YOUTH LINK SOUTHERN INDIANA RECEIVES $20,800 COMMUNITY GRANT FROM TACO BELL FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH  

The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants in 2025 – marking the first year that Youth Link Southern Indiana has been selected as a grant recipient.  

JEFFERSONVILLE, IN, (August 4, 2025) – Youth Link Southern Indiana is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The funding will support career exploration, leadership development, and mentorship activities, helping youth in Southern Indiana access essential resources to achieve their goals 

“This grant opens doors for students who are ready to step into their potential,” said Tricia Wall, Executive Director of Youth Link Southern Indiana. “We’re so thankful to the Taco Bell Foundation and C&M Smith Restaurants, Inc. for fueling our mission and helping local youth gain the tools they need to lead, grow, and thrive.” 

The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and Team Members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.  

Youth Link Southern Indiana was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee Chris Smith at C&M Smith Restaurants, Inc, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship, and career readiness programs across the community.  

“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”  

Through this grant, Youth Link Southern Indiana will launch the Real-World Readiness program, a new leadership initiative at Jeffersonville High School that will serve a group of  teacher-referred students. The program integrates hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exploration to build confidence, leadership skills, and future planning. Students will participate in workshops, meet local professionals, and end the year with a trip to Kings Island and Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

To learn more about Youth Link Southern Indiana, please visit youthlinksi.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.  

About Youth Link Southern Indiana 
Youth Link Southern Indiana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to student success across Clark and Floyd Counties. Through in-school services, after-school programs, and community partnerships, Youth Link supports students academically, emotionally, and physically. From basic needs assistance to mentoring and mental health services, Youth Link ensures that every child has the resources and support they need to thrive. 

About Taco Bell Foundation 
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached nearly 9 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $203 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.  

Media Contact 

Christina Gutowski – Development and Marketing Manager, Youth Link Southern Indiana 
cgutowski@youthlinksi.org 
812-280-0028