Bumgardner began his relationship with the Parke County Community Foundation in June of 1997 as a member of the Board of Directors.  He served the Community Foundation in that role until he was selected as the Foundation’s first full-time Executive Director in August of 2000.  As Executive Director, Bumgardner has overseen all the Foundation’s professional staff and worked closely with the Board of Directors to build the Parke County Community Foundation into a highly respected community model.  Since his arrival, the Foundation’s assets have grown from approximately $165,000 to over $26 Million.  This growth includes the management of over 300 charitable funds.  During Bumgardner’s tenure, the Parke County Community Foundation has distributed more than $22 Million in grants and scholarships to benefit Parke County.  Bumgardner’s dedication to the Community Foundation and the entire Parke County community has made him an admired servant of Parke County.  He has played a vital part in many community organizations and projects and has served as a mentor to many throughout the community.

Alisa Wilson, Parke County Community Foundation’s Board Chair, spoke of Bumgardner’s leadership, “Brad has been the heart, face and soul of the Parke County Community Foundation for 25 years.  Under his vision and leadership, the Foundation has thrived.  Brad’s extraordinary legacy will continue to benefit Parke County for years to come.”

Notable accomplishments and major projects of the Parke County Community Foundation during Bumgardner’s tenure as Executive Director include:  Founding member of Partnership Parke County, Ritz Theater Historic Preservation and Organizational Structure, Beachwood Park Pool renovations and improvements, renovations of the Parke County Tourist & Information Depot, Creation of Parke County Community Foundation Forever Funds, and other projects throughout the community.

While reflecting on his time and accomplishments while with the Foundation, Bumgardner stated “As I step into retirement, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support I have received from so many people throughout my journey. I have had the privilege of serving in the two best jobs in Parke County.  In my work at the church, I was blessed to build relationships, share Christ, and equip others to do the same.  I was again blessed while working alongside more than 100 dedicated board members who embraced the mission of the Community Foundation.  Because of the selfless work of these board members, donors and countless volunteers, the Foundation will be able to give over a million dollars in grants & scholarships each year, forever leaving a lasting impact on our community. Together, we helped others understand the Foundation’s role and extend its impact throughout the community. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities I have had to share my vision, collaborate with passionate individuals, and witness those visions come to life. It has been an honor to serve our community, and I look forward to seeing how these efforts continue to grow and bless others in the years ahead.”

Bumgardner is a graduate of Lincoln Christian College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  During his time at Lincoln, he played baseball and basketball and was named the 1982 Student Athlete of the Year.  On October 5, 2019, Bumgardner’s 1978-1979 basketball team, The Preachers, was inducted into the Lincoln Christian University Hall of Fame.  Bumgardner was ordained as a Minister of Christ on March 6, 1983.  He served in ministry at the Rockville Christian Church for 18 ½ years where he held the titles of Youth Minister, Associate Minister, and his final role was Senior Minister prior to joining Parke County Community Foundation.  Bumgardner became a Certified Fund Specialist in 2016 through the Institute of Business and Finance.

Bumgardner is a life-long resident of Parke County.  On August 15, 1982, he married his wife, Susan Hatfield Bumgardner.  In Parke County, they raised their 3 daughters, Katie (Scott) Small of Oxford, England, Audrey (Sean) Smith of San Saba, Texas, and Emily Bumgardner of Brooklyn, New York.  They are also blessed with six grandchildren: Elena, Bennett and Xavier Small; Asher and Jett Smith; and a granddaughter arriving in April.  When speaking of the added time he will have available in retirement, Bumgardner said “Family has always been at the heart of my journey and I’m grateful for the time ahead to focus on what matters most – cherishing moments with loved ones, making new memories, and embracing the simple joys of life.”

The Executive Committee of the Parke County Community Foundation has begun the implementation of succession planning.  The Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Bumgardner have selected PCCF staff member Colleen Engle as Interim Executive Director.  Engle will serve as Interim Executive Director throughout the transition of Bumgardner’s retirement.

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“Every year our scholarship committee members are tasked with a very difficult decision. This year in particular, the committee had quite the challenge of narrowing down our candidates. These students just keep getting better and better every year. We believe there was no wrong choice in the selection this year. Every student interviewed blew the committee away,” said Brad Bumgardner, executive director of the Community Foundation.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

“I am beyond honored to be awarded the Lilly. The Parke County Community Foundation has opened so many doors for my future and for that I am forever thankful.” said Abigale of the award.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

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“The Lilly Endowment Community Scholar applicants always impress our selection committee members, their applications and interview skills continue to be top notch,” said Brad Bumgardner, executive director of the Parke Community Foundation.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for undergraduate students studying on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

“I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am excited to continue my educational career in engineering!”, said Carson Cox (Lilly Endowment Community Scholar).

In determining Parke County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, were selected by the Parke County Scholarship Selection Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

The selection committee reviewed almost 40 applications for the Parke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar award.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

Since 1993, the Parke County Community Foundation has been connecting donors with the needs of the Parke County community. In 2022, the Foundation has made grants and scholarships of more than $1 Million.

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 their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

The post 2024 Parke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar-Carson Cox appeared first on Parke County Community Foundation.

“The Lilly Endowment Community Scholar applicants displayed discipline and academic prowess throughout the process,” said Brad Bumgardner, executive director of the Parke Community Foundation.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for undergraduate students studying on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

“As a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, I am so honored to represent my community during and after college. I have been given this amazing opportunity and now I can attend a great college to gain a valuable education. I plan to major in elementary teaching. In order to become a great teacher and provide a good education for my students, I will work hard to prepare myself in a college that is best for me,” said Josie Bodine (Lilly Endowment Community Scholar).

In determining Parke County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, were selected by the Parke County Scholarship Selection Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

The selection committee reviewed almost 50 applications for the Parke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar award.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $486 million. More than 5,000 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

Since 1993, the Parke County Community Foundation has been connecting donors with the needs of the Parke County community. In 2022, the Foundation has made grants and scholarships of more than $1 Million.

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 their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing boar

d, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

The post 2023 Parke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar appeared first on Parke County Community Foundation.

Gabriela, Parke County’s 2022 Lilly Community Scholar, is the daughter of James and Heather Campbell of Rosedale. She is a member of Riverton Parke’s Student Council, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, Academic Bowl Teams, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 4-H, and Drama Club. Gabriela currently is ranked 1st in her class.

Of the award, Campbell stated, “I’d like to thank the Parke County Community Foundation for every opportunity they’ve given me, from getting to meet other outstanding students from Parke Heritage to not having to work through life with the burden of student debt. I am so grateful for all the support from the people around me, and cannot wait to start college!”

Gabriela’s top consideration for college is Butler University. She is excited about the Engineering Dual Degree Program. In this five-year undergraduate program, she would earn two degrees: a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University along with a Biochemistry degree from Butler University.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-1999 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling in excess of $439 million. More than 5,000 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was nominated from numerous applications submitted. The Foundation utilizes a scholarship selection sub-committee comprised of individuals not associated in any other capacity with the Foundation to review applications and determine the finalists whose applications are then forwarded to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for final selection of the recipient. Independent Colleges of Indiana is a non-profit corporation that represents 29 regionally accredited degree-granting, non-profit, private colleges and universities in the state and is the statewide administrator of the scholarship program.

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Of the award, Johnson stated, “I am beyond grateful to be representing Parke County as this year’s Lilly Scholar. I hope this will give me the opportunity to focus on my studies rather than student loans. This will also open doors for my younger siblings, who will be allowed to save more money for their future endeavors! I would love to use this to give back to the community in the future as they have done so generously to me.”

In addition to tuition, the scholarship includes an annual stipend of $900 to cover the cost of required books, equipment and fees. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was nominated from numerous applications submitted. The Foundation utilizes a scholarship selection sub-committee comprised of individuals not associated in any other capacity with the Foundation. Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship are then forwarded to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for final selection. Independent Colleges of Indiana is a non-profit corporation that represents 30 regionally accredited degree-granting, non-profit, private colleges and universities in the state and is the statewide administrator of the scholarship program.

The post 2021 Parke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar- Macy Johnson appeared first on Parke County Community Foundation.

Macy is the daughter of Kendall & James Coniglio of Rockville and Edward Kent of Covington. She plans to attend Butler University to pursue a degree in English or Pre-law. She hopes to be a publication editor or a copyright lawyer upon graduation. Macy is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Academic Bowl, Interact, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Girls Golf, Track and Field, FCCLA, Concert and Pep Band, Girl Scouts, Rockville Christian Church Youth Group, and is currently the PH Class Treasurer. Macy currently is ranked 1st in her class with a 4.321 GPA.

Of the award, Kent stated, “Winning the Parke County Lilly Scholarship is now, unarguably, my greatest accomplishment. Upon being bestowed this great gift, a weight has been lifted off of not only my shoulders, but off of my parents’ as well. I am no longer plagued with worry over the financial side of my future and instead am able to revel in pure awe of what my future will amount to. I plan to make a sizable impact on the world and the Lilly Endowment Scholarship is just the thing to really get me started. I would like to thank everyone at the Parke County Community Foundation (especially the panel who conducted my interview), everyone at the Lilly Endowment, and everyone in the community who has impacted me in ways that I cannot even fathom. Thank you. A million times, thank you.”

In addition to tuition, the scholarship includes an annual stipend of $900 to cover the cost of required books, equipment and fees. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was nominated from numerous applications submitted. The Foundation utilizes a scholarship selection sub-committee comprised of individuals not associated in any other capacity with the Foundation. Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship are then forwarded to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for final selection. Independent Colleges of Indiana is a non-profit corporation that represents 30 regionally accredited degree-granting, non-profit, private colleges and universities in the state and is the statewide administrator of the scholarship program.

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