If you’re an Indiana high school senior dreaming of attending college without the burden of tuition, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 2025-26 might be the golden ticket you’ve been waiting for. This prestigious opportunity offers full tuition and a generous book stipend to students attending an Indiana college or university. Here’s your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc., established in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, is one of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the U.S. Rooted in Indiana, the foundation places strong emphasis on education, community development, and religion. Through programs like the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, the organization invests in the educational and civic futures of Indiana’s youth and communities.

Lilly Endowment Scholarship 2025 Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 2025–2026
Offered By	Lilly Endowment Inc.
Administered By	Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI)
Eligibility	Indiana high school seniors
Scholarship Type	Full-tuition undergraduate scholarship
Eligible Institutions	Any Indiana-based, accredited 4-year public or private college/university
Coverage	Full tuition, required fees, and book stipend
Exclusions	Room, board, and travel expenses
Scholarships Awarded	Approximately 147 each year
Study Level	Undergraduate (bachelor’s degree only)
Application Mode	Through local community foundations
Application Deadline	Varies by county

Scholarship Benefits

• Full coverage of tuition and required fees for any 4-year accredited Indiana college or university
• Book stipend to support your academic needs
• Recognition and prestige of being named a Lilly Scholar
• Get engaged with other scholars and Indiana leaders
• No repayment required – this is not a loan
• A community foundation nomination process that supports personal development and regional engagement

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, you must:

1. Be a resident of Indiana.
2. Graduate from an Indiana high school accredited by the State Board of Education or a recognized regional agency.
3. Be planning to enroll full-time in a 4-year bachelor’s program at an Indiana-based college or university.
4. Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership, and community service.
5. Show financial need, although financial background is not the only deciding factor.
6. Apply through your local community foundation, following their deadlines and selection criteria.

Application Process

• Visit your local Indiana community foundation’s website or contact them directly.
• Carefully review the county-specific selection criteria and application deadlines.
• Prepare the required documents, which may include:

1. Academic transcripts
2. Letters of recommendation
3. Personal statement or essay
4. Record of community service and leadership

• Submit your application before the deadline specific to your county.
• Final selection will be made by the community foundation and submitted to ICI for confirmation.

For county-wise deadlines and application steps, visit the official website.

Why Choose Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship?

• It opens doors to elite Indiana institutions without the financial burden.
• It supports your entire undergraduate journey, not just the first year.
• You join a network of exceptional scholars committed to bettering Indiana.
• Offers strong community engagement and leadership development opportunities.

Comparison with Other Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Tuition Coverage	Book Stipend	Location Limitation	Room & Board	Application Deadline
Lilly Endowment Scholarship	Full	Yes	Indiana-only	No	Varies by county
Coca-Cola Scholars Program	Partial	No	National	No	October 31, 2025
Gates Scholarship	Full	Yes	U.S. (minorities)	Yes	September 15, 2025
QuestBridge National College Match	Full	Yes	Partner colleges	Yes	September 26, 2025
Burger King Scholars Program	Partial	No	U.S. & Canada	No	December 15, 2025

FAQs About Lilly Endowment Scholarship 2025

1. What does the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship cover?
   It covers full tuition, required fees, and a book stipend for four years at any Indiana-based college or university.
2. Who is eligible for the Lilly Endowment Scholarship?
   Indiana high school seniors who are residents of Indiana and planning to attend a 4-year Indiana college.
3. Can I use this scholarship for an out-of-state university?
   No, it is only available for Indiana colleges or universities.
4. Is room and board included in this scholarship?
   No, the scholarship does not cover room, board, or travel costs.
5. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
   Approximately 147 scholarships are awarded annually.
6. Do I need to demonstrate financial need?
   Yes, financial need is one of the evaluation factors, though not the only criterion.
7. How do I apply for the Lilly Scholarship?
   Through your local Indiana community foundation. Each county has different deadlines and processes.
8. Is there an interview process?
   Some community foundations may conduct interviews during their selection process.
9. Can I defer my scholarship if I take a gap year?
   No, recipients must begin full-time undergraduate study in the fall of 2025–2026.
10. What makes this scholarship competitive?
    The limited number of awards and the emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and community service make it highly competitive.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship 2025–2026 offers not just financial relief but also empowerment through recognition, network-building, and community involvement. If you’re an Indiana high school senior with a strong academic record and a desire to give back to your community, this scholarship could transform your life and career. APPLY NOW.