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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2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program Recipient

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Creating GREATER GOOD Together

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More Than $96,000 Awarded to Nonprofits Serving Pike County

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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...

Map Integration
/*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

February 28, 2025
A broad spectrum of diverse demand for a wide variety of professionals and professional services exists in southern Indiana, representing an array of actionable growth opportunities and potential market development. These opportunities were recently strategically documented in a comprehensive report funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. The planning report, conducted in partnership with the Indiana First READI region, profiles and pinpoints specific growth opportunities for entrepreneurs in several categories, according to Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance here. “Based on direct primary research conducted across multiple counties, the Indiana First Quality of Life Economic Impact Analysis report reveals market potential and entrepreneurial gaps on a county-by-county basis, demonstrating areas of real demand,” said Carpenter. “A careful review of key areas can yield some significant potential market growth for the right companies, professionals, and entrepreneurs.” The economic development executives in the First Indiana region noted that they intend to mine the report to determine opportunities for scalable market growth and talent attraction. The report offers an analysis of the potential economic impact for addressing and improving defined issues throughout the region. “This report can be a workbook for professionals looking to expand, relocate, or start up a business in multiple categories,” said Chris Pfaff, CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development. “It provides actionable data on what services and capacity presently exist within our counties and region, and what services residents travel outside of the county or region to buy or obtain.” “Those gaps represent a definable opportunity to be evaluated and captured,” he added. “It can serve as a talent attractor and entrepreneurial opportunity of the first order for our region.” The information is expected to help the region enhance its state and local investments from the READI program and other private investment opportunities. “In order to get feedback from each county, key stakeholders were invited to participate in community conversations regarding essential services in their county in addition to a public survey facilitated by consultants,” said Julie Moorman, President and CEO of the Harrison County Community Foundation. “We are appreciative of the input from community stakeholders in helping identify gaps in essential services and sharing their input of quality-of-life amenities in their communities.” The 191-page report, assembled by TPMA (Thomas P. Miller and Associates), includes significant data analysis and identified specific opportunities to enhance the quality of life in five southern Indiana counties, sketching out gaps that can be filled through initiative planning and growth, infrastructure investments, and elevation of talent opportunities. Actionable potential engagement highlights for growth range from healthcare and essential services to entertainment and dining, as well as professional and technical services. "The report confirms what we’ve heard anecdotally for years—many Perry County residents travel outside the county for veterinary services," said Erin Emerson, President and CEO of the Perry County Development Corporation. "Now, by pairing local insight with concrete data, we can make an even stronger case that additional veterinary services could thrive here - this is just one of many opportunities highlighted in the analysis that align with the needs of our community." The full report, which analyzes needs, assets, and potential advantages of Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, and Spencer counties, is available on the Southwest Indiana Development Council website in the Indiana First section: https://swidc.org/indiana-first/ The full report profiles current inventory of essential services and quality of life amenities for each county and includes recommendations for addressing growth needs. The research and planning report and related activities were funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. Community Foundations in Pike, Perry, Knox, Spencer and Harrison counties served as partners for the planning and development of the comprehensive report. About the Community Foundation Alliance Community Foundation Alliance is comprised of affiliate Community Foundations serving nine counties throughout southwestern Indiana in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Through the establishment of endowed funds created by caring donors to benefit community causes, the Alliance works to improve the quality of life in affiliate counties by providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, please visit https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/ About the Harrison County Community Foundation Harrison County Community Foundation was founded in 1996 by the Harrison County Commissioners, with an initial donation from Caesars Southern Indiana. HCCF’s mission is to inspire and assist everyone in experiencing philanthropy, producing positive and sustainable growth in Harrison County. To date, HCCF has awarded over $133 million in grants, scholarships, and other support to Harrison County nonprofits, entities, and award recipients. The Foundation serves in a community leadership role to help grow Harrison County into the best place to live, work, and raise a family. For more information, please visit https://hccfindiana.org/ About Indiana First Representing the Indiana counties of: Harrison, Knox, Pike, Perry, and Spencer, the region was awarded $15 million from the state’s READI program, intended to accelerate projects that will enhance the area’s quality of life, and increase competitiveness for economic growth. For more information, please visit https://swidc.org/indiana-first/
By Eve Baughman January 14, 2025
Community Foundation Alliance, in conjunction with Pike County Community Foundation, has received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the competitive Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative. This is one of 30 implementation grants awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties, and regions they serve.  With the grant, Pike County Community Foundation, an affiliate foundation of the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc. will collaborate with the City of Petersburg, Pike County Commissioners, and Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. on the Buffalo Trace Trail project. The Buffalo Trace Trail project presents an opportunity to create a vibrant gateway and connect residents with the rich history of Pike County. This 2.5-mile trail connects to the 5-mile fitness path in Petersburg, extending safe walking paths and community accessibility. The project will also include public art welcoming the community and highlighting cultural and recreational features along the path. Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement will lead the development of public art installations, incorporating community input to create meaningful and culturally resonant pieces. Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance, said, “Ultimately, the Buffalo Trace Trail project is a vital step in creating a more thriving, connected, and attractive community in Petersburg and Pike County, contributing to the area's growth and positioning it as a desirable place to live for current and future residents.” The project’s timeline spans three years, with trail construction, public art development, and blight removal occurring at the same time. This initiative aims to reshape the community through collaboration, community engagement, and thoughtful development. The art installations along the trail will serve as a tribute to the region’s rich history, creating a vibrant atmosphere that fosters pride among residents, workers, and visitors alike. The goal is to build a welcoming, family-friendly environment that promotes health, wellness, and connection. Blight removal will play a pivotal role in transforming Petersburg, attracting new families to the area who will enjoy the benefits of the Buffalo Trace Trail. As the community grows, both the population and the assessed property values in Petersburg and Pike County are expected to rise. This influx of residents will help revitalize the area, enhancing the community and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The completed trail will become a central amenity, offering safe access to key community resources, such as Somebody’s Place food and clothing bank, the American Legion Little League Park, The Zone Fitness Center, Amber Manor Care Center, and Deaconess Health Clinic. Quality of life improvements have been a central focus for Petersburg and Pike County community leaders over the past decade. With strong local collaboration, the Buffalo Trace Trail will be a lasting asset for Pike County, boosting the area's appeal, sense of community, and quality of life. In 1990, Lilly Endowment launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative to help establish and further develop community foundations throughout Indiana. Lilly Endowment hoped that Indiana’s community foundations could enhance the quality of life in their communities by convening conversations among people of diverse ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, occupations, races, and cultural traditions about their communities’ most compelling needs and opportunities, as well as the best ways to address them.
By Eve Baughman December 19, 2024
The Pike County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Pike County – Tyler DeCoursey, Pike Central High School . Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “The Pike County Community Foundation was impressed with the level of applicants from Pike Central High School,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “The students all demonstrated a drive for educational success and will be excellent ambassadors for Pike County in their future endeavors.” 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 incredibly grateful for the opportunities presented through the Lilly Endowment,” said Tyler DeCoursey, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “Because of this, my educational experience will be tremendously aided.” In determining Pike County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to class rank, grade transcripts, financial need, school activities, honors and awards, work history, statement of goals, letters of recommendation, community/volunteer activities, and finalist interview, all evaluated by the LECSP Nominating 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. 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.

Recent News

February 28, 2025
A broad spectrum of diverse demand for a wide variety of professionals and professional services exists in southern Indiana, representing an array of actionable growth opportunities and potential market development. These opportunities were recently strategically documented in a comprehensive report funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. The planning report, conducted in partnership with the Indiana First READI region, profiles and pinpoints specific growth opportunities for entrepreneurs in several categories, according to Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance here. “Based on direct primary research conducted across multiple counties, the Indiana First Quality of Life Economic Impact Analysis report reveals market potential and entrepreneurial gaps on a county-by-county basis, demonstrating areas of real demand,” said Carpenter. “A careful review of key areas can yield some significant potential market growth for the right companies, professionals, and entrepreneurs.” The economic development executives in the First Indiana region noted that they intend to mine the report to determine opportunities for scalable market growth and talent attraction. The report offers an analysis of the potential economic impact for addressing and improving defined issues throughout the region. “This report can be a workbook for professionals looking to expand, relocate, or start up a business in multiple categories,” said Chris Pfaff, CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development. “It provides actionable data on what services and capacity presently exist within our counties and region, and what services residents travel outside of the county or region to buy or obtain.” “Those gaps represent a definable opportunity to be evaluated and captured,” he added. “It can serve as a talent attractor and entrepreneurial opportunity of the first order for our region.” The information is expected to help the region enhance its state and local investments from the READI program and other private investment opportunities. “In order to get feedback from each county, key stakeholders were invited to participate in community conversations regarding essential services in their county in addition to a public survey facilitated by consultants,” said Julie Moorman, President and CEO of the Harrison County Community Foundation. “We are appreciative of the input from community stakeholders in helping identify gaps in essential services and sharing their input of quality-of-life amenities in their communities.” The 191-page report, assembled by TPMA (Thomas P. Miller and Associates), includes significant data analysis and identified specific opportunities to enhance the quality of life in five southern Indiana counties, sketching out gaps that can be filled through initiative planning and growth, infrastructure investments, and elevation of talent opportunities. Actionable potential engagement highlights for growth range from healthcare and essential services to entertainment and dining, as well as professional and technical services. "The report confirms what we’ve heard anecdotally for years—many Perry County residents travel outside the county for veterinary services," said Erin Emerson, President and CEO of the Perry County Development Corporation. "Now, by pairing local insight with concrete data, we can make an even stronger case that additional veterinary services could thrive here - this is just one of many opportunities highlighted in the analysis that align with the needs of our community." The full report, which analyzes needs, assets, and potential advantages of Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, and Spencer counties, is available on the Southwest Indiana Development Council website in the Indiana First section: https://swidc.org/indiana-first/ The full report profiles current inventory of essential services and quality of life amenities for each county and includes recommendations for addressing growth needs. The research and planning report and related activities were funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. Community Foundations in Pike, Perry, Knox, Spencer and Harrison counties served as partners for the planning and development of the comprehensive report. About the Community Foundation Alliance Community Foundation Alliance is comprised of affiliate Community Foundations serving nine counties throughout southwestern Indiana in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Through the establishment of endowed funds created by caring donors to benefit community causes, the Alliance works to improve the quality of life in affiliate counties by providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, please visit https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/ About the Harrison County Community Foundation Harrison County Community Foundation was founded in 1996 by the Harrison County Commissioners, with an initial donation from Caesars Southern Indiana. HCCF’s mission is to inspire and assist everyone in experiencing philanthropy, producing positive and sustainable growth in Harrison County. To date, HCCF has awarded over $133 million in grants, scholarships, and other support to Harrison County nonprofits, entities, and award recipients. The Foundation serves in a community leadership role to help grow Harrison County into the best place to live, work, and raise a family. For more information, please visit https://hccfindiana.org/ About Indiana First Representing the Indiana counties of: Harrison, Knox, Pike, Perry, and Spencer, the region was awarded $15 million from the state’s READI program, intended to accelerate projects that will enhance the area’s quality of life, and increase competitiveness for economic growth. For more information, please visit https://swidc.org/indiana-first/
By Eve Baughman January 14, 2025
Community Foundation Alliance, in conjunction with Pike County Community Foundation, has received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the competitive Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative. This is one of 30 implementation grants awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties, and regions they serve.  With the grant, Pike County Community Foundation, an affiliate foundation of the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc. will collaborate with the City of Petersburg, Pike County Commissioners, and Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. on the Buffalo Trace Trail project. The Buffalo Trace Trail project presents an opportunity to create a vibrant gateway and connect residents with the rich history of Pike County. This 2.5-mile trail connects to the 5-mile fitness path in Petersburg, extending safe walking paths and community accessibility. The project will also include public art welcoming the community and highlighting cultural and recreational features along the path. Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement will lead the development of public art installations, incorporating community input to create meaningful and culturally resonant pieces. Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance, said, “Ultimately, the Buffalo Trace Trail project is a vital step in creating a more thriving, connected, and attractive community in Petersburg and Pike County, contributing to the area's growth and positioning it as a desirable place to live for current and future residents.” The project’s timeline spans three years, with trail construction, public art development, and blight removal occurring at the same time. This initiative aims to reshape the community through collaboration, community engagement, and thoughtful development. The art installations along the trail will serve as a tribute to the region’s rich history, creating a vibrant atmosphere that fosters pride among residents, workers, and visitors alike. The goal is to build a welcoming, family-friendly environment that promotes health, wellness, and connection. Blight removal will play a pivotal role in transforming Petersburg, attracting new families to the area who will enjoy the benefits of the Buffalo Trace Trail. As the community grows, both the population and the assessed property values in Petersburg and Pike County are expected to rise. This influx of residents will help revitalize the area, enhancing the community and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The completed trail will become a central amenity, offering safe access to key community resources, such as Somebody’s Place food and clothing bank, the American Legion Little League Park, The Zone Fitness Center, Amber Manor Care Center, and Deaconess Health Clinic. Quality of life improvements have been a central focus for Petersburg and Pike County community leaders over the past decade. With strong local collaboration, the Buffalo Trace Trail will be a lasting asset for Pike County, boosting the area's appeal, sense of community, and quality of life. In 1990, Lilly Endowment launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative to help establish and further develop community foundations throughout Indiana. Lilly Endowment hoped that Indiana’s community foundations could enhance the quality of life in their communities by convening conversations among people of diverse ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, occupations, races, and cultural traditions about their communities’ most compelling needs and opportunities, as well as the best ways to address them.
By Eve Baughman December 19, 2024
The Pike County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Pike County – Tyler DeCoursey, Pike Central High School . Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “The Pike County Community Foundation was impressed with the level of applicants from Pike Central High School,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “The students all demonstrated a drive for educational success and will be excellent ambassadors for Pike County in their future endeavors.” 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 incredibly grateful for the opportunities presented through the Lilly Endowment,” said Tyler DeCoursey, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “Because of this, my educational experience will be tremendously aided.” In determining Pike County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to class rank, grade transcripts, financial need, school activities, honors and awards, work history, statement of goals, letters of recommendation, community/volunteer activities, and finalist interview, all evaluated by the LECSP Nominating 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. 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.
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