Author Archives: octavia

Finalists announced for LaGrange County’s 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

The LaGrange County Community Foundation named the finalists for the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. From left are Morgan Riegsecker, Grace Heyerly, Gavin Engle and Annagail Warrener of Westview Jr-Sr High School and Arlene Thompson of Lakeland Jr/Sr High School.

LAGRANGE ­— Five LaGrange County high school seniors have been named finalists for the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

This prestigious award recognizes an outstanding high school senior from LaGrange County who exemplifies service, leadership, and academic excellence. The recipient will receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years to any accredited college or university in Indiana, along with a $900 annual stipend for books and equipment.

The finalists are Gavin Engle, Grace Heyerly, Morgan Riegsecker, and Annagail Warrener from Westview Jr-Sr High School, and Arlene Thompson from Lakeland Jr-Sr High School.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation received 33 scholarship applications from students representing all three high schools in LaGrange County. To ensure impartiality, identifying details such as name, school, and gender are removed during the evaluation process.

The Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee assesses applications based on academic performance, involvement in community and school activities, work experience, leadership, and essay responses. The top five students with the highest scores are then invited to participate in the finalist round.

On Monday, the Community Foundation hosted a scholarship workshop for all finalists, helping them prepare for their upcoming personal interviews. During the workshop, students also completed an impromptu essay, which will contribute to their overall evaluation.

The Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee will conduct personal interviews with all finalists on October 21. This year, students will also be required to create and present a digital presentation about themselves to share with the committee, marking a new addition to the process. The scores from this finalist round, including the interview and presentation will be combined with their overall application score to determine the 2025 nominees who will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection of the LaGrange County recipient.

Announcement of the recipient will be made in December. The four remaining finalists will each receive a $4,000 scholarship from the Lambright Leadership Scholarship Fund, established by Kevin and Carrie Lambright of Shipshewana in 2013.

The scholarship program is offered each year by the LaGrange County Community Foundation, and other Indiana community foundations across the state to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 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.

Explore the Future: Join Us for an Open House to Unveil the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan

LaGrange County Community Foundation, in collaboration with LaGrange County Trails, is hosting the Big Idea Open House on September 26, from 6-8 p.m. The event will showcase preliminary concepts for the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan, an initiative aimed at enhancing and expanding trail infrastructure throughout LaGrange County.

The Big Idea Open House will be held at the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Community Building, located at 1030 E 075 N, LaGrange. This event offers residents a chance to review and provide feedback on the preliminary goals and objectives that are shaping the future trail network in LaGrange County. Attendees can explore a display detailing the priorities and maps for ongoing trail development, informed by feedback from previous open houses in July and August. The display is expected to take about 30 minutes to explore.

In July and August, residents provided feedback at one of three open houses to gather input on LaGrange County trails. The Big Idea Open House on September 26 will showcase the initial input from the community.

This event marks a pivotal step in the development of the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan, an initiative aimed at enhancing safety, promoting outdoor recreation, and fostering connectivity through planning an expanded and well-designed trails network.  The plan will provide a strategy for developing and expanding multi-use biking and hiking trails. Currently, LaGrange County has seven miles of multi-use trails.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation, supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Phase VIII, hired HWC Engineering to bring the trails vision to life. The Foundation, in collaboration with LaGrange County Trails, and community stakeholders, is supporting the development of a trails “roadmap” that will enhance the quality of life in LaGrange County and provide a guide for community leaders to improve trail infrastructure and programs.

Big Idea Open House Highlights:

  • Preliminary Concept Display: Attendees will have the opportunity to view and provide input on initial design concepts for future trails.
  • Format: Guests are welcome to attend at their convenience and stay as long as they wish during the event.
  • Interactive Stations: Engage with the HWC Engineering planning team and provide feedback through interactive stations.
  • Community Forum: Speak with representatives of LaGrange County Trails and the LaGrange County Community Foundation staff to learn about initiatives to support trail development in LaGrange County.
  • Refreshments and Activities: Enjoy complimentary fall refreshments, along with a kid’s activity area.
  • Date & Time: September 26, 2024, from 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: LaGrange County 4-H Fair Community Building, 1030 E 075 N, LaGrange.

“We are excited to share the preliminary concepts for the Master Trails Plan and gather feedback from the community,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. “Support for continued trail development across the county is a key priority in the county’s comprehensive plan and we are committed to helping identify that roadmap.”

“Community input is crucial in ensuring that the Master Trails Plan meets the needs and aspirations of LaGrange County residents. We encourage everyone to join us at the Big Idea Open House and help us shape the future of our trails,” Yoder added.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation encourages all residents to invite their neighbors and share this event within the community.

2023 Lilly Scholar Kamryn Miller Reflects on Her College Journey 

Kamryn Miller, a recipient of the 2023 LaGrange County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, recently spoke about how the scholarship supported her college journey. 

A graduate of Westview Jr.-Sr. High School, Miller will begin her sophomore year at Taylor University in Upland studying mechanical engineering. The scholarship provides full tuition for four years of undergraduate study, and a $900 stipend each year for books and equipment. 

“Receiving this scholarship has been a huge blessing to me, and I am beyond grateful for the financial burden that this relieves. This scholarship has been one of the many ways that the people around me have been willing to pour into my life and encourage me, and it deepens my desire to give back to the community,” Miller said.  

In high school, Miller was involved in girls’ basketball, Student Council, National Honor Society and show choir.  

Lilly Endowment scholars are selected for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership.  

“To the students looking to apply for the Lilly Scholarship, I highly encourage you to really consider how much your community has impacted your own life. Think of the many people who have gone above and beyond to encourage you and help you succeed, and you will find that the more you become aware of these moments, the more you will desire to impact others in the same way,” Miller added. 

Applications for the 2025 LaGrange County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will be accepted through September 12 at 4 p.m.  

To qualify, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.7, live in LaGrange County and attend a public school in LaGrange County to apply. To view the full scholarship program details, visit Lccf.net/LillyScholarship. 

LIFE grants support LaGrange County youth projects

LIFE members volunteer at The Waters in LaGrange.

LaGrange County Community Foundation awarded ten LIFE grants totaling $17,495 to area organizations and schools during its 2024 LIFE grant cycle.

The grants will support educational and youth projects in LaGrange County.

LIFE is a youth philanthropy program of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. Members represent Lakeland, Westview and Prairie Heights High Schools, with one representative from each class in 9th-12th grades.

The students learn about philanthropy and charitable giving and are responsible for reviewing and making funding recommendations for the LIFE funds at the Foundation.

“Grants awarded through the LIFE program provide members with grantmaking and charitable giving experience. They connect with programs active in our community and financially support them through this competitive grant program,” said Leanna Martin, Community Foundation Program Director and LIFE Navigator. “It’s an excellent way for youth to be a part of the bigger picture within LaGrange County.”

Prairie Heights High School received a grant of $1,050 to help purchase professional style mixers for its culinary program. The program is in its second year at Prairie Heights, with nearly 60 students enrolled in the Culinary Arts career pathway. The culinary students have catered meals for athletic teams, provided refreshments for dances and made muffins and cookies for the food service at Prairie Heights.

Westview Elementary School also received a grant of $1,800 to help purchase display boards for the Westview Elementary Art Show.

Additional 2024 LIFE Grant recipients include:

  • Community Harvest Food Bank, “Kids BackPack and TeenPak Hunger Relief Initiative,” $2,500;
  • Crossroads United Way, “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library LaGrange County,” $2,500;
  • LaGrange County Department of Parks & Recreation, “Adventure Bound 2024,” $2,500;
  • Prairie Heights Football Boosters, “Prairie Heights Football Annual Free Youth Camp,” $1,800.
  • Westview Elementary School, “Personal Hygiene Supply Packs,” $2,020;
  • Westview Jr-Sr High School, “aMAYzing Crew (technology),” $2,125;
  • Westview Jr-Sr High School, “Oakley’s Cardio Drumming Squad,” $700; and
  • Youth for Christ Northern Indiana, “Westview Campus Life,” $500.

Each school year, LIFE seeks proposals for youth programs serving youth in LaGrange County. LIFE members review the submitted grant applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors who approve the grant awards.

These grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the LIFE Grantmaking Fund at the Community Foundation.

McBride joins Community Foundation team

Jennifer McBride serves as our Office and Scholarship Manager. Her role primarily focuses on the Foundation’s daily operations, greeting visitors, processing donor gifts, coordinating board and committee meetings, as well as managing the Foundation’s scholarship programs.  

McBride holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Trine University. She worked for LaGrange County government for 17 years, and previously worked at the Town of Shipshewana. One of her passions is reaching and serving youth – she has been a dedicated volunteer in church youth group programs for the past several decades.

McBride is a lifelong LaGrange County resident and lives in Howe with her husband, Rick. She has three children and three grandchildren.

McBride volunteered as a scholarship evaluator for the Foundation’s Community Scholarship Program in the past and was eager to dive into her new role this February. She is responsible for building and managing the online applications, promoting opportunities to local youth, coordinating volunteer evaluators, and presenting the final awards to students.

She is excited to be a part of the Community Foundation team.

“My heart is for the people of the community,” McBride said. “I enjoy being able to help others,” she added.

Seeking applicants for new positions

The LaGrange County Community Foundation is a growing nonprofit charitable organization focused on inspiring and sustaining generosity, leadership and service in LaGrange County. The Foundation is seeking to hire an Office and Scholarship Manager and Program Intern. Ideal candidates for these positions would be passionate members of a dynamic team with the goal of growing community assets.

Office and Scholarship Manager Job Summary:

The Office and Scholarship Manager reports directly to the Executive Director. The candidate is responsible for managing office operations, providing administrative support to the LCCF office, and managing the Foundation’s scholarship activities and programs.

Program Intern Job Summary:

The Program Intern will be engaged with a supporting role in the implementation of the Foundation’s grantmaking and scholarship programs. The position will work directly with the Foundation’s Program Director to support grantmaking and scholarship initiatives and community outreach. Open to current college sophomores, junior, seniors and graduate students attending an Indiana college or university.

Application Process

  • No phone calls, please.
  • Email resume to Octavia Yoder, Executive Director, here.
  • Apply by Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

Learn how to apply for a Community Foundation grant

The LaGrange County Community Foundation will host a grant workshop on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation encourages nonprofit organizations considering submitting an application for a Community Impact Grant in 2023 to attend the workshop. The spring funding cycle is open and applications are due April 3.

Topics at the workshop will include an overview of the Community Impact Grant program, the online application portal, funding opportunities, and tips to tailor a strong story.

Nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County are eligible to apply in six areas: arts & culture, community development, recreation, health and human services, education and environment. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.

“We are thrilled to offer a grant workshop that will provide information about the Foundation’s grant program. We encourage nonprofits who are considering applying or who want to learn more about seeking funds from the Foundation to attend. We will be sharing helpful tips on putting together a budget and how to tailor your story.”

Leanna Martin, Program Director

The Community Foundation aims to support nonprofit needs and provide innovative programs and services for local residents through its grantmaking program. The grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted charitable funds at the Community Foundation.

To RSVP for the grant workshop click here. Those who register and attend will have a chance to win a gift card at $50.

Network with nonprofits at LaGrange Partners

Connect with LaGrange County nonprofit organizations at the bi-monthly LaGrange Partners meeting. The first meeting for 2023 takes place February 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Linder’s Tavern on Main in LaGrange.

LaGrange Partners, an interagency meeting for nonprofit organizations and entities providing services for LaGrange County residents, will meet February 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Linder’s Tavern on Main in LaGrange.

Partners provides a forum for learning about resources, discussing current issues, networking, and keeping up to date on existing services in LaGrange County.

The meeting is open to nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers and interested community members who want to connect and learn more about the nonprofit sector in LaGrange County.

2023 LaGrange Partners Schedule
February 14
April 11
June 13
August 8
October 10
December 12

Meetings are on the second Tuesday of every other month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locations vary. The meeting format includes time for lunch, agency announcements, networking, and a featured presentation on a focus topic.

To register for the February LaGrange Partners meeting, click here.

Guests will be able to pre-select a meal. Payment will need to be made directly to Linder’s on the day of the meeting.

To learn more about LaGrange Partners, visit LCCF.net/LaGrangePartners.

Application deadline approaching for Community Scholarships

Graduating LaGrange County high school seniors who are planning to apply for a Community Scholarship offered through the LaGrange County Community Foundation have until February 15, 2023 at 5 p.m. to submit their applications.  

The Foundation manages more than 45 community scholarship funds. Scholarship opportunities vary according to residency, career fields, current high school attendance, anticipated college enrollment, extracurricular involvement, and academic performance.

Scholarships are available for students who are planning to pursue a full-time education at a college, university, technical or trade school. Students can apply online at LCCF.net/availablescholarships

Applicants should read the criteria carefully, as each scholarship is unique. Awards range from $500 to $3,000 per scholarship and may be used for educational expenses.

A full list of scholarships, criteria, and their award amounts is available online.

Questions about a scholarship opportunity? Contact Scholarship Manager Laurie Sherck at lsherck@lccf.net or call 260-463-4363.

Community Impact Grant program accepting applications in two cycles

The Community Impact Grant program will be offered in two funding rounds in 2023: grant applications will be due April 3 and September 1.

Applications are now open for the spring cycle. Award notifications will be made within 60 days of the application deadline.

The LaGrange Community Foundation seeks proposals for innovative or creative projects with significant impact in LaGrange County. Community Impact Grants are available to nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County.

The grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the Foundation.

Nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County are eligible to apply in six areas: arts & culture, recreation, health and human services, community development, education and environment.  

Spring Cycle DeadlineFall Cycle Deadline
April 3, 2023September 1, 2023

Previous Community Impact Grants have ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 per award.  

Applications can be submitted online at LCCF.net/community-impact-grants.

Contact Program Director Leanna Martin at lmartin@lccf.net with questions about the application process or call 260-463-4363.