Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship administered by the Wayne County Foundation for high school seniors in Wayne County.

Award Details:

• Amount: Full tuition to pursue baccalaureate degrees at colleges or universities in the state of Indiana
• Additional Support: Up to $900 annually for required textbooks and equipment
• Duration: Four years
• Number of Awards: Two scholarships awarded annually to Wayne County students

Eligibility:

• High school seniors attending Wayne County schools
• Must demonstrate strong academic performance, community service, and leadership potential
• Financial need is considered
• Consideration given for: activities, achievements, community service, academic performance, financial need, work experience, and leadership potential

Geographic Scope: Wayne County, Indiana

Selection Process:

1. Applicants submit applications reviewed by the Foundation's selection committee
2. Five finalists are selected from competitive applicant pool
3. Finalists are interviewed in October/November
4. Recommendations submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final review
5. Two scholarship recipients announced in December

Program History:

• Program began in 1998
• Over 50 Wayne County students have received the scholarship since inception

Administered By: Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) administers the program statewide with funding from Lilly Endowment

Funder Background: Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons. It is separate from Eli Lilly and Company and supports causes of community development, education, and religion.

Contact Information:

• Wayne County Foundation Phone: 765-962-1638
• Email: Alex.Painter@WayneCountyFoundation.org
• Address: 33 South 7th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374
• Website: waynecountyfoundation.org

Application Process

1. Eligibility Check: High school seniors attending Wayne County schools must verify they meet all eligibility requirements
2. Application Submission: Submit completed application by the deadline (typically September)
3. Application Review:
   • Applications thoroughly reviewed and independently scored by members of the Foundation's selection committee
   • Consideration given for: activities, achievements, community service, academic performance, financial need, work experience, and leadership potential
4. Finalist Selection: Five finalists selected from competitive applicant pool
5. Finalist Interview: Selected finalists interviewed in October/November
6. Scoring: Interview scores combined with application scores to determine finalist rankings
7. Final Review: Committee recommendations submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final review of scholarship recipients
8. Award Announcement: Two scholarship recipients announced in December

Required Materials

• Application form
• Demonstration of academic performance
• Evidence of community service
• Work experience information
• Leadership experience documentation
• Financial need documentation

Contact for Application Details

• Phone: 765-962-1638
• Email: Alex.Painter@WayneCountyFoundation.org
• Website: waynecountyfoundation.org