Fall 2025 Applications Are Open
Deadline: September 10, 2025
Next Cycle: January 10, 2026
27 Years
$450k+
6 Schools
1000s of Students
Empowering students & teachers in the Batesville area
Teachers with innovative, creative ideas for teaching and learning can turn thoughts into action with the help of the VISION Fund. The Joan & John Hillenbrand VISION Fund for Innovation provides funds for a wide array of projects that support and enhance student learning and opportunity in our local schools.
- Anne Amrhein, Director
Grants up to
$2000
Possibly more with exceptional projects that receive prior approval from the director
Recent Recipients
Oldenburg Academy | 2023 | $1500
Environmental Equipment
Coriolis effect and soil productivity
“This year, OA acquired equipment to conduct various Environmental Science labs. This lab equipment reinforced difficult concepts and developed essential scientific skills such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The students found that the labs were informative and that they enriched their understanding of key ideas—particularly in studying the Coriolis effect and soil productivity.”
-Helen Yane, OA
Batesville High School | 2025 | $1500
“The drum set cart has already made a tremendous difference in our program, allowing us to transport equipment efficiently and focus more on our musical performances. It has been used extensively in jazz band rehearsals, show choir practices, and competitions, proving to be an invaluable asset to our students and staff.”
- Cameron Everage,
Music teacher and Director of Bands at BMS & BHS
Drum Cart Set
St. Louis School | 2025 | $500
Wooden Math Blocks
“These Montessori-inspired wooden building blocks help support a hands-on approach to learning early math skills within the classroom independently, in partners or in small groups. They can be used with all learning abilities and be differentiated for educational needs.”
-Andi McKee, SLS First Grade Teacher
-
![Various printed artworks, some colorful, laid out on a wooden table in a creative workspace.]()
Silk Screening
Art class with Mrs. Theresa Murphy at Oldenburg Academy
-
![A smiling boy in a red jacket sitting at a table with a small snowman made of mashed potatoes or similar white substance, surrounded by flour or powder, in a classroom or activity room with other children and tables in the background.]()
Science Fridays
Science class with Zhang Laoshi at Batesville Primary School
-
![People attending an art exhibit inside a community center, with artwork displayed on black boards decorated with colorful paper flowers, and the center's blue star logo on the back wall.]()
Gallery Walls
Spring Arts Festival with Mrs. Lynne DiMuzio at Batesville Middle School
Application Tips
1
Read and reread the guidelines
Before you begin writing
Check with the director to see if your project idea is a good fit for the VISION Fund
3
Clear, concise writing
Follow the format in the guidelines
Write so that it’s easy for anyone to understand the proposal.
Be careful with assumptions
Limit lingo and assumptions of prior knowledge
Include examples and images to provide additional details, as possible.
2
4
5
6
7
Seeking multiple funding sources is a good thing!
Shows commitment and effort on your part
Allows for funding entities to coordinate to more fully fund your project
Credit
Credit VISION Fund on all written material and as possible via social media, etc.
Attach provided VISION stickers as possible
Post-project duties
Complete documentation requirements in a timely manner
Update the director with any delays or issues if needed