24 Jun Community Foundation Awards Nearly Half a Million Dollars in Scholarships to Local Students
Grant County, Indiana — The Community Foundation of Grant County awarded $474,617 in scholarships to 104 students through its 2026 Universal Scholarship Program, helping local students take the next step toward their educational and career goals.
A total of 196 scholarships were awarded to students enrolling in colleges, universities, and career training programs this fall. The scholarships were made possible through more than 100 donor-established scholarship funds created by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations committed to investing in the future of Grant County.
This year’s scholarship recipients represent students from across Grant County who plan to pursue a wide variety of academic and career pathways. The Community Foundation’s Universal Scholarship Application allows students to complete a single application and be considered for dozens of scholarship opportunities, simplifying the process and increasing access to available funding.
The 2026 scholarship program received 249 completed applications, resulting in the award of 196 scholarships to 104 students. The average scholarship award totaled approximately $4,500 per student, helping recipients offset the rising costs of higher education and career training.
“Behind every scholarship is a donor who believed in the power of education and wanted to help the next generation succeed,” said Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Grant County. “These awards represent more than financial assistance. They are a vote of confidence, an investment in potential, and a reminder that our community believes in these students and their future.”
Since its founding in 1984, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $9.17M in scholarships, making higher education more accessible for thousands of students throughout Grant County.
“Many of our scholarship funds were established by donors who wanted to create opportunities that would last far beyond their own lifetime,” Brown said. “Every scholarship awarded this year reflects a legacy of generosity and a belief that education can change lives. It’s inspiring to see those gifts continue opening doors for students year after year.”
The Community Foundation’s scholarship program continues to grow through the generosity of donors who establish endowed scholarship funds to support future generations of Grant County students.
While nearly half a million dollars was awarded this year, scholarship funding remains highly competitive. The number of qualified applicants continues to exceed available funding, making donor-supported scholarship funds more important than ever. Students are encouraged to apply every year of their college career, even if they are not selected for an award in a previous year. Eligibility requirements vary among scholarship funds, and students often qualify for different opportunities as they progress through their educational journey.
Over the coming weeks, the Community Foundation will spotlight scholarship recipients, donor-funded scholarship opportunities, and student success stories on its Facebook and Instagram pages Community members are encouraged to follow along and help celebrate the accomplishments of the students whose educational journeys are being supported through the generosity of local donors.
Students interested in future scholarship opportunities can learn more by visiting GiveToGrant.org.
About the Community Foundation of Grant County
The Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana, Inc. is an advocate for local philanthropy and is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Grant County area. An effective steward of the community’s charitable resources since 1984, the Foundation partners with donors to establish charitable funds and invests in nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through a variety of grantmaking efforts. The Community Foundation connects people, resources, and causes to promote sustainable impact for the betterment of Grant County. Currently the Community Foundation holds over 400 charitable funds that support a variety of charities and charitable causes in Grant County. For more information, please visit GiveToGrant.org.
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