Author: Betsy Trotzke

The Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County is proud to announce the recipients of Monroe County’s 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships – Sophia Craiutu and Tamanah Fazel.

Including Monroe County’s two scholarship recipients, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the required books and equipment costs for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. The program is administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County.

Sophia Craiutu is a Bloomington High School North (BHSN) senior. Her parents are Aurelian Craiutu and Christina Craiutu.

At Bloomington North, Sophia is Cougars for Change’s co-president, Bridge USA president, and co-publicist with the Student Council. Sophia’s other school activities have included Cougar Leaders, United Nations (School SDGs), and Letters for Rose.

Outside of school, Sophia has been a competitive figure skater for over 8 years and is a lead coach at Frank Southern Ice Arena. She has also been actively involved with the Monroe County Youth Advisory Council, Bloomington’s NextGen Advocacy Program, the Bloomington chapter of the National Organization for Women, Braver Angles, the American Cancer Society Action Network, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Sophia is also an Institute for Youth in Policy Fellow and a Civics Unplugged Fellow.

Sophia’s interest in public policy, current events, and international issues led her to co-found Global Learners. Through this organization, high school students work with K-8th grade students to get them interested in current events, news, global issues, politics, and policy through approachable lessons and hands-on activities.

The idea for Global Learners came to Sophia after spending summers in Romania with her family, where she realized that her U.S. elementary education system had not included much focus on international news and events.

“I thought of Romania and Bloomington as two separate worlds, through which no apparent efforts could be made to bring connection,” said Sophia. “I found power in my age, realizing that it didn’t matter that I was young– I could bridge my two worlds and provide younger students with the opportunity to learn about what was happening there. I began my organization, Global Learners, to connect Bloomington and Fundatiça, but it soon expanded and ended up connecting communities far beyond mine as well. It brought me a sense of connection. I became a bridge builder.”

“I cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity from the Community Foundation and the Lilly Endowment,” added Sophia. “I aim to pursue an education centered around advocating for those around me and promoting equitable policy — this scholarship will make my journey that much more impactful.”

Tamanah Fazel is a Bloomington High School South (BHSS) senior. Tamanah’s parents are Solaiman Fazel and Megan Fazel.

At Bloomington South, Tamanah is president of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and BPA (Business Professionals of America) and has led fundraising activities for the Women Empowerment Club, Dance Marathon, and Asian Culture Club. Tamanah’s other school activities have included Diversity Club, Student Council, Debate Club, Students Advocating for a Greener Environment, and Girls Soccer.

Outside of school, Tamanah has studied Taekwondo and piano for over 10 years, mentoring and instructing younger students in both, and volunteered at WonderLab and Indiana University’s Science Fest.

In 2021, following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Tamanah had the opportunity to meet, comfort, and serve as a translator to evacuees relocated to Indiana’s Camp Atterbury.

“The young women I met shared their difficult journeys to the United States,” said Tamanah. “They endured a lot to escape the Taliban suppression and restrictions.”

This experience inspired Tamanah to study finance and start her own nonprofit to help women become independent through financial literacy and education.

“I hope to play a part in a future where women can be the masters of their destinies and have access to education and employment. My experiences since 2021 have not only reshaped my perspective but also strengthened my resolve to drive change in the realm of women’s rights and economic independence.”

“I’m incredibly thankful for my family, friends, and teachers for the endless support throughout the years,” added Tamanah. “I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Lilly Endowment and Community Foundation for this amazing opportunity. I’m so grateful and honored.”

“Sophia and Tamanah are shining examples of the talented and compassionate young leaders emerging from Monroe County and the Indiana Uplands region,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “Their achievements, determination, and drive are a testament to the potential of young people everywhere. We proudly welcome them to the Lilly Endowment Community Scholars network and look forward to following their successes as they embark on their academic journeys.”

The Community Foundation has also announced that Monroe County’s eight other 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists will each receive $1,000 scholarships to use at a college or university of their choosing. Congratulations to Monroe County’s 2025 JP Morgan Chase Bank and Community Foundation Scholarship recipients:

• Gabrielle Buckley, Edgewood High School
• Zoe Gray, Bloomington High School South
• Isha Harbaugh, Bloomington High School South
• Koel Harbaugh, Bloomington High School South
• Gavin Kocher, Bloomington High School North
• Wren Millick, Edgewood High School
• MaKenzie Rayles, Bloomington High School South
• Trinity Vuyyuri, Lighthouse Christian Academy

“This year’s finalists for Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarships have all demonstrated outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and community service,” said Peterson. “Although we can only select two Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Monroe County, we are proud to award each of these deserving students with a Community Foundation scholarship to support their continued academic pursuits.’”

Evaluation Process for Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships:

Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients were selected from among 110 applications submitted by students from six of the ten high schools that serve Monroe County students. Eligible schools include The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Covenant Christian School, Bloomington Graduation School, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Edgewood High School, Harmony School, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Seven Oaks Classical School.

CFBMC’s Board of Directors establishes the criteria and selection process for selecting Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients. A student who demonstrates notable abilities, leadership skills, civic potential through community service, exemplary school citizenship, and outstanding academic performance are considered for this scholarship opportunity.

High school seniors submit scholarship applications between July and August. Applications are blindly reviewed and independently scored by members of a Lilly Scholarship committee at each Monroe County high school to identify semifinalists. The size of each high school’s senior class size determines the number of semifinalists identified.

Next, semifinalists submit additional content and references. The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, comprised of community members and a former Monroe County Lilly Scholar, blindly reviews and scores applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. Each finalist is interviewed in October, and their interview scores are combined with scoring from the written applications.

The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations, are then submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County prior to the formal announcement in December.

Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $490 million. More than 5,300 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of LECSP are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The LECS program has helped launch successful careers in fields such as medicine, education, engineering, and journalism. Many Lilly Scholars have remained in the local community and are active in the Lilly Scholars Network, connecting them with resources and opportunities for leadership, civic engagement, and community involvement.

For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program or other scholarships administered by CFBMC, visit https://www.cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/ or contact Marcus Whited, Program Director, at 812-333-9016 or [email protected].

Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has granted $50 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $45 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates. 

Create positive impact with us! Join an organization designed to make a difference, positioned to change the future, and ready for talent like yours. If you are willing to take the initiative, we have an opportunity for you to connect with a professional culture of innovation and collaboration while improving the quality of life for all who call our community and region home.

The Accounting and HR Assistant works closely with the Controller to support effective and streamlined financial systems and human resources (HR) functions of the Community Foundation and its affiliated organizations – Regional Opportunity Initiatives, CDFI Friendly Bloomington, and the Uplands Science and Technology Foundation.

For more details and how to apply, view the full Accounting and HR Assistant Description.

Ten high school seniors have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Congratulations to these exceptional students:

• Gabrielle Buckley, Edgewood High School
• Sophia Craiutu, Bloomington High School North
• Tamanah Fazel, Bloomington High School South
• Zoe Gray, Bloomington High School South
• Isha Harbaugh, Bloomington High School South
• Koel Harbaugh, Bloomington High School South
• Gavin Kocher, Bloomington High School North
• Wren Millick, Edgewood High School
• MaKenzie Rayles, Bloomington High School South
• Trinity Vuyyuri, Lighthouse Christian Academy

“Every year, we are inspired and encouraged by Monroe County’s young leaders, and this year is no exception,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “This year’s Lilly Scholarship finalists were selected from a group of 110 remarkable high school seniors in Monroe County who excel as leaders in their schools and our community. While only two of these impressive high school seniors will receive Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarship, we are proud to recognize each of our community’s finalists and their accomplishments,” added Peterson.

Among their many accomplishments, this year’s Monroe County Lilly Scholarship finalists have participated and held leadership roles in more than 40 school clubs and organizations, including Student Councils, Academic Super Bowl, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, Women Empowerment Club, Environmental Club, DECA, Debate Team, Asian Culture Club, Spanish Club, French Club, Global Learners, 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and many more.

In sports, this year’s finalists have been active in soccer, softball, cross country, track and field, tennis, golf, swimming, taekwondo, figure skating, cheerleading, and lacrosse. They have also pursued a variety of fine arts such as writing, photography, marching and concert band, ballet, piano, choir, show choir, and theater.

As engaged community members, they have demonstrated service to the community as volunteers, activists, advocates, and fundraisers. Among the local nonprofits that their service has impacted are local churches, senior centers, Jill’s House, WonderLab, Salvation Army, Community Kitchen, American Cancer Society, Kiwanis International, IU Science Fest, Fourth Street Arts Festival, Riley Dance Marathon, Braver Angels, and many others.

They have all also found time for work-based learning and work experiences through summer internships, jobs, and self-employment as tutors, camp counselors, caregivers, photographers, babysitters, dog sitters, coaches, bakers, lifeguards, restaurant hostesses, sales associates, and clinic assistants.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and two in Monroe County. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the required books and equipment costs for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.

The program is administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Monroe County through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County.

“The Lilly Endowment and Independent Colleges of Indiana are opening doors and encouraging high school students to pursue their college dreams right here in Indiana,” added Peterson. “Ultimately, we hope all of this year’s applicants will elect to not only stay in Indiana for post-secondary education but will also choose to begin their careers and make the Indiana Uplands region their home.”

Monroe County’s finalists were selected from among 21 semifinalists and 110 applications submitted by students from six of the ten high schools that serve Monroe County students. Eligible schools include The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Covenant Christian School, Bloomington Graduation School, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Edgewood High School, Harmony School, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Seven Oaks Classical School.

Evaluation Process for Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships:

CFBMC’s Board of Directors establishes the criteria and selection process for selecting Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients. A student who demonstrates notable abilities, leadership skills, civic potential through community service, exemplary school citizenship, and outstanding academic performance are considered for this scholarship opportunity. 

High school seniors submit scholarship applications between July and August. Applications are blindly reviewed and independently scored by members of a Lilly Scholarship committee at each Monroe County high school to identify semifinalists. The size of each high school’s senior class size determines the number of semifinalists identified. 

Next, semifinalists submit additional content and references. The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, comprised of community members and a former Monroe County Lilly Scholar, blindly reviews and scores applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. Each finalist is interviewed in October, and their interview scores are combined with scoring from the written applications. 

The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations, are then submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County prior to the formal announcement in December.

Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $490 million. More than 5,300 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of LECSP are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state. 

The LECS program has helped launch successful careers in fields such as medicine, education, engineering and journalism. Many Lilly Scholars have remained in the local community and are active in the Lilly Scholars Network, connecting them with resources and opportunities for leadership, civic engagement, and community involvement.

For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program or other scholarships administered by CFBMC, visit https://www.cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/ or contact Marcus Whited, Program Director, at 812-333-9016 or [email protected].

Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has granted $50 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $45 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates. 

The new Community Kitchen Express Location is nearing completion! The Community Foundation recently awarded a $50,000 grant to support this upgraded facility, which provides carryout meals for families experiencing food insecurity.

“Since 2000, the Express Location has continually provided critical access to nutritious meals for Crestmont neighborhood residents and the surrounding area,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “The Foundation has such confidence in Community Kitchen and appreciated the opportunity to invest in its broad mission over the years. This investment in a new facility will enhance Community Kitchen’s ability to serve patrons and those in need with dignity for years to come.”

The Express Location will continue to provide warm and cold carryout meals and will feature a new consulting room where patrons can discuss other services with referral specialists. Completion is scheduled for this fall. Stay tuned for updates!

Photo: Community Foundation Program Director Marcus Whited (left) with Gabe Golden, Constellation’s Managing Director, and Jordan Stephens, Audience Services Manager.

We’re proud to share that Constellation Stage and Screen has been awarded a $22,500 Dance & Movement Grant from the Community Foundation’s Marina Svetlova Fund for Dance!

Constellation will use these grant funds to support choreography expenses for three upcoming shows and purchase a component dance floor and moveable mirror system. The new equipment will support Constellation’s dance and movement productions and be used by other organizations for rehearsals and performances in the John Waldron Arts Center.

Born to Russian parents, Marina Svetlova (1922-2009) was a French and American ballerina. In addition to her accomplished dancing career, Svetlova was also a teacher and choreographer. Svetlova joined the IU School of Music and its Ballet Department in 1970 and was named department chair later that year, a role she held until her retirement in 1992. Svetlova lived in Bloomington until her death on February 11, 2009. The Marina Svetlova Fund for Dance supports community-based, nonprofit programs and organizations that promote the art of dance in various forms.

The survey is now closed! We will share the results of the survey soon.

The Community Foundation launched a local news survey in late March to provide residents with an opportunity to share what they think of Monroe County’s local news landscape. Survey responses received through April 12 will be used to better understand local news needs and how we might work together as a community to address local news challenges and opportunities. 

Results will be used by the Community Foundation, local news professionals, and community stakeholders to begin identifying potential solutions from which the entire county can benefit.

The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that 18 local nonprofits are participating in the Strengthening Monroe County’s Nonprofits Endowment Matching Initiative.

Each participating nonprofit that reaches its fundraising goal by June 30, 2025, will receive a dollar-for-dollar match to grow an endowment at the Community Foundation. This initiative will bolster nonprofits’ sustainability to help ensure their important work continues in perpetuity. We are proud to shine a light on each of these nonprofit organizations.

You can click on each endowment link below to support this participating nonprofit. For more information and FAQs, visit the Matching Initiative website page.

Beacon Emerson Endowment

Beacon is a solutions-driven, antipoverty organization dedicated to aiding and empowering people experiencing extreme poverty, especially hunger and homelessness. Beacon provides housing, day and overnight shelter, hunger relief, social services, financial support, life essentials (like laundry, showers, and mail), and other related health and human services to hundreds of people each day and thousands of people each year.

BCT Management Endowment

Buskirk-Chumley Theater is launching its first endowment, a vital step in ensuring the long-term sustainable use of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater as a performing arts center and movie theater.  The endowment will provide a reliable source of funding for BCT-presented programming, allowing it to continue offering high-quality performances and special events for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington Endowment

Since 1956, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington has been dedicated to serving the youth in our local community. Its mission is to empower all young people to reach their full potential as caring, productive, and responsible citizens. The Clubs provide an extensive schedule of after-school programming, summer camps, and holiday break camps. 

Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana Endowment

CSC is launching a new endowment to further its mission of uplifting and strengthening people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. CSC offers five pillars on which its survivorship program is built: support services, education, wellness, social connections, and information, assistance, and referrals. 

Community Kitchen Endowment

Community Kitchen provides free nutritious meals, nutrition education, referrals to other agencies, and a clean, comfortable social environment for patrons, staff, and volunteers. Community Kitchen works to educate the public about the extent of hunger in Monroe County, explain probable causes of hunger, and provide ways to respond to hunger needs. 

Conservation Law Center Endowment

CLC is the only Indiana-based nonprofit environmental law firm dedicated to public interest litigation, policy advocacy, and support for organizations. CLC’s core mission is to provide pro bono representation to conservation organizations engaged in protecting clean water and natural habitats in the Great Lakes region, as well as to environmental nonprofits and community groups tackling environmental health and justice issues in Indiana.

Constellation Stage & Screen Endowment

Constellation produces world-class theater and film that impacts the national performing arts industry through new work development. Productions, community events, and education programs serve as a leading contributor to the cultural and economic vibrancy of Bloomington. Constellation’s offerings include year-long classes, summer camps, workshops, after-school programs, in-school residences, and theater and film writing competitions. 

Lake Monroe Water Fund Endowment

The Lake Monroe Water Fund is one of approximately 43 water funds worldwide
established to meet local freshwater needs. Incorporated in 2021, LMW is the first water fund in Indiana and works to promote, catalyze, and invest in nature-based solutions and practical remedies across the 440 square miles of a five-county watershed that drains into Lake Monroe.

Meals on Wheels Endowment

Bloomington Meals on Wheels is establishing a new endowment at the Community Foundation. Its mission is to provide nutritional meals to homebound persons who are unable through medical or physical disability to purchase and prepare nourishing meals. Services are provided to the ill, disabled, or elderly regardless of income and without distinction. 

Monroe County Humane Association Endowment 

MCHA strives to advance animal welfare, deepen human-animal bonds, and extend accessible veterinary care and humane education across our community.  Its services include the Crisis Housing Program, Accessible Veterinary Clinic, Mobile Vaccine Clinics, Street Outreach Program, Spay/Neuter Assistance, and Food and Supply Pantry Program. 

Monroe County United Ministries Endowment

Monroe County United Ministries seeks to end generational poverty for Monroe County families. MCUM supports community members in breaking the cycle of poverty through assistance with basic and financial needs, self-sufficiency coaching, and affordable, high-quality early learning. 

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Endowment

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard increases access to healthy food for all people in need in ways that cultivate dignity, self-sufficiency, and community. Since 1998, MHC (often known as the Hub) has been working to relieve hunger and improve access to healthy food. Founded by two mothers who had experienced food insecurity firsthand, the Hub was intentionally designed with a focus on health, choice, and respect. 

Roland E. Kohr Endowment for New Hope for Families

New Hope for Families provides emergency shelter for up to 12 families at a time while its dedicated team of skilled and caring professionals works with those families to help them move through homelessness to stability. New Hope is the only place in Monroe County where families with children can find shelter together.

Sycamore Land Trust Monarch Environmental Education Endowment

Sycamore Land Trust preserves land, restores habitats, and connects people to nature in southern Indiana. The primary purpose of this fund is to support SLT’s environmental education program, which was established to help children and adults understand, appreciate, and connect with nature so that they are moved to protect it.

United Way of Monroe County Community Care Endowment

United Way of South Central Indiana improves peopleís lives by bringing together expertise, funding, and volunteer support to positively impact the resilience of our community and those who live within it. In partnership with others, it works to eliminate inequities experienced by low-income and diverse populations so that all people have a safe, healthy home environment, achieve their educational potential, and increase their financial stability. 

Susann McDonald Endowment for the USA International Harp Competition

The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) is an independent triennial performance competition held at IUís Jacobs School of Music that recognizes the accomplishments and fosters the careers of gifted young harpists worldwide. Founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, the USA International Harp Competition is open to harpists of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 32.  

WFHB Endowment Fund

WFHB exists to provide an open forum for the exchange and discussion of ideas and issues and to celebrate and increase local cultural diversity. WFHB envisions a sustainable, diverse, participatory multimedia service that contributes to an entertained, informed, and empowered community. As a community radio station, WFHB is supported financially by contributions from listeners, program underwriting, and community service grants.

WonderLab Catherine Olmer Legacy Endowment

WonderLab’s mission is to ignite a love of science through learning that is experiential, inclusive, and amplifies the role science plays in the world. This endowment was created to honor and continue the legacy of Catherine Olmer, a founding director of WonderLab. This fund will support WonderLab in carrying out its role and mission as an award-winning science museum located in the heart of downtown Bloomington.  

If you have questions, contact Program Director Marcus Whited at [email protected], Development Director and COO Meagan Niese at [email protected], or call (812) 333-9016.

Nonprofits that meet their fundraising goals will receive matching funds from the Community Foundation to help ensure their work continues in perpetuity

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) is pleased to announce that 18 local nonprofits are participating in its latest initiative to create or grow existing endowments through June 30, 2025.

Each participating nonprofit that reaches its fundraising goal will receive a dollar-for-dollar match to grow an existing endowment or establish a new endowed fund at the Community Foundation.

Participating nonprofits include:

• Beacon
• BCT Management, Inc. (Buskirk Chumley Theater)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington
• Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana
• Community Kitchen
• Conservation Law Center (new endowed fund)
• Constellation Stage & Screen
• Lake Monroe Water Fund (new endowed fund)
• Meals on Wheels (new fund)
• Monroe County Humane Association
• Monroe County United Ministries
• Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard “The Hub” (new endowed fund)
• New Hope for Families
• Sycamore Land Trust
• United Way of South Central Indiana
• USA International Harp Competition
• WFHB Community Radio
• WonderLab (additional endowed fund)

Donors can give gifts of cash, securities, or irrecoverable planned or estate gifts to support these local nonprofits in meeting their match goals. To help participating nonprofits meet their fundraising goals and secure their endowment match, visit www.cfbmc.org/agency-match to donate.

In addition to matching endowment funds, participating agencies will each receive a $10,000 capacity-building operational grant to address immediate needs or staff their endowment fundraising activities.

By leveraging the allocated capacity-building and matching funds, the anticipated impact of this initiative is expected to exceed more than $1.16 million for participating local nonprofits by the end of the campaign in July 2025.

The Community Foundation opened this matching fundraising opportunity to nonprofits serving Monroe County in December 2023. Applications to participate were received from 31 nonprofit organizations.

“It was incredible to see so many agencies thinking about how best to sustain and maximize their impact far into the future,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson.

“We would have preferred to accept all 31 nonprofits that applied into this matching campaign, added Peterson. “It was a difficult selection process for the committee and Board of Directors, but we are thrilled to be able to extend this opportunity to a total of 18 organizations. We would not have been able to accept all of these organizations into the program without the generosity of donor advised fundholders who have stepped in to co-fund the capacity-building grants.”

Today, more than 50 local nonprofits benefit from agency or designated funds at the Community Foundation. The Foundation is utilizing its unrestricted and selected field of interest funds to support the initiative. The Foundation’s Board of Directors initially anticipated supporting approximately 10-12 nonprofits to create or grow a designated agency fund through this matching program.

Peterson added, “At the heart of everything we do is a vision to create a vibrant Monroe County where every individual has the opportunity to thrive — now and in the future.” “The Foundation is proud to be able to deploy our flexible funding at this time to enable these nonprofits to grow their endowments and strengthen their future impact with a permanent source of revenue that will benefit their organizations and Monroe County residents for years to come.”

The Power of Endowment: An endowment fund can be a powerful tool that enables nonprofit organizations to have a long-lasting, sustained impact in our community. Endowment funds are also called permanent funds because they are intended to grow over time through investing. The principal is not spent but retained for the growth of the fund. Investment earnings are used for annual agency distributions that can be used immediately or re-invested into the fund for future use. Through the power of endowment, your gifts grow over time to do good in perpetuity! For more information, visit: https://cfbmc.org/powerful-giving/for-our-agencies/

The Community Foundation was established in 1990 to encourage and manage philanthropic support for the long-term benefit of the community and all those who call it home. Today, the Foundation has more than 270 funds – each defined by donors who provided the resources to create the funds. Distributions from these funds are returned to the community each year through charitable grants.

Some funds focus on specific nonprofit organizations, while others, such as our unrestricted and field of interest funds, are flexible and deliver powerful support that allow us to respond to our community in the most relevant and beneficial ways. The Community Foundation combines its deep understanding of the community and its compelling opportunities and pressing needs to deploy competitive grant rounds, proactive grants, education scholarships, and funding to support community leadership initiatives.

If you have questions about this opportunity, contact Program Director Marcus Whited at [email protected] or Development Director and COO Meagan Niese at [email protected].

About Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County: Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has granted $30 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $45 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

During this holiday season of festive lights and the shimmer of joy, we are reminded of those that illuminate our paths toward a stronger, thriving, and more connected community.

Your generosity and commitment make our community shine brightly throughout the year.

May your holidays be filled with the same warmth and brightness you’ve shared. Here’s to a season of joy, gratitude, and the promise of an even brighter future together.

Our offices will be closed on December 22-26 and January 1st. If you need to reach out us, drop us a line at [email protected] or leave us a message at (812) 333-9016.