2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

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The 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application will be available in Noble County through the Community Foundation of Noble County. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one in Noble 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 Noble County through the Community Foundation of Noble County, 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.

Criteria for Noble County’s 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

To apply, students must be a high school senior residing in Noble County.  Applicants will be required to complete three essays, submit two references, and must have a high school grade point average of at least a 3.80 on a 4.00 scale at time of application.  Applicants may not round up their GPA. Additionally, applicants must show evidence of community service, volunteerism, extracurricular activities, any work experience, and leadership roles.

Create an account, complete the application by 9/5/2024 at 11 pm.
Apply Now

Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Noble County and apply for this scholarship by visiting www.CFNoble.org. From the scholarship tab, click on the  Applications must be completed and submitted by Thursday, September 5, 2025, at 11 pm to be considered.

Ten students will be invited to an interview on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, to begin at 6 pm at the office of the Community Foundation of Noble County, 103 W. Third Street, Ligonier, IN. Students should arrive between 5:30 pm and 5:45 pm. One finalist will be nominated by the Community Foundation of Noble County and their name will be submitted to ICI for final selection. The scholarship recipient will be notified in December.

On July 15th click here begin the application process. Or visit www.cfnoble.org click on the “Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship” tab from the “Scholarships” drop down menu to begin the application process.

Community Foundation of Noble County is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 28th year in Noble County.  “We are excited to be a part of this opportunity provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.” said Jennifer Norris, Dir. of Communications and Scholarships for the Community Foundation of Noble County.

The Community Foundation of Noble County was established in 1991 with the mission of improving the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

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New Scholarship Fund – Victoria Grigsby Scholarship

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The Community Foundation of Noble County is honored to share a new scholarship fund for West Noble High School seniors.

Victoria Anne Grigsby was born in Wolf Lake on June 5th 1944. She is remembered by her classmates as an excellent and well behaved student. She grew up on West Third St. with her mom Queenie “Mary”, Sister Olivia, Aunt Olga, and Aunt Ena. The family was originally from South Africa, her mother moving here when she was only 4. Her mother worked as the library director at the Ligonier Public Library for many years. Unfortunately, Victoria passed away in June of 1960 from drowning. Her loss was devastating to the family and community.

This scholarship was established through an individual who knew her mother and was deeply affected by the passing of Victoria.

For a West Noble High school senior with a GPA of 3.00 or better who will be attending a 4-year accredited college/university majoring in any of the physical sciences (biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, etc.) or a branch of engineering (civil, structural, chemical, mechanical, aerospace, etc.), or any other STEM curriculum. Recipient must maintain a 3.00 GPA or better and field of study as listed above in the first semester to receive the second payment during the spring semester. Transcript upload required at completion of first semester.  Awards $5,000 to be paid in two installments; $2,500 in the fall and $2,500 in the spring.

 

 

Welcome Grant Flora!

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My name is Grant Flora, and I have the opportunity to serve as the Marketing/Administrative Intern this summer! As a past beneficiary of the Foundation’s work and the amazing community in Noble County, I’m glad to be able to pour back into the community that helped me develop into the person I am today. I am currently studying Multimedia Communications at Indiana Wesleyan University, where I also compete in the sports of Cross Country and Track and Field! I enjoy playing and watching a variety of different sports in my free time, as well as playing the piano and spending time with friends and family. I’ve been blessed in many different ways throughout my life, and I want to help return the favor in as many ways as possible, which includes what I can do here for the Foundation. I’m grateful for it all, and I’m looking forward to what we can do together!

Bergen Tom Interview – Full Version

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Our summer college intern, Grant Flora, had the privilege of sitting down with Bergen Tom, WNHS 2020 alumni and scholarship recipient, to discuss the impact of scholarships on her education and to learn about her future plans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1qP6B9f8Wo

 

Noble County Chess Fund Awards Grant!

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PICTURE: Superintendent Nate Lowe on the left, Mrs. DeeDee Schermerhorn on the right, 4th graders of Mrs. Schermerhorn’s classroom.

The Community Foundation of Noble County is proud to announce that West Noble School Corporation has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the Noble County Chess Fund. This grant will support the revitalization of chess education and clubs in West Noble schools, providing students with access to quality chess instruction and opportunities to participate in chess competitions.

The Noble County Chess Fund was established in December 1996 by a close friend, in memory of Chet Dekko. Mr. Dekko was a respected entrepreneur, business and community leader, and dedicated family man who believed in education as the key to an independent, successful life. To honor Mr. Dekko’s legacy and support chess education for elementary school children in Noble County. This donor created this fund in lieu of flowers.

West Noble School Corporation will use the grant to rejuvenate the West Noble Chess Club. Although some chess activities currently take place in classrooms and clubs across all four school buildings, the existing chess sets are outdated, the boards are worn out, and many pieces are missing. Furthermore, there are no clocks or notation books available. With the new equipment purchased through this grant, it is anticipated that chess participation will significantly increase during lunch periods, study halls, and classroom sessions.

“I spent an afternoon one week in a 5th-grade math class teaching chess etiquette and some basic patterns,” said Dr. Nate Lowe, superintendent of West Noble School Corporation. “The kids and the teacher were hungry for more …This grant will enable us to provide the necessary equipment and resources to foster a thriving chess culture in our schools.”

Dr. Nate Lowe also shared a heartwarming story that highlights the unifying power of chess.

“In Mrs. Kiser’s first-grade classroom at West Noble Primary, there are two students currently learning English. These children do not speak much since they are learning the language, but when they see the chess board, they beam with excitement. Both students had played chess with their families. These two first graders then taught their entire classroom how to play chess. It was a beautiful moment that demonstrated how chess can unite people of all backgrounds, no matter their language, abilities, age, or anything else.”

The grant will also be used to purchase chess clocks and notation books for students ready to advance to the next level of competition.

“When I coached the chess team at the high school 15 years ago, we participated in several scholastic chess tournaments in our area. We have students who could and should be competing at this level again,” added Lowe. “It is time to bring chess back to West Noble in a significant way.”

The Community Foundation of Noble County is excited to support West Noble School Corporation in this initiative through the Noble County Chess Club.

For more information about the Noble County Chess Fund, grant opportunities, or to learn how you can support educational initiatives in our community, please contact Program Director Jazmín Herrera at jazmin@cfnoble.org or 260-894-3335.

 

Grants Awarded

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Community Foundation of Noble County Awards $112,740 in Grants

 

The Community Foundation of Noble County is pleased to announce the recipients of its first  2024 grant cycle. A total of 16 organizations have been awarded funding to support a variety of programs and initiatives that will benefit residents throughout Noble County. The total amount awarded is $112,740.

  • Noble Educational Initiatives (dba “Turning Point”) – $10,000 for business expansion. This grant will fund Turning Point Coffee business expansion as they acquire a food truck and more barista tools. The program will equip students with skills for employment in local coffee shops and event planning.
  • Life & Family Services – $6,240 to support the bilingual coordinator with traveling workshops in Noble County. The bilingual coordinator will enhance the reach of services in underserved communities, such as Ligonier, making vital resources accessible to those unable to travel to Kendallville.
  • RespectTeam – $2,500 to deliver programming in middle and high school health classrooms. The RespectTeam will engage students in activities focused on mental health, social media, and relationships, while fostering an understanding of the value of respect.
  • Community Learning Center, Inc. – $2,000 to expand children’s programming. Funds will help lower the cost of classes, pay teachers, and provide materials, allowing K-12 students access to affordable educational programs.
  • New Community Initiative – $5,000 for the Charge Back to School Event hosted at West Noble Schools. In preparation for the new school year, this event will supply students with essential items such as school supplies, backpacks, hygiene kits, and more to ensure they are prepared.
  • Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana, Inc. – $5,000 to help underwrite its 49th flight on October 16, 2024. This flight will enable 85 veterans to visit monuments and memorials in Washington, DC, honoring their service.
  • City of Kendallville – $2,500 for KidCity, an event designed to increase awareness of and reduce barriers to accessing community resources for Noble County Families.
  • Kate’s Kart – $5,000 to support purchase of books for the book carts at Parkview Noble Hospital. Pediatric patients and their families can select free, age-appropriate books, promoting literacy and comfort during hospital visits.
  • YWCA Northeast Indiana – $5,000 to support comprehensive prevention education and intervention services for domestic and sexual violence in Noble County.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana – $7,500 to support programs aiding Noble County families, including overnight stays, the Comfort Cart, and Connection Kits.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County – $10,000 to support KidsCare, a before and after-school program serving West Noble and Central Noble Schools, potentially benefiting up to 80 children.
  • Healthier Moms and Babies – $10,000 to support in-home visits to at-risk pregnant women in Noble County by providing prenatal health education and postpartum support.
  • AWRC Crisis Services – $7,500 for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) train-the-trainer training. This initiative will equip staff to deliver ASIST training locally, addressing the shortage of trainers in the region.
  • Impact Institute – $20,000 to purchase new welding booths for the expanded space in Fairview Plaza, enhancing vocational training opportunities.
  • Trinity Daycare Ministry – $10,000 to support the purchase of mulch, educational resources, field trips, and professional development for staff.
  • Faith in God Ministry – $4,500 to support women in the Noble County Jail struggling with addiction. Programs include substance abuse classes, recovery support, and assistance with locating and transitioning to recovery homes.

 

The Community Foundation of Noble County is proud to support these organizations and their valuable contributions to our community. These grants are made possible through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our board, volunteers, and staff.

 

For more information about the Community Foundation of Noble County and its grant programs, please contact Jazmín Herrera, Program Director, at jazmin@cfnoble.org or 260-894-3335. The next grant application deadline is July 2.

 

2024 Scholarship Recipients

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Central Noble Jr/High School Scholarship Recipients

Avery Phillips                   Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship

Avery Phillips                   Jack R. and Maxine C. Frymier Scholars Award

Avery Phillips                   Cathy S. Knopp Theatrical Scholarship

Avery Phillips                    Carol Ann Tieman Scholarship

Brianna Lackey               Dr. David and Alvena VanMeter Scholarship

Courtney Gray                 Hazel Brown Truelove Scholarship

Haddi Hile                        Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship

Jacelyn Hawk                  Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Bachelor’s Program Scholarship

Jacelyn Hawk                  P.U.L.S.E. SENIOR Scholarship

Jayden Stump                  Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship

Kaylee Knight                   Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship

Keith Knafel                      Top Honors Scholarship

Lydia Replogle                Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Medical Profession Scholarship

Madelynn Mays               Ignite Your Future Scholarship

Paige Hopf                        Paul Glass Memorial Scholarship

Paige Hopf                        Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 1

Paige Hopf                        Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 2 (Sport)

Paige Hopf                        John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson

Paige Hopf                        John and Mary Schermerhorn Memorial Scholarship

Robert Thompson          Ignite Your Future Scholarship

 

Churubusco High School Scholarship Recipients

Elizabeth Dreibelbis      Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Madison Lehman           Tony and Gertrude Kichler Scholarship

Madison Lehman           Top Honors Scholarship

Sydnee Przemielewski Top Honors Scholarship

Warner Ott                        John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson

Warner Ott                        Top Honors Scholarship

Warner Ott                         Ignite Your Future Scholarship

 

College/Adult Scholarship Recipients

Aletha Hoover                 Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship

Aletha Hoover                 Noble County Retired Teachers’ Association in Memory of Deceased Teachers

Christopher Miller          Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship

Courtney Roberts           Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship

Cy Wolheter                     Nathan Shumaker Memorial Scholarship

Felicia Patrick                 Max and Elizabeth Roesler Memorial Scholarship

Jackson Hoover              Charles and Bernard Duesler Scholarship

Jackson Hoover              Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship

Jordan Hartleroad          Max and Elizabeth Roesler Memorial Scholarship

Kaitlyn Ray                        Paul Pelikan Memorial Scholarship

Lillian Mast                        Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship

Lillian Mast                        David O. Kile and Marjorie B. Kile Scholarship

Lillian Mast                       Hal Prickett Memorial Scholarship

Lillian Mast                       Chuck Schlemmer Memorial College Scholarship

Lillian Mast                       Fred and Mildred Seymoure (Young) Memorial Scholarship

Lillian Mast                       Jonah W. Slater Memorial Scholarship

Lotus Sibert                      Captain James M. Treesh Scholarship

Miriam Kline                    Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship

Susan Haviland               Max and Elizabeth Roesler Memorial Scholarship

Will Hoover                      Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship

 

East Noble High School Scholarship Recipients

Alyssa Speicher              Benjamin B. and Kathleen June Earley Memorial Scholarship

Alyssa Speicher              Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Medical Profession Scholarship

Alyssa Speicher              Dr. Richard R. (MD) and Theresa M. Gutstein Memorial Scholarship

Alyssa Speicher              Joseph A. and Lolita J. Hornett Memorial Scholarship

Alyssa Speicher              Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 1

Alyssa Speicher              Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 2 (Sport)

Alyssa Speicher              Hilda H. Rehwinkel Scholarship

Alyssa Speicher              John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson

Alyssa Speicher              Josh Stahl Scholarship

Alyssa Speicher              Max Sneary, M.D. Memorial Scholarship

Alyssa Speicher              Top Honors Scholarship

Amrie Trappe                   Peter R. Bottomley Scholarship

Audrey Beiswanger       Arthur A. and Hazel Auer Scholarship

Benjamin Barker             Top Honors Scholarship

Benjamin Barker             Ignite Your Future Scholarship

Braydon Collins               Arthur A. and Hazel Auer Scholarship

Emily Roark                       Ignite Your Future Scholarship – Associate*

Erin Pippenger                Chester A. and Bessie C. Throp Scholarship

Erin Pippenger                Top Honors Scholarship

Jacob Frazier                    Delta Theta Tau Sorority IOTA IOTA Chapter Scholarship in memory of Tammi Riecke

Jacob Frazier                    Ignite Your Future Scholarship

Julianna Crow                 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Scholarship

Kora Beachy                     Benjamin Murray Memorial Scholarship

Kylee Hood                       East Noble Class of 1969 Scholarship

Kylee Hood                       Dave Smith Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Munson               Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 1

Lauren Munson               Top Honors Scholarship

Lauren Munson               Clarence and Marie Woolf Scholarship

Reese Rouch                    Ignite Your Future Scholarship – Bachelors*

Sadie Potts                       P.U.L.S.E. SENIOR Scholarship

Sadie Potts                       Top Honors Scholarship

Tyson Reinbold                Benjamin Murray Memorial Scholarship

 

Prairie Heights High School Scholarship Recipient

Rachel Link                       Kris Campbell “Any Dream Will Do” Scholarship

 

West Noble High School Scholarship Recipients

Alayna DeLong                Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Bachelor’s Program Scholarship

Alayna DeLong                Chuck Schlemmer Memorial High School Scholarship

Alexia Mast                      Prudence E. Gardner Memorial Scholarship

Andrea Weaver                Doris Gene Alber Ferrari Scholarship

Andrea Weaver                Edward and Beverly Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship

Angelina Contreras       Ligonier Elks Scholarship

Angelina Contreras       Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 2 (Sport)

Angelina Contreras       Brandon A. Replogle “Celebrate the Arts” Memorial Scholarship

Angelina Contreras       John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson

Angelina Contreras       Susan Marie Stone Scholarship

Breanna Moreno             Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Medical Profession Scholarship

Breanna Moreno             Bob and Joyce Friesner Memorial Scholarship

Breanna Moreno             Victoria Grigsby Scholarship * (non-perm)

Breanna Moreno             Caitlyn Marie Halferty Memorial Scholarship

Chloe Sprague                Ligonier Elks Scholarship

Corbin Keene                  Russell Smith Music Scholarship

Lilianna Pedroza             Wawaka Alumni Scholarship

Lily Klein                            Gerald and Catheleen Hayes Scholarship

Lydia Gow                         Cromwell High School Alumni Scholarship

Lydia Gow                         P.U.L.S.E. SENIOR Scholarship

Madison Lazar                Richard and Mary DeMotte Scholarship

Madison Lazar                Doris Gene Alber Ferrari Scholarship

Madison Lazar                Pauline (McClish) Leaman Scholarship

Madison Lazar                Timothy J. Martin Memorial Scholarship

Ruby Clark                        Susan A. Price Memorial Scholarship

Tyler Shisler                     Jennie Thompson Scholarship
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Welcome Courtney!

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Help us welcome Courtney!
Hello! My name is Courtney Roberts and I am excited to serve as the PULSE summer intern! It is great to return to the place that ignited my love for philanthropy. I am going into my junior year of college at Ball State University to become an English teacher. I currently study English Education and Creative Writing. During my time at Ball State, I’ve served as Vice President of Leadership for hall council, President of English Education Club, and I currently work as the Education Academic Peer Mentor during the school year. I love writing, coffee, and spending time outdoors! I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity. I hope to return to Noble County as a teacher someday. I really feel that before you teach a community of kids, you really need to get to know the community and the community should know you. Although I’ve grown up here, I know our community is always changing. I am grateful for this opportunity and I feel that I am one step closer to achieving my teaching goals because of it!

Welcome Caroline!

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Welcome Caroline Sizelove!
“A Kendallville native and lifelong citizen, I am delighted and honored to serve the Noble County Community in a new role as Program/Office Assistant for the Community Foundation of Noble County. Previously, I have held the positions as the Executive Director for the Kendallville Day Care Center, Director of Activities and Volunteers at Lutheran Life Villages, and Family Advocate for Brightpoint. Regardless of my role, I have stayed committed to my personal mission statement: To improve the lives of others. Working alongside the dedicated and compassionate Community Foundation staff, I anticipate strengthening my knowledge and awareness of additional programs and services Noble County offers. P.U.L.S.E. will be an opportunity to engage with students striving to make a positive impact. Their work and decision making process will transition into future experiences. I look forward to this new adventure of my professional development journey by supporting the efforts of the Community Foundation of Noble County,” said Caroline.

Caroline’s title is Program/Office Assistant and can be reached at Caroline@cfnoble.org

Technical Educator Grants – Reopen- Ready for Applicants

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4/26/2024

CONTACT: Jennifer Norris, Dir. of Communications and Scholarships, Jennifer@cfnoble.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE: Technical Educator Grants: Up to $5,000 per educator per year

LIGONIER, IND. – The Community Foundation of Noble County is pleased to announce grant applications for Technical Educators and instructors will reopen. This grant is part of the Ignite Your Future Program provided by a grant from the Don Wood Foundation. DWF created the Ignite Your Future Program to grow and strengthen advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship in northeast Indiana and beyond.

The Ignite Your Future Program creates opportunities for those living in Noble County, Ind who seek to advance their education in fields related to engineering, industrial technology, and machine tool technology. Examples of fields that Ignite Your Future Program supports include those considered part of Industry 4.0, which is the digital transformation of manufacturing/production, related industries, and value creation processes.

Broader eligible areas for scholarships include:

  • Fields related to Engineering and Industrial Technology such as automation engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, industrial engineering, materials engineering, controls engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering design, computer and information technology, automation and systems integration technology, cybersecurity, data analytics, mechatronics, robotics, and industrial informatics;
  • Technology education or leadership;
  • Sales or marketing;
  • Organizational leadership and supervision; and
  • Entrepreneurship

Including more traditional and technical trades such as welding and automotive.

Technical Educator Grants can support training, education, and professional development opportunities for technical educators and instructors living in Noble County, Indiana.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Community Foundation of Noble County’s website at www.CFNoble.org to learn more about Ignite Your Future Program opportunities under the scholarship tab or call 260.894.3335.

IGNITE YOUR FUTURE PROGRAM