LAGRANGE — The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded $5,775 in LIFE Grants to seven projects supporting student growth, creativity, and community connection across LaGrange County.
The following nonprofit organizations and schools have been selected as LIFE Grant recipients for the 2025-2026 LIFE Program Year:
- LaGrange County Department of Parks & Recreation, Maple Syrup Days, $2,000
- Reason 4 Hope, Bus Stops, $1,000
- Prairie Heights High School, Photography Camera Fund, $685
- Prairie Heights Elementary School, Math Through Play Centers, $500
- Prairie Heights High School, Prairie Thrifted Treasures, $500
- Topeka Elementary School, Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, $715
- Prairie Heights Elementary School, Readers Theater Title I Intervention, $375
These projects were chosen for their ability to enrich students’ academic, social, and creative development while fostering meaningful community engagement.
LIFE Grants are reviewed and recommended by high school student members of LIFE, a youth philanthropy program of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. Students represent Lakeland, Westview, Prairie Heights, and local homeschool communities. Their leadership ensures funding decisions reflect the needs and interests of young people across the county.
“LIFE Grants give our young leaders the powerful opportunity to shape their own community,” said Beth Retterbush, Scholarship and LIFE Program Manager. “Their decisions spark positive change and make a real impact on their peers.”
Grant awards typically support projects that help students grow, build connections, spark innovation, and create lasting benefits.
This year’s recipients met those goals through hands-on learning, literacy development, STEM engagement, arts enrichment, and outdoor education.
Organizations interested in applying or learning more are encouraged to contact Beth Retterbush at bretterbush@lccf.net or (260) 463-4363. The LIFE Youth Philanthropy Program follows a school-based calendar, with LIFE Grant applications reopening during the 2026–2027 school year.