News

The Fayette Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Fayette County: Paolo Amora of Connersville High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

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).

“It is an honor and privilege to be chosen for this prestigious scholarship. I am extremely blessed and thrilled for this opportunity, which will help me in my journey to becoming a pediatrician. This could not be possible without all the people who have graciously supported me throughout the years. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”, said Paolo Amora, Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.

In nominating Fayette County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, the committee considered academic achievement, volunteering and community engagement, extracurricular activities, recommendations, special circumstances, and essay responses. After narrowing the field of applicants, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.

“The quality of applicants this year was exceptional, and our committee approached each step of the selection process with great care and thoughtfulness. It’s always inspiring to see the talent, commitment, and potential of Fayette County’s students,” said Abigail Roszell, Executive Director of the Fayette Community Foundation.

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 Fayette Community Foundation:
The Fayette Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in Fayette County through meaningful philanthropy, strategic grantmaking, and strong community partnerships. Guided by our mission to inspire a spirit of philanthropy and leadership, we connect donors, nonprofits, and local initiatives to address community needs and create lasting impact. Together, we strive to build a vibrant and thriving Fayette County for generations to come.

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.