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/

Community Foundation Alliance, in conjunction with Pike County Community Foundation, has received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the competitive Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative. This is one of 30 implementation grants awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties, and regions they serve.  With the grant, Pike County Community Foundation, an affiliate foundation of the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc. will collaborate with the City of Petersburg, Pike County Commissioners, and Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. on the Buffalo Trace Trail project. The Buffalo Trace Trail project presents an opportunity to create a vibrant gateway and connect residents with the rich history of Pike County. This 2.5-mile trail connects to the 5-mile fitness path in Petersburg, extending safe walking paths and community accessibility. The project will also include public art welcoming the community and highlighting cultural and recreational features along the path. Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement will lead the development of public art installations, incorporating community input to create meaningful and culturally resonant pieces. Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance, said, “Ultimately, the Buffalo Trace Trail project is a vital step in creating a more thriving, connected, and attractive community in Petersburg and Pike County, contributing to the area's growth and positioning it as a desirable place to live for current and future residents.” The project’s timeline spans three years, with trail construction, public art development, and blight removal occurring at the same time. This initiative aims to reshape the community through collaboration, community engagement, and thoughtful development. The art installations along the trail will serve as a tribute to the region’s rich history, creating a vibrant atmosphere that fosters pride among residents, workers, and visitors alike. The goal is to build a welcoming, family-friendly environment that promotes health, wellness, and connection. Blight removal will play a pivotal role in transforming Petersburg, attracting new families to the area who will enjoy the benefits of the Buffalo Trace Trail. As the community grows, both the population and the assessed property values in Petersburg and Pike County are expected to rise. This influx of residents will help revitalize the area, enhancing the community and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The completed trail will become a central amenity, offering safe access to key community resources, such as Somebody’s Place food and clothing bank, the American Legion Little League Park, The Zone Fitness Center, Amber Manor Care Center, and Deaconess Health Clinic. Quality of life improvements have been a central focus for Petersburg and Pike County community leaders over the past decade. With strong local collaboration, the Buffalo Trace Trail will be a lasting asset for Pike County, boosting the area's appeal, sense of community, and quality of life. In 1990, Lilly Endowment launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative to help establish and further develop community foundations throughout Indiana. Lilly Endowment hoped that Indiana’s community foundations could enhance the quality of life in their communities by convening conversations among people of diverse ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, occupations, races, and cultural traditions about their communities’ most compelling needs and opportunities, as well as the best ways to address them.

The Pike County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Pike County – Tyler DeCoursey, Pike Central High School . Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “The Pike County Community Foundation was impressed with the level of applicants from Pike Central High School,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “The students all demonstrated a drive for educational success and will be excellent ambassadors for Pike County in their future endeavors.” 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 incredibly grateful for the opportunities presented through the Lilly Endowment,” said Tyler DeCoursey, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “Because of this, my educational experience will be tremendously aided.” In determining Pike County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to class rank, grade transcripts, financial need, school activities, honors and awards, work history, statement of goals, letters of recommendation, community/volunteer activities, and finalist interview, all evaluated 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. Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program. 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 Pike County Community Foundation awarded more than $96,000 in grants to nonprofits through its 2024 Community Good Grants program. These nonprofits are committed to supporting the needs of Pike County. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients! $4,704 to Pike County Emergency Medical Services to purchase batteries for the Zoll X series monitors $3,318 to Pike County School Corporation to purchase a new merry-go-round for the Winslow Elementary Playground $2,500 to Holly’s House, Inc. to provide support for the costs of program materials for its prevention program in Pike County Elementary Schools $4,200 to Bread of Life Ministry, Inc. to assist with the cost of bringing two semi loads of donated food products to Pike County to be distributed among the food pantries and partnering agencies $2,571 to Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana to assist with the cost of staff time, program administration, curriculum materials, volunteer training and recruitment, insurance, and program evaluation for Pike County students $1,850 to Pike County CASA to purchase supplies for the children to aid in communication with their CASA, a talk-to-text software program, and printer supplies $2,702 to Pike County Public Library to purchase constructive play items needed to operate the Wee Build Open Play program $3,000 to Tri-State Food Bank to purchase 150 pre-packed family food boxes to be distributed to families in Pike County $4,600 to Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department to purchase two handheld radios $5,000 to Pike County Christian Assistance to purchase healthy food items to be added to monthly food boxes distributed to Pike County residents $5,000 to Winslow Community Events Center to purchase a tarp to protect the gym floor when being used for activities other than sporting events $15,000 to Pike County School Corporation to purchase four scales with height measurement, two audiometers, four otoscopes, four glucometers, six adult AED replacement pads, four pediatric AED replacement pads, six over-the-bed tables, and cots for the high school, middle school, Petersburg Elementary, and Winslow Elementary $10,000 to Jefferson Township Community Center to assist with the purchase of a new AC unit for the Otwell Community Center gym $5,000 to Winslow Park and Recreation Board to assist with the purchase of lights and fencing for the pickleball courts $2,200 to United Way of Pike County, Inc. to purchase t-shirts and breakfast for the Day of Caring volunteers $1,200 Pike County School Corporation to purchase a JBL Bluetooth speaker, two wireless mics, a mic case, a speaker stand, a utility wagon, two student course books, and a tongue drum for the Social Emotional Learning Music Therapy program at Winslow Elementary $2,000 to Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. to assist with the cost of marketing and workshop materials for the Pike County High School Literacy & Leadership Program $2,500 to Memorial Hospital Foundation to assist Pike County patients of the Petersburg Clinic with needs such as medication, home equipment, screenings, and transportation $4,442 to Pike County School Corporation to purchase a laptop for the sound booth, two large portable speakers, portable stage cubes, power station sets for the pit orchestra lights, makeup kits, gaffer tape, and paint tape for musical theatre $3,586 to Pike Central Alumni Association to purchase a database for three years and the Text Em All program for one year to build a database and communicate with Pike County Alumni $2,723 to Pike County Historical Society to assist with the cost of replacing the current lighting with new LED lighting in the back exhibit room $8,000 to Otwell Progress Committee, Inc. to assist with the cost of removing an existing light pole and adding a second one in a safer place for events 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 Pike County. Angela J. Warner Unrestricted Fund Bryan and Beth Luff Unrestricted Fund Burns’ Family Community Fund Dudenhoeffer Family Fund for Pike County Dyer-Wallace Unrestricted Fund for Pike County Emery and Edna Boger Fund Friends of Pike County Fund Gerald L. (Rip) and Betty (Sue) Sorgius Fund German American Bancorp Community Fund-Pike Greg and Carla Willis Family Fund Stone-Tooley Community Good Fund Tom and Ashley Polen-Willis Community Fund Willis-Parker-Evans-Fowler Unrestricted Fund Helderman Family Fund Hoosier Energy Frank Ratts Memorial Fund Jeffrey and Chella Stenftenagel, Alva Harold Cox, and Barbara J. Cox Family Fund Joseph Jeffrey Belmore Family Fund Lewis Family Unrestricted Fund Montes/Fenol Family Unrestricted Fund Paul and Karen Cooper Family Fund Pike County Grassroots Unrestricted Fund Rauch Family Fund Sisson Steel Unrestricted Fund Wendell & Irene Craig Unrestricted Family Fund William & Juanita Bell Unrestricted Family Fund Wayne and Charlotte Malotte Fund Wallace and Julia Schnarr Community Good Family Fund Give to create greater good in Pike County! Learn more about opening an unrestricted Community Good Fund today. Contact Savannah Linenburg, Regional Director of Development at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org or 812.254.9355

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!

The 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Pike County through the Pike County Community Foundation. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Pike 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 Pike County through the Pike 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.pikecountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding Pike County’s application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Pike County and apply for this scholarship by visiting https://www.pikecountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program . Applications must be completed and submitted by Wednesday, August 14, 2024, by Noon to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Class Rank, Grade Transcripts, and Financial Need. Three finalists will be nominated by the Pike 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. Pike County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 27 th year in Pike County. “We are thankful that Lilly Endowment has continued the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. This scholarship can be life changing for the recipient and make their educational goals attainable. I’m excited to be part of the process,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Pike County Community Foundation.

The Pike County Community Foundation has granted $1,110 to the Pike County Public Library to assist with the cost of bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Pike County children. Any Pike County child from birth to age five can enroll to receive a free book every month, which will be delivered to their home. “The Pike County Community Foundation is excited to partner with the Public Library to bring the Imagination Library to Pike County,” says Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “Studies have shown the importance of reading to young children, and now we are able to help provide amazing books for families to share and read together.” Pike County residents are able to register their children by visiting the Pike County Public Library. For more information, please contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org.

The Jerry Grubb Foundation recently received a $1,000 grant from the Pike County Community Foundation through the Pike Gives Grant Program. The Pike Gives Grant Program allows Pike County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Chaze Patrick for general support of the Jerry Grubb Foundation. For more information about funding opportunities through the Pike County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured: Front (left to right) Katie Dale; Kathie Grubb, Board Member; Gavin Patrick; Chaze Patrick, Pike County Community Foundation; Caroline Dale; and Amanda Arnold, Board Member. Back (left to right) Richard Rideo, Board Member; Melissa Dale and Jenny Patrick, Founders; Calvin Arnold; Dustin Arnold, Board member; Hallie Johnson; Patrick Johnson, Carole O’Rourke, and Zeb Klein, Board Members

Otwell Progress Committee, Inc. recently received a $1,000 grant from the Pike County Community Foundation through the Pike Gives Grant Program. The Pike Gives Grant Program allows Pike County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Terri Whitehead for general support of the Otwell Progress Committee. For more information about funding opportunities through the Pike County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured:(left to right) Andrew Houtsch, Michelle Durcholz, and Mike Houtsch, Otwell Progress Committee Officers; and Terri Whitehead, Pike County Community Foundation Advisory Board member.