Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize

About the
Robert H. McKinney
Legacy Prize

Cross-Sector Collaboration to Invigorate Rural Communities

The McKinney Family Foundation is proud to announce the Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize award opportunity, designed to bring together neighbors and organizations to enhance Indiana's rural communities. This $250,000 award recognizes partnerships in rural Indiana that are working together to strengthen their communities. These partnerships may take many forms, including agriculture, health, local industry, civic involvement, and more; no single focus area is required.

Please view the detailed scope linked below for more information about the prize objectives.

Cross-Sector Collaboration to Invigorate Rural Communities

Please view the detailed scope linked below for more information about the prize objectives.

Cross-Sector Collaboration to Invigorate Rural Communities

The McKinney Family Foundation is excited to announce the Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize award opportunity, designed to bring together neighbors and organizations to enhance Indiana's rural communities. This $250,000 award recognizes partnerships in rural Indiana that are working together to strengthen their communities. These partnerships may take many forms, including agriculture, health, local industry, civic involvement, and more; no single focus area is required

Please view the detailed scope linked below for more information about the prize objectives

Apply

Legacy Prize
Scope & FAQ

Download

Timeline

MAY

Application Launches

An opportunity designed to bring together neighbors and organizations to enhance Indiana’s rural communities. This award recognizes partnerships in rural Indiana that are working together to strengthen their communities.

Application Launches

JULY

Application Deadline

Applications are due by July 31st, 2026.

Application Deadline

Applications are due by July 31st, 2026.

Application Deadline

Applications are due by July 31st, 2026.

AUGUST

Finalists Selected

The McKinney Family Foundation will review applications and invite finalists to present to a panel that will consist of McKinney Family Foundation Board Members, rural Indiana community members, and other key stakeholders.

Finalists Selected

SEPTEMBER

This presentation process will involve a presentation with Q&A for each finalist group. The panel of evaluators will use a primary criteria.

Finalist Interviews

Finalist Interviews

This presentation process will involve a presentation with Q&A for each finalist group. The panel of evaluators will use a primary criteria.

Finalist Interviews

This presentation process will involve a presentation with Q&A for each finalist group. The panel of evaluators will use a primary criteria.

NOVEMBER

Legacy Celebration &

Awardee Announced

The McKinney Family Foundation will host a legacy event to celebrate our impact and formally annouce the Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize Winner!

Legacy Celebration &
Awardee Announced

The McKinney Family Foundation will host a legacy event to celebrate our impact and formally announce the Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize Winner!

Legacy Celebration &
Awardee Announced

The McKinney Family Foundation will host a legacy event to celebrate our impact and formally announce the Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize Winner!

Eligibility

This award is for people and groups working in rural Indiana who are trying to make their communities stronger through sustainability, agriculture, health, local industry, and civic involvement. You might be: a local business, co-op, or group of businesses, a farmer or group of farmers, a nonprofit or community organization, a school, healthcare provider, or local government, or a partnership that brings several of these together.

We’re looking for work that encompasses one or more of the following: Uses sustainability as a guidepost for positive impact Supports local farms or agriculture. Creates jobs or strengthens the local economy Improves access to resources. Increases community and civic engagement Supports health and well-being. Brings people together across the community. If your project or effort is helping make your community a better place to live and work, we want to hear about it.

Questions?

Have further questions about the Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize? We welcome any inquiries and look forward to connecting. Reach out by email, and our team will be in touch.