Southeastern IN — Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI), in collaboration with the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN) has awarded a total of $46,121.55 to 20 organizations around the state to receive the spring 2021 round of Lead Forward Community Grants (LFCG), which pair charitable organizations with a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar (or multiple scholars) in their Indiana communities.
Nonprofit organizations were eligible to apply for up to $2,500 in funding and scholars were encouraged to be part of the application process and to lead subsequent work on the projects.
The Southeastern Indiana YMCA received $2,492.00 for its Water Safety Initiative. The funds will cover the cost for 90 youth from Ripley, Franklin, and Decatur counties to participate in the water safety program. Children will learn essential water safety skills so they know what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly. The Lilly Scholar partner for the project is Eric Benz, who was the Ripley County Lilly Scholar in 2001, and currently serves as the president of the Southeastern Indiana YMCA Board of Directors.
“We are very excited to receive the Lead Forward Grant for our water safety initiative at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA,” said Benz. “Water safety awareness and the ability to swim are essential life-saving skills that are crucial in preventing accidents among children. Thanks to the Lead Forward Grant, this program will provide a great opportunity for water safety instruction to the youth in our community.”
LSN will collaborate with ICI to offer this grant opportunity again in Fall 2021. For more information and updates on the LSN Lead Forward Community Grants program, visit
www.lillyscholars.org/leadforward.
