Over $122,000 Awarded to 31 Local Organizations Serving Pike County

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Apply Today: 2026 Community Scholarships Available for Southwest Indiana Students

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21 Students Awarded More Than $39,000 in Scholarships from the Pike County Community Foundation

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Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: Comprehensive Report Outlines Strategic Demand, New Market Openings in Southern Indiana Region

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$5 Million Grant to Fund the Buffalo Trace Trail Project

Connecting Pike County Residents to History and Wellness

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Pike County

Community Foundation


The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Pike County, Indiana today and for generations to come.


The Community Foundation can help you...

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/*DAVIESS*/ /*KNOX*/ /*PERRY*/ /*SPENCER*/ /*VANDER*/ /*PIKE*/ PIKE /*GIBSON*/ /*POSEY*/ /*WARRICK*/

Greater Good Together

The Pike County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowment and improve wellbeing in our local communities. Learn more!

Make a Difference Where it Matters

The Community Foundation exists to help caring people like you give back to the causes and community you care about most. We make giving easy and effective. You can give cash, stocks, property, bequests and other assets. You may establish a charitable fund in your name or in the name of a loved one. You can focus your gift on the causes that move you: enrich education, safeguard health, improve neighborhoods, cultivate arts, protect environment, strengthen families.

Invest in the Future of the Community You Love

You can make a gift that lasts forever and establishes your legacy of giving. The Community Foundation offers the power of endowment, where a portion of your fund is invested so that it can grow over time. Earnings from this investment are used to make grants that benefit this community forever. Your gift creates a lasting stream of funding available for community good.

Create Greater Good Together

Powered by generous donors, local leaders, and steadfast partners, the Community Foundation builds on the collective strength of this county to make life better here. We multiply the impact of each individual gift by investing them together for maximum return and impact. We invite everyone to join us in building a strong community.

Make a Difference Where it Matters

The Community Foundation exists to help caring people like you give back to the causes and community you care about most. We make giving easy and effective. You can give cash, stocks, property, bequests and other assets. You may establish a charitable fund in your name or in the name of a loved one. You can focus your gift on the causes that move you: enrich education, safeguard health, improve neighborhoods, cultivate arts, protect environment, strengthen families.

Invest in the Future of the Community You Love

You can make a gift that lasts forever and establishes your legacy of giving. The Community Foundation offers the power of endowment, where a portion of your fund is invested so that it can grow over time. Earnings from this investment are used to make grants that benefit this community forever. Your gift creates a lasting stream of funding available for community good.

Create Greater Good Together

Powered by generous donors, local leaders, and steadfast partners, the Community Foundation builds on the collective strength of this county to make life better here. We multiply the impact of each individual gift by investing them together for maximum return and impact. We invite everyone to join us in building a strong community.

By the Numbers

Financially audited and compiled data from our most recent fiscal year.

For a full report, review our FY21 At A Glance.

Grants

$114K

Total grants awarded to nonprofits through our annual grant cycles and distribution

Scholarships

$276K

Total scholarships awarded to students through our annual scholarship programs

Gifts

$99K

Total gifts received from caring donors to support the causes and community they care about most

Assets

$5.5M

Total assets providing a sustainable charitable resource for our community

By the Numbers

Financially audited and compiled data from our most recent fiscal year.

For a full report, review our FY22 At A Glance.

Grants

$114K

Total grants awarded to nonprofits through our annual grant cycles and distribution

Scholarships

$276K

Total scholarships awarded to students through our annual scholarship programs

Gifts

$99K

Total gifts received from caring donors to support the causes and community they care about most

Assets

$5.5M

Total assets providing a sustainable charitable resource for our community

By Eve Baughman December 11, 2025
The Pike County Community Foundation announced that more than $122,000 has been awarded to 31 local nonprofits through its Community Good Grants Program. These grants support projects that strengthen the Pike County community and improve the quality of life for local residents. “At its heart, the Community Foundation is here to build a stronger future for Pike County,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “When our donors invest through the Foundation, they’re helping local organizations tackle real issues and create lasting impact.” 2025 Community Good Grant Recipients $2,000 to Bread of Life Ministry, Inc. for assisting with the cost of bringing semi-loads of donated food products to Pike County to be distributed among the food pantries and partnering agencies $1,000 to Commission to End Drug Abuse in Pike County for assisting with the purchase of essential reading material for recovery meeting participants $200 to Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra for assisting with a portion of the expense for Pike County third through fifth graders to attend the Helen M McKinney Young People’s Concert $4,050 to Generations for supporting the Meals on Wheels Program for eligible Pike County residents $3,000 to Holly’s House, Inc. for providing support for the direct costs of program materials for the prevention program in Pike County Elementary Schools $7,600 to Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department for purchasing two sets of turnout gear $4,279 to Pike Central Charger Band Boosters for purchasing snare and tenor drums and the protective covers and accessories needed to store them properly $300 to Pike Central Charger Band Boosters for purchasing the straps and bungy cords needed to pack and transport the instruments safely in the new trailers for competition $700 to Pike Central Chargers Band Boosters for purchasing a sub-woofer for the band program $8,315.80 to Pike County EMA for purchasing an Inmar 12.6-foot rapid deployment boat and a 25hp motor with attachments to assist in water rescues $2,558 to Pike County Emergency Medical Services for purchasing two motorized stair chairs $4,000 to Pike County CASA, Inc. for purchasing shoes for the children in the CASA program $10,000 to Pike County Christian Assistance for purchasing healthy food items to be added to monthly food boxes distributed to Pike County residents $3,500 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing two 3D printers for Charger Enterprises High School program that will provide hands-on educational opportunities for students $7,650 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing additional pieces of equipment to expand the access and efficiency of the Pike Central High School weight room $300 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing books for novel studies in the Petersburg Elementary classrooms so each student will have a book to use and follow along $1,540 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing starting blocks and batons for the Pike Central track and field teams $2,280 to Pike County School Corporation for assisting with the purchase of a Childcraft Multi-purpose Play Table with Building Block top, Carolina Kitchen Unit, and Magnetic LED STEM Center for Winslow Elementary Pre-K $3,500 to Pike County School Corporation for assisting with the purchase and installation of the new playground structure for the Winslow Elementary Pre-K students $4,000 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing high-interest, diverse, and curriculum-supportive books for the Pike Central Middle School Library $2,106.96 to The Arc of Southwest Indiana for purchasing four portable air conditioning/heating units to be used in their residential housing $10,000 to Otwell Progress Committee, Inc. for assisting with the purchase and installation of an emergency outdoor public address system for the grounds $334.98 to Petersburg Elementary School PTO for purchasing sunshades for the Kindergarten Playground $1,147.57 to Petersburg Little League for purchasing sunshades for the back of the dugouts and netting and attachment supplies to increase safety between fields one and two $13,500 to Petersburg Police Department for assisting with the purchase of six ballistic vests for the officers on the department $875 to Senior and Family Services, Inc. for assisting with the purchase of chairs for the Petersburg Center and a new refrigerator for the Winslow Center $2,000 to Tri-State Food Bank for purchasing 100 pre-packed family food boxes to be distributed to families in need in Pike County $10,000 to Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. for assisting with the cost of blight removal and site preparation for the Pike County Affordable Housing program $1,719.90 to Winslow Park and Recreation Board for assisting with the purchase of a large score keeper, solar lighting on two posts, and a cedar split rail fence for the pickleball courts $10,000 to Winslow Community Events Center for purchasing tables, chairs, and a TV for the banquet room $366 to Winslow Elementary PTO for assisting with the purchase of a new wall-mounted control panel and microphone system to upgrade the failing sound system The Community Good Grants Program is just one of the powerful ways the Foundation connects local generosity to real community needs. Grants are funded through endowments established by donors who are deeply committed to the future of Pike County. Why This Matters The Pike County Community Foundation is more than a grantmaker. It’s a trusted local partner, connecting people who want to make a difference with the causes and organizations that make our community thrive. Each gift is invested for long-term growth, creating a permanent resource for local needs both now and for generations to come. To learn more about how you can give back or create your own fund, contact Savannah Linenburg at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org or 812.254.9355.
By Eve Baughman December 1, 2025
The Community Foundation Alliance is proud to announce that applications are now open for its Community Scholarship Program, offering hundreds of opportunities for students across Southwest Indiana and in select areas of Illinois and Kentucky. These scholarships, made possible by generous local donors, provide financial support for students pursuing college, university, technical programs, or other post-secondary education paths. “Our scholarships reflect the belief that investing in students is investing in the future of our communities,” said Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer of the Community Foundation Alliance. “We want every eligible student in Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky to have access to these opportunities and feel confident applying.” Scholarship Program Highlights Wide Range of Awards: Hundreds of scholarships for graduating seniors and high school graduates across Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky. Simple Application Process: Scholarships can be completed through our online Community Scholarships Common Application. Select special scholarship opportunities can be found on each community’s website. Deadline: Applications are open today and close on January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. How to Apply Visit communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships. Review the 2026 Scholarship Guidebook. Find your community and click through to its website. Review all available scholarship opportunities and their eligibility criteria for your community. Complete the 2025–2026 Community Scholarships Common Application. Receive your automatic matches to scholarships you qualify for. Submit all required materials, including essays and recommendation letters, by January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Start your application early! All supplemental materials must be submitted by the deadline, so build in plenty of time for each step. Give your references time to complete their recommendations, allow yourself enough time to write thoughtful essays, and request your transcripts early so your Guidance Counselor has time to process them. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please contact the staff member in your community. Kentucky & Illinois Michele Gates, Program Assistant mgates@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.429.1191 Daviess County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.254.9354 Gibson County Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.386.8082 Knox County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.886.0093 Perry County Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.547.3176 Pike County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.890.4469 Posey County Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.838.0288 Spencer County Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.649.5724 Vanderburgh County Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.422.1245 Warrick County Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.897.2030
By Eve Baughman July 1, 2025
The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Pike County through the Pike County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Pike County. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the costs 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. The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Pike County through the Pike County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, is open to all Indiana residents who: graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2026 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2026; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; and meet the criteria specific to Pike County Community Foundation. Visit pikecountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Pike County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Pike County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Pike County Community Foundation website. Applications must be completed and submitted by August 25, 2025, to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: class rank, grade transcripts, financial need, school activities, honors and awards, work history, statement of goals, letters of recommendation, and community and volunteer activities. Three finalists will be nominated by the Pike County Community Foundation, and their names will be submitted to ICI for final selection of the recipients. Scholarship recipients will be notified in December. Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million. More than 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of LECSP 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. Pike County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Pike County. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program offers an amazing opportunity for students to pursue higher education with financial support, enabling them to achieve their career goals,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact.

Recent News

By Eve Baughman December 11, 2025
The Pike County Community Foundation announced that more than $122,000 has been awarded to 31 local nonprofits through its Community Good Grants Program. These grants support projects that strengthen the Pike County community and improve the quality of life for local residents. “At its heart, the Community Foundation is here to build a stronger future for Pike County,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “When our donors invest through the Foundation, they’re helping local organizations tackle real issues and create lasting impact.” 2025 Community Good Grant Recipients $2,000 to Bread of Life Ministry, Inc. for assisting with the cost of bringing semi-loads of donated food products to Pike County to be distributed among the food pantries and partnering agencies $1,000 to Commission to End Drug Abuse in Pike County for assisting with the purchase of essential reading material for recovery meeting participants $200 to Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra for assisting with a portion of the expense for Pike County third through fifth graders to attend the Helen M McKinney Young People’s Concert $4,050 to Generations for supporting the Meals on Wheels Program for eligible Pike County residents $3,000 to Holly’s House, Inc. for providing support for the direct costs of program materials for the prevention program in Pike County Elementary Schools $7,600 to Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department for purchasing two sets of turnout gear $4,279 to Pike Central Charger Band Boosters for purchasing snare and tenor drums and the protective covers and accessories needed to store them properly $300 to Pike Central Charger Band Boosters for purchasing the straps and bungy cords needed to pack and transport the instruments safely in the new trailers for competition $700 to Pike Central Chargers Band Boosters for purchasing a sub-woofer for the band program $8,315.80 to Pike County EMA for purchasing an Inmar 12.6-foot rapid deployment boat and a 25hp motor with attachments to assist in water rescues $2,558 to Pike County Emergency Medical Services for purchasing two motorized stair chairs $4,000 to Pike County CASA, Inc. for purchasing shoes for the children in the CASA program $10,000 to Pike County Christian Assistance for purchasing healthy food items to be added to monthly food boxes distributed to Pike County residents $3,500 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing two 3D printers for Charger Enterprises High School program that will provide hands-on educational opportunities for students $7,650 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing additional pieces of equipment to expand the access and efficiency of the Pike Central High School weight room $300 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing books for novel studies in the Petersburg Elementary classrooms so each student will have a book to use and follow along $1,540 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing starting blocks and batons for the Pike Central track and field teams $2,280 to Pike County School Corporation for assisting with the purchase of a Childcraft Multi-purpose Play Table with Building Block top, Carolina Kitchen Unit, and Magnetic LED STEM Center for Winslow Elementary Pre-K $3,500 to Pike County School Corporation for assisting with the purchase and installation of the new playground structure for the Winslow Elementary Pre-K students $4,000 to Pike County School Corporation for purchasing high-interest, diverse, and curriculum-supportive books for the Pike Central Middle School Library $2,106.96 to The Arc of Southwest Indiana for purchasing four portable air conditioning/heating units to be used in their residential housing $10,000 to Otwell Progress Committee, Inc. for assisting with the purchase and installation of an emergency outdoor public address system for the grounds $334.98 to Petersburg Elementary School PTO for purchasing sunshades for the Kindergarten Playground $1,147.57 to Petersburg Little League for purchasing sunshades for the back of the dugouts and netting and attachment supplies to increase safety between fields one and two $13,500 to Petersburg Police Department for assisting with the purchase of six ballistic vests for the officers on the department $875 to Senior and Family Services, Inc. for assisting with the purchase of chairs for the Petersburg Center and a new refrigerator for the Winslow Center $2,000 to Tri-State Food Bank for purchasing 100 pre-packed family food boxes to be distributed to families in need in Pike County $10,000 to Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. for assisting with the cost of blight removal and site preparation for the Pike County Affordable Housing program $1,719.90 to Winslow Park and Recreation Board for assisting with the purchase of a large score keeper, solar lighting on two posts, and a cedar split rail fence for the pickleball courts $10,000 to Winslow Community Events Center for purchasing tables, chairs, and a TV for the banquet room $366 to Winslow Elementary PTO for assisting with the purchase of a new wall-mounted control panel and microphone system to upgrade the failing sound system The Community Good Grants Program is just one of the powerful ways the Foundation connects local generosity to real community needs. Grants are funded through endowments established by donors who are deeply committed to the future of Pike County. Why This Matters The Pike County Community Foundation is more than a grantmaker. It’s a trusted local partner, connecting people who want to make a difference with the causes and organizations that make our community thrive. Each gift is invested for long-term growth, creating a permanent resource for local needs both now and for generations to come. To learn more about how you can give back or create your own fund, contact Savannah Linenburg at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org or 812.254.9355.
By Eve Baughman December 1, 2025
The Community Foundation Alliance is proud to announce that applications are now open for its Community Scholarship Program, offering hundreds of opportunities for students across Southwest Indiana and in select areas of Illinois and Kentucky. These scholarships, made possible by generous local donors, provide financial support for students pursuing college, university, technical programs, or other post-secondary education paths. “Our scholarships reflect the belief that investing in students is investing in the future of our communities,” said Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer of the Community Foundation Alliance. “We want every eligible student in Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky to have access to these opportunities and feel confident applying.” Scholarship Program Highlights Wide Range of Awards: Hundreds of scholarships for graduating seniors and high school graduates across Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky. Simple Application Process: Scholarships can be completed through our online Community Scholarships Common Application. Select special scholarship opportunities can be found on each community’s website. Deadline: Applications are open today and close on January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. How to Apply Visit communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships. Review the 2026 Scholarship Guidebook. Find your community and click through to its website. Review all available scholarship opportunities and their eligibility criteria for your community. Complete the 2025–2026 Community Scholarships Common Application. Receive your automatic matches to scholarships you qualify for. Submit all required materials, including essays and recommendation letters, by January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Start your application early! All supplemental materials must be submitted by the deadline, so build in plenty of time for each step. Give your references time to complete their recommendations, allow yourself enough time to write thoughtful essays, and request your transcripts early so your Guidance Counselor has time to process them. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please contact the staff member in your community. Kentucky & Illinois Michele Gates, Program Assistant mgates@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.429.1191 Daviess County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.254.9354 Gibson County Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.386.8082 Knox County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.886.0093 Perry County Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.547.3176 Pike County Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.890.4469 Posey County Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.838.0288 Spencer County Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.649.5724 Vanderburgh County Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.422.1245 Warrick County Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.897.2030
By Eve Baughman July 1, 2025
The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Pike County through the Pike County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Pike County. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the costs 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. The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Pike County through the Pike County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, is open to all Indiana residents who: graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2026 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2026; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; and meet the criteria specific to Pike County Community Foundation. Visit pikecountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding the Pike County application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Pike County and apply for this scholarship by visiting the Pike County Community Foundation website. Applications must be completed and submitted by August 25, 2025, to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: class rank, grade transcripts, financial need, school activities, honors and awards, work history, statement of goals, letters of recommendation, and community and volunteer activities. Three finalists will be nominated by the Pike County Community Foundation, and their names will be submitted to ICI for final selection of the recipients. Scholarship recipients will be notified in December. Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million. More than 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of LECSP 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. Pike County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 29th year in Pike County. “The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program offers an amazing opportunity for students to pursue higher education with financial support, enabling them to achieve their career goals,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact.
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