Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipient Announcement

The Community Foundation of White County is pleased to announce the recipient of the

2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for White County: Kendall Bridwell of

Frontier Junior Senior High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are

recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and

leadership.

“It is always inspiring to celebrate a Lilly Scholar, and this year is no exception. This

individual reflects the heart of White County, and we are so proud to see them

recognized in this way,” shared Lucy Dold, Executive Director.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and

up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time

undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or

private nonprofit college or university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network

(LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in

their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from

Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).

“This scholarship will not only ease the financial burden of college, but it would also give

me the chance to keep pushing my goals and living out the values that mean the most

to me…faith, family, hard work, and serving others. I am appreciative of the White

County Community Foundation for giving students like me the chance to live out our

dreams,” said Kendall.

In nominating White County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar(s), the committee

considered financial need, community and school activities, and leadership/good

citizenship. After narrowing the field of applicants, nominees were submitted to

Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for

final selection.

Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition

grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The

program’s primary purposes are:

• To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.

• To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.

• To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to

improve quality of life statewide.

About The Community Foundation of White County:

The Community Foundation of White County believes in the transformational power of

collective action. Serving White County since 1998, CFWC has been steadfast in its

commitment to strengthening and transforming the community by fostering charitable

giving, philanthropic aspirations, and leadership. CFWC is a lasting beacon of hope,

recognized by hundreds of donors and community partners to ignite positive change

through strategic initiatives, impactful grantmaking, and visionary leadership efforts.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.:

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 Eli Lilly and

Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion,

with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI):

Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana’s 29 private, nonprofit

colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a

local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have

Indiana’s highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30% of Indiana’s bachelor’s

degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.