been removed from their homes to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff do the necessary work to identify a safe placement for the child. Learn more at https://isaiah117house.com/ . “This holds significant meaning for our community. Every child deserves a secure space with kind and caring people, fresh clothes, smiles, toys, and comforting blankets. It brings me joy to know that this will occur right within our community!” The Generosity At Work Program grants are made possible by the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund, a Community Good fund established through a charitable remainder trust to benefit the Community Foundation Alliance’s regional grantmaking.

The Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund, held by the Spencer County Community Foundation, recently awarded a $700 grant to Nancy Hanks Elementary School to update literature and posters in the school building to reflect student diversity. The fund was established in memory of Susan Grundhoefer by husband, Bernie Grundhoefer, and children: Amber Wetzel, Tara Thacker, Denise Scott, and Seth Grundhoefer. “We are extremely grateful for the Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund. This year, this memorial will be helping Nancy Hanks create a more inclusive environment for all students. Our goal is to add more visuals and reading materials that represent students with different races, ethnicities, and disabilities. We believe that creating an environment for all students to feel welcome and included is important. We look forward to growing in this area for our students and community.” said Mrs. Jody Schmitt, Nancy Hanks Elementary Principal.  Since 2015, the Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund has granted over $18,000 to organizations serving Spencer County.

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 7 th – 12 th 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.

This year, donors to the Spencer County Community Foundation are again making scholarship awards available through the Foundation’s Community Scholarship Program. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024. “Donors have honored their loved ones, high schools, or professions by establishing scholarship funds through the Community Foundation,” says Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “We administer the scholarship funds established by individuals, families, and organizations to assist local students in pursuit of advanced education. Together, these scholarships make up our Community Scholarship Program.” Students may apply for one or more scholarships as long as they meet the particular eligibility requirements. Details about each scholarship and the application are posted on the Foundation’s website at spencercountycf.org/scholarships . Eligibility requirements and selection criteria are determined by donors and are posted on the website. 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 which may consider academic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal aspirations, educational goals, and financial need. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024.

The Spencer County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Spencer County – Mia Lawalin of Heritage Hills High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Mia’s involvement and dedication to her school and her community were apparent in her application and interview. The nominating committee was honored to have the opportunity to meet her and recommend her for this life-changing opportunity,” said Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Spencer County Community Foundation.  Mia is the daughter of Ben and Abbie Lawalin, of Santa Claus. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. In addition to excelling academically, Mia is involved in a variety of school activities including Beta Club, Spell Bowl Team, Academic Bowl Team, Natural Helpers, Choir, Musical Productions, and Dance Team. Outside of academics, she is actively involved as team captain of JDRF Fundraiser Team, worship leader and leadership team of Santa Claus United Methodist Church, volunteer tutoring, and worship leader of Noel United Methodist Church. 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. In determining Spencer County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominee, consideration was given to academic performance, an essay, community and school involvement, special circumstances, an impromptu essay, and an interview by the LECSP Nominating Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients. “The Community Foundation was thoroughly pleased with the quality of the applications and the involvement of the applicants. Spencer County is full of talented youth,” said Alvey. Scholarship award alternates were also announced. The first alternate, Braxton Schaefer will receive a scholarship from the Friends of Spencer County Fund. Emma DeWeese was named the second alternate. Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Women’s Fund of Spencer County, a fund held by the Spencer County Community Foundation, is pleased to announce that grants totaling $8,000 were awarded to five organizations serving Spencer County. This year’s list of grant recipients are: · $1,000 to The Way of Rockport Indiana, Inc. to provide free childcare for the children of parents who attend the 12-Step Celebrate Recovery Support group; · $1,000 to Holly’s House, Inc. to provide a prevention program to elementary students in Spencer County that teaches skills to keep kids safe from abuse; · $1,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Evansville to provide the SMART Girls program at Rockport Elementary; · $2,500 to South Spencer County School Corporation to provide afterschool clubs and activities for students in grades 6 th – 8 th at South Spencer Middle School; and · $2,500 to Stir-N-Up Hope to provide a program called "Recovering Women - Empowered by Horses and Hope" for women in Spencer County Drug Court. The Women’s Fund of Spencer County reviewed funding requests, then the committee made funding recommendations to the 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 all women and families in Spencer County. “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 five local organizations as recipients.”

The Spencer County Community Foundation announces that the Community Good Grant cycle will no longer be a year-round cycle but will instead be an annual grant cycle. What does this mean for local nonprofits serving Spencer County? The annual Community Good Grants cycle will open in September this year and close in October. In subsequent years, it will open in August and close in September. There are no changes to the eligibility or application process. It will be important for nonprofits to ensure their application is submitted completely on the Foundation’s website before the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted. "As we acknowledge the significant shift for our local nonprofits, we stand ready to amplify this change across the entire county and provide unwavering support for their invaluable endeavors," explained Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. This year’s important dates are: · Grant Cycle Opens: September 8 (Application available online at www.spencercountycf.org/community-good-grants-program ) · Deadline to Apply: October 23  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 (contact us before beginning your application) Last fiscal year, the Spencer County Community Foundation awarded $162,987 through the Community Good Grants program. Moving to an annual grant cycle allows the staff and committee volunteers to focus on community engagement initiatives rather than continuously reviewing grants – allowing the committee to have a full view of community needs, and to approach giving with a unified lens. Community Good Grants 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. These grants are made possible by generous donors who established community good or unrestricted funds with the Spencer County Community Foundation.

The Spencer County Community Foundation would like to recognize Matt Hurm for fulfilling his commitment to the county advisory board. We extend a heartfelt appreciation for his service and dedication to making a lasting impact in our community.  This fiscal year’s advisory board includes Ed Hagedorn (president), Sue Ann Kloeck (vice president), DeNae Mulzer (secretary), Fr. Cris Adongo, Dr. Jean Braun, Valerie Duttlinger, Jodi Fetter, Dr. Michelle Braun, Derika Lynam-Spaetti, Nicole Turner, and Mark Waterman. Volunteer members of the advisory board play a vital role in the success of the Community Foundation. They focus on local asset development, learning about the community’s greatest needs and nonprofits that support those needs, and recommending grants and scholarships. "The accomplishment of our mission depends significantly on the active involvement of community members serving on our advisory board. Their dedicated volunteer efforts represent a consistent and wholehearted commitment of time, all directed towards ensuring that donations reliably generate a positive influence on the well-being of individuals living in Spencer County," said advisory board president, Ed Hagedorn. While the Spencer County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, at least one county advisory board member serves as a county representative on the Alliance Board. This fiscal year's representatives are Mark Waterman (immediate past chair) and Ed Hagedorn. For more information about the Spencer County Community Foundation activities, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spencercocommfoundation or visit www.spencercountycf.org .