Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship 2026 – Full Tuition for Indiana Students

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. Administered by the Heritage Fund and the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), this highly competitive and prestigious scholarship offers a full-tuition award to two high-achieving high school seniors from Bartholomew County, Indiana.

What Is the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship?

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is designed to:

• Raise the level of educational attainment across Indiana.

• Highlight the role of local community foundations.

• Encourage scholars to remain engaged in Indiana through education, leadership, and civic responsibility.

Since its inception in 1997–98, the program has awarded over 5,400 scholarships and more than $505 million in tuition support across the state.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive:

• Full tuition and required fees for four years of full-time undergraduate study.

• A book and equipment stipend of up to $900 per year.

• The opportunity to attend any accredited public or private nonprofit four-year college or university in Indiana.

Note: The scholarship does not cover room, board, or travel expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship 2026 in Bartholomew County, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Bartholomew County, Indiana.

• Be on track to graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by June 2026.

• Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• Demonstrate:

  • Strong academic performance.

  • Proven leadership skills.

  • Significant school and community involvement.

  • Good character and financial need.

• Be available for an in-person interview with the local selection committee.

• Plan to enroll full-time in a baccalaureate degree program at an Indiana institution beginning fall 2026.

General Statewide Eligibility (applies to all Indiana counties)

• Must be a resident of Indiana.

• Must graduate from an Indiana high school accredited by the State Board of Education or a nationally recognized agency.

• Must attend an Indiana four-year college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• Selection criteria and deadlines vary by county.

Number of Awards

Each year, approximately 147 scholarships are awarded across Indiana’s 92 counties through local community foundations.

How to Apply

Bartholomew County students can access the full eligibility criteria, application instructions, and online form at:
heritagefundbc.org/scholarships

Application Deadline:
All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2025.

Contact for Bartholomew County

Katy Bush
Scholarship Manager, Heritage Fund
812-376-7772
kbush@heritagefundbc.org

Contact for Other Counties

If you’re outside Bartholomew County, contact your local community foundation for specific deadlines and criteria.

For general inquiries, contact:
Katie Goodrich
Independent Colleges of Indiana
kgoodrich@icindiana.org
317-684-4297

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship cover?

It covers full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for books and equipment. It does not cover housing, meals, or travel.

Can I attend college outside Indiana?

No. The scholarship is only valid at accredited four-year colleges or universities within Indiana.

How are recipients selected?

Selection is based on a combination of academic performance, community service, leadership, character, financial need, and a personal interview conducted by the local selection committee.

Do deadlines vary by county?

Yes. While Bartholomew County’s deadline is August 22, 2025, deadlines in other counties may differ. Always check with your local community foundation.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

A total of 147 scholarships are awarded annually across all 92 Indiana counties.

Can I apply if I attend a private high school?

Yes. As long as your high school is accredited in Indiana, you are eligible.