Formed January 31, 1985, the Blackledge Trust is a private foundation in Carmi, IL, continuing the charity work of Centerville native E. Martin Blackledge. Board members gather twice a year to distribute funds to local churches, schools, and non-profit organizations.
Leadership
The Trust is served by a Board of four voting Members. Board Members are directly appointed by their predecessor, and their appointment does not expire (lifetime appointment). Currently, the Board Members are:
- Donald (Don) Drone – Financial Liaison
- Lucinda (Cindy) Conley
- Hailey Winkleman
- Albert (Rusty) Walsh
Jay D. Walden, Attorney at Law, serves the Trust as a non-voting legal consultant. German American Trust Services acts as custodian for the both the Trust and Scholarship accounts, and is currently represented by Spencer Vinson.
Charitable Donations
Donation applications are distributed by the Trust to White County churches, the Carmi Masonic Lodge, and Norris City Eastern Star Chapter. Grants are awarded only if the applications are returned.
Non-profit organizations may submit a donation request letter to the Board without any specific application or form. However, they must include proof of their current not-for-profit status with their letter. Grants are awarded upon Board approval.
Lions Scholarships
In the spring, applications are reviewed for the joint scholarship Lions-Blackledge Scholarship Fund. This is supported by the Carmi Lions Club and has its own selections committee. Any White County graduate pursuing a post-high school education is eligible to apply.
- High school graduates going to college for the first time may apply and renew for a total of four years of scholarship support
- Current college/trade school students who have not received the scholarship before may apply and renew for a total of two years of scholarship support
- Scholarships are not limited to two-year/four-year degree programs, but may also be used for trade school or licensure programs
- Scholarships are not age-specific
- Applicants must have graduated from a high school in White County