Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 2026 – Full Tuition Indiana Scholarship

Lilly Endowment Inc. Undergraduate (Bachelor's) United States (Indiana)

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program - Full Tuition Indiana

Scholarship Description

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a prestigious, full-tuition scholarship designed to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana, increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities, and encourage the efforts of Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with state leaders to improve quality of life in Indiana.

Established by the Lilly Endowment, a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, this program aims to encourage many of Indiana's most talented students to attend one of the state's higher education institutions and ultimately pursue careers in Indiana. The scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and a book stipend for four years of undergraduate study at any public or private Indiana college or university.

Administered by the Independent Colleges of Indiana with significant participation by community foundations serving each of Indiana's 92 counties, the program awards 147 scholarships annually. Since its inception, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has invested in thousands of Indiana's brightest students, helping them achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening communities across the state.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship supports study at any public or private Indiana four-year college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Recipients must attend an eligible institution within the state of Indiana.

Scholarship Deadline

Application dates and deadlines vary by county. Each of Indiana's 92 counties has its own community foundation that administers the scholarship application process locally. Prospective applicants should contact the community foundation in their home county for specific deadlines and application procedures.

Application Deadlines: Vary by county – contact your local community foundation.

Typical Application Window: Most county applications open in the fall (September–November) with deadlines in December or January of the senior year.

Recommendation: Begin researching your local community foundation's scholarship program early in your senior year of high school.

Host Institution

Lilly Endowment Inc. – a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, J.K. Lilly Jr. and Eli Lilly. The Endowment is one of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the United States, with a focus on community development, education, and religion.

Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) – the program administrator, representing Indiana's 30-plus private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI works with community foundations across all 92 counties to manage the scholarship selection process.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree program).

Fields of study: All fields of study are eligible. The scholarship supports baccalaureate programs in any discipline offered at participating Indiana institutions. Scholars must pursue undergraduate study in a baccalaureate program on a full-time basis.

Target Group

Indiana residents who are graduating from an Indiana high school accredited by the State Board of Education or by a national or regional accreditation agency recognized by the State Board of Education. The program targets high-achieving students with demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to community engagement.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: Four years of full-time undergraduate study.

Scholarship coverage includes:

Full tuition – covers the cost of tuition at any public or private Indiana college or university
Required fees – covers mandatory fees associated with enrollment
Book stipend – provides an allowance for textbooks and course materials

The scholarship does NOT cover:

Room and board (housing and meals)
Travel expenses
Personal expenses

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Tuition: Full coverage for 4 years
Fees: Required fees covered
Books: Book stipend provided
Not covered: Room, board, travel, personal expenses

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential eligibility criteria:

Residency: Must be a resident of the state of Indiana.
High school: Must have a high school diploma from an Indiana high school accredited by the State Board of Education or by a national or regional accreditation agency recognized by the State Board of Education.
College choice: Must attend a public or private Indiana four-year college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Enrollment: Must pursue undergraduate study in a baccalaureate program on a full-time basis.
Selection criteria: Selection criteria and procedures vary by county. Contact your local community foundation for specific requirements.

Desirable qualities (selection focus):

High academic achievement
Leadership potential
Commitment to community engagement
Demonstrated service to school and community
Communication and interpersonal skills

✅ Eligible Candidates

Indiana residents.
Graduating from an accredited Indiana high school.
Plan to attend a four-year Indiana college or university.
Pursue full-time undergraduate study.
Strong academic record and leadership potential.
Commitment to community service.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

Non-Indiana residents.
Not graduating from an Indiana high school.
Plan to attend out-of-state institutions.
Seeking graduate or professional degrees.
Part-time enrollment.
Students already enrolled in college (typically for incoming freshmen only).

Application Procedure

Identify your county community foundation – The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is administered locally through the community foundation serving your home county in Indiana. Find your county's community foundation using the Indiana Community Foundations directory or by contacting the Independent Colleges of Indiana.
Contact your local community foundation – Reach out to the community foundation in your county to learn about specific application deadlines, selection criteria, and procedures. Deadlines and requirements vary by county.
Prepare required application materials – While requirements vary, typical application materials include:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts (high school grades)
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
- Extracurricular activities and leadership experience documentation
- Community service record
Submit your application – Submit the completed application to your county community foundation by the specified deadline. Most county applications open in the fall with deadlines in December or January of your senior year.
Application review and selection – Each county community foundation reviews applications using its own selection process. Local committees typically interview finalists and select county nominees.
Nomination to Lilly Endowment – Each county community foundation nominates its selected candidates to the Independent Colleges of Indiana for final confirmation and awarding of the scholarship.
Notification – Scholarship recipients are notified of their selection and receive guidance on accepting the scholarship and enrolling at their chosen Indiana college or university.

Important notes: Application dates and deadlines vary by county. Do not delay – contact your local community foundation early in your senior year. The scholarship is highly competitive, with 147 scholarships awarded annually across 92 counties.

Official Website & Application Links

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program – Official Page

Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) Contact:
Cole Richards – crichards@icindiana.org
Phone: 317-684-4297

Indiana Community Foundations Directory: Available on the Lilly Endowment website or the Independent Colleges of Indiana website.

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💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is one of the most generous and prestigious undergraduate scholarships available to Indiana students. With full tuition, required fees, and a book stipend for four years, recipients can graduate debt-free from any Indiana college or university. Beyond the financial support, the program connects scholars with a network of like-minded peers and state leaders, fostering a sense of community and commitment to Indiana's future.

Key strategies for a successful application:

Contact your county community foundation as early as possible in your senior year to learn about local deadlines and procedures.
Demonstrate strong academic achievement – competitive applicants typically have excellent grades and test scores.
Highlight your leadership and community service – the program values students who have made a positive impact in their schools and communities.
Prepare a compelling personal essay that showcases your character, goals, and commitment to Indiana.
Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or community leaders who know you well.
Practice for interviews – many county foundations conduct interviews with finalists.
Research Indiana colleges and universities – you must attend an Indiana institution to receive the scholarship.

Important reminders: The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books but does not cover room, board, or travel expenses. Recipients must pursue full-time undergraduate study at an Indiana institution. Application procedures and deadlines vary by county – there is no single statewide application. The program awards 147 scholarships annually, making it highly competitive. Start your research early and reach out to your local community foundation today.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 2026 – FAQ

What does the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition, required fees, and a book stipend for four years of undergraduate study at any Indiana college or university. It does not cover room, board, or travel expenses.

Who is eligible to apply?

Indiana residents who are graduating from an accredited Indiana high school, plan to attend a four-year Indiana college or university full-time, and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary by county. Each Indiana county has its own community foundation that sets local deadlines. Contact your county community foundation for specific dates.

How many scholarships are awarded annually?

Up to 147 scholarships are awarded annually — one from each of Indiana's 92 counties, plus additional scholarships from the Endowment.

Can I attend an out-of-state college?

No. The scholarship requires recipients to attend a public or private Indiana four-year college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Apply through the community foundation in your home county. Contact your local community foundation early in your senior year to learn about application procedures and deadlines.

What are the selection criteria?

Selection criteria vary by county but typically include academic achievement, leadership potential, community engagement, communication skills, and commitment to Indiana.