The News Joint Scholarship Endowment, through the SIU Foundation, is nearing the end of fiscal year 2025 fundraising, and we are making a last push for donations to ensure we reach our 2025 goal of $5,000 before July 31. Donations to the SIU Foundation Scholarship Endowment can be made here at any time (place News Joint Scholarship Endowment Fund into the “Designation” box). The SIU Foundation is a designated 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax-deductible.

The News Joint Scholarship Endowment supports students attending or wanting to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale cannabis program. Preference for News Joint Scholarships will be given to applicants who demonstrate significant financial need, a passion for the plant, and a clear vision for their future careers in the cannabis industry.

With the donations from the inaugural News Joint Scholarship Fundraiser at Emerald Dispensary and Lounge, we nearly reached (80%) our first yearly goal of $5,000 for the News Joint Scholarship Endowment. Fiscal year 2026, and the next three following years, we will be raising $5,000 per year for a total of $25,000 to ensure the endowment can sustain annual payouts. Stay tuned for 2026 fundraiser event announcements.

A special thanks to our Gold Sponsors Realeaf Botanicals. We also would like to thank the following for generous donations: Aeriz, Elevated Organics, HIJNX, Pheotera Grove, Dispoze-a-Bowl, River Bluff Dispensary, 4Front, and several individuals. If you want to donate or have questions, please contact Jason Brown at editor@illinisnewsjoint.com.

For more Illinois cannabis industry news, subscribe to Illinois News Joint’s newsletter here.

To find cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

For Illinois News Joint reviews, visit here.

For more information on News Joint Bar Service, visit here.

For News Joint Printing services, click here.