Author: Betsy Trotzke

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Monroe County – Jake Keller and Grace McKay. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

“Each year, we are inspired by the accomplishments of our community’s young people, and this year is no exception, said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “Jake and Grace have both demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service. They have also found unique ways to pursue their passions and extend their learning experiences within the community. We look forward to following their academic journeys and hope one day they will choose to seek our fulfilling careers here in Monroe County or in the Indiana Uplands region.”

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for undergraduate students studying on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

Jake Keller is a senior at Bloomington High School South (BHSS) and the son of Amy and Joe Keller. He is the president of Dance Marathon at BHSS and a co-founder of the Community Outreach Association, a club focused on organizing volunteer opportunities on behalf of students and local nonprofits. Keller is a member of the National Honor Society, the BHSS Cross Country and Track and Field teams, and Songs of South.

With an interest in video and filmmaking, Jake has sought out opportunities to hone his production and editing skills. He has operated cameras with the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church production team and partnered with the Monroe County Community School Corporation to produce a promotional video highlighting the STEM-to-Them Mobile Lab. He also founded the Bloomington Media Club to help teens get more hands-on videomaking experiences through partnerships with local nonprofits and businesses.

“I am so grateful to have been chosen to receive this scholarship,” said Jake Keller. “The process was long, but all of the people involved were incredibly kind and helpful, which I am so appreciative of. I also want to say a special thank you to my family and friends who support me in all of my endeavors.”

Grace McKay is a senior at Bloomington High School South and the daughter of Kimberly and Joel McKay. McKay is captain of the Bloomington South Soccer team and a member of the National Honor Society, basketball team, and Unified Track and Field teams. She is also a student leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Best Buddies, and the DECA clubs at BHSS.

Grace has a passion for service and helping others in our community. Through involvement with Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, she has served as a middle school group leader, high school ministry leader, summer camp counselor, and Parents Night Out volunteer. Grace has also served meals at Wheeler Mission and Redbud Hills retirement community.

“Having met all the other highly qualified finalists, I feel extremely honored that the Community Foundation chose me as one of the winners this year,” said Grace McKay. “Saying ‘thank you’ doesn’t come close to describing my gratitude for the opportunity I’ve been given as a Lilly Scholar.”

The Community Foundation has also announced that Monroe County’s eight other 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists will each receive $1,000 scholarships to use at a college or university of their choosing:

• Felicia Bolander, Edgewood High School
• Clara Crain, Edgewood High School
• Advaith Iyengar, Bloomington High School North
• Carina Jacobson, Bloomington High School South
• Connor Shin, Bloomington High School North
• Jack Steiner, Bloomington High School North
• Hazel Stringer, Bloomington High School South
• Hayden Wilson, Edgewood High School

“Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship applicants represent so much hope for our community and Indiana’s future,” said Jessika Hane, chair of Monroe County’s Scholarship Committee. “We continue to be amazed and astounded by the accomplishments, leadership, and service of our community’s rising generation. The scholarship selection process is never easy, but we are inspired by all of these high school seniors and confident that their futures are bright.”

Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application Process

Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients were selected from among applications submitted by students from six of the 11 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.

Applications for the 2023 scholarship were blindly reviewed and independently scored by representatives from each high school to identify semifinalists. The number of identified semifinalists reflects each school’s senior class size.

Each semifinalist was invited to submit an updated application, which included additional application questions and recommendations. The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee then evaluated the completed semifinalist applications. This committee, comprised of community members, blindly reviewed and scored applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. In selecting recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance, and leadership potential.

The finalists were interviewed by the Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee, and their interview scores were combined with scoring from their written applications. The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship nominees, were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $486 million. More than 5,000 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 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.

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].

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 more than $27 million since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.:
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.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana:
Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment. 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.

This video was shown at the Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community on November 15, 2022. The theme of the event focused on how we, as an organization and as a community, lift people and each other up (through our work, through our words, and through our actions).

Each of these high school seniors excels in their academics, gives back to their communities, and exhibits civic responsibility. We’re proud to share a little be of each of them with you!

To see photos from the event, click here.

On November 15, we hosted the Community Foundation’s 2022 Annual Report to the Community. It was an honor and pleasure to celebrate the students, organizations, and people that lift our community up! Thank you to everyone that was able to celebrate with us!

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation has announced that 10 high school seniors have been selected as finalists for the 2023 Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. The finalists will be honored at the Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community on Tuesday, November 15.

Monroe County’s 2023 Lilly Scholarship finalists include:

• Felicia Bolander, Edgewood High School
• Clara Crain, Edgewood High School
• Advaith Iyengar, Bloomington High School North
• Carina Jacobson, Bloomington High School South
• Jake Keller, Bloomington High School South
• Grace McKay, Bloomington High School South
• Connor Shin, Bloomington High School North
• Jack Steiner, Bloomington High School North
• Hazel Stringer, Bloomington High School South
• Hayden Wilson, Edgewood High School

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are awarded four-year, full-tuition scholarships to pursue baccalaureate degrees at colleges or universities in Indiana. The scholarship also includes up to $900 annually for required textbooks and equipment. In Monroe County, two students are awarded Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships each year.

Among their many accomplishments, this year’s Monroe County Lilly Scholarship finalists have participated in more than 50 school organizations clubs and sports, volunteered for over 40 organizations, and worked in more than 20 local businesses.

They have pursued and created internships and work experiences to explore their future career paths and have translated ideas into new organizations, clubs, and businesses. As engaged members of the community, that have impacted many local nonprofits including Area 10 Agency on Aging, City of Bloomington, Community Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Justice Unlocked, New Hope for Families, Middle Way House, People and Animal Learning Services, Pantry 279, Salvation Army, Wheeler Mission, WonderLab, YMCA, and many others.

“In the midst of the pandemic, this exceptional group of young people did more than persevere,” said Tina Peterson, Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “This year’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists have shown remarkable motivation to take control of their futures by pursuing their passions, leading by example, and demonstrating kindness.”

“While we always regret that only two of these amazing high school seniors will ultimately receive the Lilly Scholarship, we are proud to recognize each of their accomplishments and hope that many of them will choose to stay in Indiana as they continue their educations and begin their careers.”

The Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community begins at 4:30 p.m. on November 15 in Shreve Hall at Ivy Tech Bloomington (200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404). This annual event is a celebration of the Foundation’s past year of connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources. More information can be found at: https://cfbmc.org/

Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarship Application Process

Monroe County’s finalists were selected from among 21 semifinalists and 84 applications submitted by students from six of the 11 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.

Applications for the 2023 scholarship were blindly reviewed and independently scored by representatives from each high school to identify semifinalists. The number of identified semifinalists reflects each school’s senior class size.

Each semifinalist was invited to submit an updated application, which included additional application questions and recommendations. The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee then evaluated the completed semifinalist applications. This committee, comprised of community members, blindly reviewed and scored applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. In selecting recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance, and leadership potential.

Finalists were interviewed during the week of October 17, and finalist interview scores combined with scoring from the written application. The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship nominees, are submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County. The two 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars for Monroe County will be named in December 2022.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-1999 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling in excess of $439 million. Administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. with local support from Indiana community foundations, more than 5,000 Indiana high school students have been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 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.

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].

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 $28.9 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

Join us to celebrate the past year of connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Program at 4:30 p.m. Cocktail reception to follow.

Ivy Tech Shreve Hall
200 Daniels Way
Bloomington, IN 47404
Directions

To RSVP by November 10, send an email to [email protected] or call Emily Hannon at (812) 333-9016.

Twenty-one high school seniors selected from six area schools as semifinalists for Monroe County’s two 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) has announced that 21 high school seniors have been selected as semifinalists for the 2023 Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Congratulations to these exceptional students:

• Brooke Bailey, Bloomington High School North
• Felicia Bolander, Edgewood High School
• Clara Crain, Edgewood High School
• Yarra Ellett, Bloomington High School South
• Madilyn Fisher, Bloomington High School North
• Luke Fritz, Lighthouse Christian Academy
• Advaith Iyengar, Bloomington High School North
• Carina Jacobson, Bloomington High School South
• Jake Keller, Bloomington High School South
• Trinity Kissinger, Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship
• Alice Lehr, Bloomington High School North
• Grace McKay, Bloomington High School South
• Ryan Mooney, Bloomington High School North
• Connor Shin, Bloomington High School North
• Nora Shipp, Seven Oaks Academy
• Benjamin Smith, Bloomington High School South
• Jack Steiner, Bloomington High School North
• Hazel Stringer, Bloomington High School South
• Nicky Walker, Bloomington High School South
• Hayden Wilson, Edgewood High School
• Audrey Wu, Bloomington High School South

In Monroe County, two students are awarded Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships each year. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are awarded four-year, full-tuition scholarships to pursue baccalaureate degrees at colleges or universities in Indiana. The scholarship also includes up to $900 annually for required textbooks and equipment.

Monroe County’s semifinalists were selected from among 84 applications submitted by students from six of the 11 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.

Applications for the 2023 scholarship were blindly reviewed and independently scored by representatives from each high school to identify semifinalists. The number of identified semifinalists reflects each school’s senior class size.

Each semifinalist has been invited to submit an updated application, which includes additional application questions and recommendations. The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee will then evaluate the completed semifinalist applications. This committee, comprised of community members, blindly reviews and scores applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. In selecting recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance, and leadership potential.

Finalists will be identified and interviewed in October, and finalist interview scores will be combined with scoring from the written application. The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship nominees, will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County. The two 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars for Monroe County will be named in December 2022.

“High school seniors in Monroe County have a wide array of choices ahead of them, and we are proud that each of this year’s 65 Lilly Scholarship applicants is interested in pursuing their post-secondary education at one of Indiana’s world-class higher education institutions,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “While only two Monroe County students will ultimately receive a Lilly Scholarship, we look forward to getting to know each of the semifinalists better and hope that all of our applicants will elect to not only stay in Indiana for post-secondary education but will also choose to make Indiana home after graduation.”

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-1999 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling in excess of $439 million. Administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. with local support from Indiana community foundations, more than 5,000 Indiana high school students have been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 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.

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].

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 $28.9 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

Interested organizations are encouraged to submit letters of intent by September 7.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has opened its Community Impact Funding Initiative. This competitive granting program is designed to fuel innovative ideas and lasting impact in our community by granting funds to nonprofits to meet our community’s most pressing needs and seize its most compelling opportunities.

On an annual basis, the Community Foundation entertains funding requests for projects and programs that will benefit the citizens of Bloomington and Monroe County. Grant funding for this year’s Community Impact Funding Initiative is designed to support a broad range of community needs such as arts and culture, social and health services, education, recreation, beautification and preservation, animal welfare, the environment, and community development opportunities. Grants are awarded from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund, select field of interest funds, and from collaborative funding provided by Community Foundation partners, including the Smithville Charitable Foundation. 

The Foundation seeks to invest in projects that are forward thinking, community changing in their implementation, practical in their application, and unique to the community.  Highest priority in the evaluation of grant awards will be given to projects that incorporate and embrace the following:

• Innovative or transformative solutions to critical community issues
• Collaboration across organizations and/or sectors to increase impact and effectiveness
• Projects/programs that plan for long-term sustainability (when applicable) 

Grant Amounts

Range of grant awards: $10,000 to $50,000 per proposal. 
Total grants: 8-12 awards are expected, depending on grant amounts.

Timeline

• September 7, 2022 – Due date for Letters of Intent, IRS Letter, non-discrimination policy 
• September 23, 2022 – Selected applicants receive invitations for full online application 
• October 31, 2022 – Full applications due
• December 5, 2022 – Announcement of awards
• Mid-December 2022 – Grant funding available (pending grant agreement)

Guidelines, instructions, and frequently asked questions for the grant initiative are available online at https://www.cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-grant/community-impact-grants/. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, contact CFBMC Program Director Marcus Whited at (812) 333-9016 or [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 more than $28.9 million since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) awarded six nonprofit organizations with Heading Home grants this summer. A total of $200,000 has been awarded as part of this funding program, CFBMC’s second competitive grant cycle for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

The Community Foundation’s Heading Home competitive granting program focuses on advancing housing security through projects and programs aligned with solutions outlined in the recently released Heading Home Plan, A Regional Plan for Making Homelessness Rare, Brief, and Non-Repeating.

The Heading Home Plan was developed collaboratively in 2021 by local and regional partners, including service providers, government officials, community members, funders, and people with lived experience. The plan is serving as a community guide to support long-term initiatives with strategies to address the many contributing factors to housing insecurity, ranging from financial and legal challenges to emotional, physical, and mental health-related matters.

“Since the release of the Heading Home Plan, our community has begun a new phase of deliberate collaboration to advance housing security in our region,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson.

“Working together, we are making amazing strides, but we know there is much work yet to do. Today, the Community Foundation is proud to award these Heading Home grants to dedicated nonprofit organizations that have made coordination and collaboration key components of their work. In addition to housing security, individuals and families impacted by these grants will have the benefit of support services from across our community to put them on a path to a better future.”

Grants were awarded in amounts ranging in size from $17,000 to $50,000:

• Beacon, Inc. for a capital campaign feasibility study, architectural designs, and land assessments associated with a new facility that would combine and expand essential services for people experiencing poverty, hunger, and homelessness. – This grant will enable Beacon, Inc. to explore the development of a multi-tiered building that would centralize and expand essential and emergency services and housing stabilization in one location with co-located space for local health and substance misuse programs.

• Bloomington Housing Authority to establish a rent deposit funding program to reduce financial barriers for low-income residents to secure stable housing opportunities. –Available to income-qualified renters, deposit assistance will be provided to an estimated 50-75 individuals per year as zero interest, flexible loans that can be repaid over time in alignment with participant income.

• Catholic Charities Bloomington to support the Parent Empowerment and Child Therapy Program, a collaboration with New Hope for Families. – Through this program, low-income families threatened by homelessness will have on-site access to mental health services, including attachment-based child therapy and parenting empowerment support groups. New Hope’s early childcare educators will also receive evidence-based trauma therapy training to support children at the Nest.

• Community Justice and Mediation Center (CJAM) to expand no-cost mediation services through the Housing and Eviction Prevention Project, a program that provides free landlord-tenant mediation services, legal advice, social service/rental housing assistance referrals, and court navigation support. This grant will enable CJAM to provide advanced eviction-court mediation training, develop mediator recruitment strategies, and expand its capacity to serve more clients.

• Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) to expand its Self-Sufficiency Center financial assistance program, which provides rent, mortgage, and utility payments for low-income families and individuals at risk of eviction or homelessness. Grant funding will allow MCUM to expand financial assistance to 200 more families and increase Self-Sufficiency Center outreach to landlords and community members.

• New Leaf, New Life (NLNL) to enable 35 formerly incarcerated people to move into transitional housing with transportation vouchers and basic needs for employment such as clothing and shoes. In addition to NLNL’s transition navigation services, this grant will provide initial funding for these individuals to establish immediate transitional housing increasing the likelihood of them remaining sober, healthy, and employed.

CFBMC’s “Heading Home” grant initiative is co-funded by Smithville Charitable Foundation and made possible through unrestricted funds at the Community Foundation and designated field of interest funds established to support specific areas of focus.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Smithville Charitable Foundation and Community Foundation donors for entrusting us to invest in innovative programs and ideas that improve the quality of life for all who call Bloomington and Monroe County home,” added Peterson.

For more information on other efforts to reduce homelessness in our region, visit: https://www.monroeunitedway.org/housing

Other CFBMC Grant Programs

CFBMC’s “Heading Home” grant initiative is the second of two competitive funding rounds for the 2021-2022 fiscal year (July 1-June 30). In December, the Foundation awarded $154,000 to nine organizations as part of its Creating Community Grant initiative. Read more about this announcement.

CFBMC’s next competitive grant round is now open. This round will support a broad range of community needs and compelling opportunities rather than focus on any one specific area or initiative. Letters of intent are due September 7. For more information, visit: https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-grant/community-impact-grants/

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 more than $28.9 million since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

About Heading Home of South Central Indiana:

Heading Home of South Central Indiana is a community-wide partnership working to decrease homelessness and improve housing security. Heading Home’s lead partners are the Community Foundation of Bloomington/Monroe County (CFBMC) and the United Way of Monroe County, where the Heading Home staff is based. For more information, visit https://www.monroeunitedway.org/housing

You are invited for an afternoon of refreshments and to learn about CDFI Friendly Bloomington.

Appetizers & Opportunities with CDFI Friendly Bloomington

Thursday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Reception to Follow
The Far Center
505 W. 4th Street
Bloomington, IN 47404

To RSVP, email [email protected]

CDFI Friendly Bloomington is the product of a collaboration among Bloomington entities including the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), the City of Bloomington, and local business and civic leaders.

A 501(c)(3) organization, CDFI Friendly Bloomington was formed to enhance the economic welfare, equity, and quality of life for the Indiana Uplands region. It provides technical assistance and financing to nonprofits, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and public servants making a positive impact in their communities. By leveraging the national network of CDFIs (mission-based lenders called community development financial institutions), CDFI Friendly Bloomington helps with financing needs such as microloans, working capital, building remodels, bridge loans, or affordable housing developments.

CDFI partners will be attending the event to meet local partners and share their resources. We encourage you to come learn how your organization or small business may benefit from their services.

Learn more about CDFI Friendly Bloomington at cdfifriendlybtown.org.

Interested organizations are encouraged to submit letters of intent by March 21.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has opened its Community Impact Funding Initiative, CFBMC’s second competitive grant cycle for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. This funding round will focus on advancing housing security through projects and programs aligned with solutions outlined in the Heading Home Plan, A Regional Plan for Making Homelessness Rare, Brief, and Non-Repeating. CFBMC expects to award 8-10 grants with funding amounts ranging from $10,000-$50,000 per proposal.

In 2021, CFBMC and the United Way of Monroe County, with support from the South Central Housing Network, City of Bloomington, Monroe County Government, and the townships of Perry and Bloomington, convened a working group for the explicit purpose of addressing housing insecurity in Monroe County. Using the 2014 Heading Home document, the working group’s goal was to update the county’s plan for ending homelessness by creating a more comprehensive approach for driving community-wide solutions to the depth and breadth of underlying challenges that result in housing insecurity.

The updated Heading Home Plan was developed collaboratively by local and regional partners, including service providers, government officials, community members, funders, and people with lived experience. Released in July 2021, this plan is serving as a community guide to support long-term initiatives with strategies to address the many contributing factors to housing insecurity, ranging from financial and legal challenges to emotional, physical, and mental health-related matters. The plan also speaks to system-level issues related to access to a variety of housing types.

Impact Grant Eligibility and Timeline

Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and tax-exempt entities are eligible to apply. This includes nonprofits, units of government, school corporations and educational institutions, and religious organizations. Grants may be awarded to religious organizations for programs that are non-proselytizing and do not promote religious doctrine or instruction. In limited situations, CFMBC may be able to grant to other types of organizations that are serving a charitable purpose but do not have a 501(c)(3) status.

Direct costs for implementing the project or program are eligible grant expenses. In addition, no more than 30% of the requested grant funding may be used for indirect costs that contribute to the organization’s ability to implement the grant project or for building and/or sustaining operational capacity for the duration of the grant period. Examples of indirect operating expenses related to the project may include areas such as internal operations such as IT upgrades, financial management tools, administrative costs, essential staffing, and core program costs.

The Community Impact Funding Initiative uses a two-part grant proposal process. Interested agencies should submit a two-page (maximum) letter of intent to the Community Foundation by March 21, 2022. View specific instructions for letters of intent.

Following a review of the letters of intent, selected organizations will be invited to submit full grant applications online, which will be due April 22. The 2022 Community Impact Grants will be announced May 27.

Guidelines, instructions, and frequently asked questions for the grant initiative are available online at https://www.cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-grant/community-impact-grants/. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, contact CFBMC Program Director Marcus Whited at (812) 333-9016 or [email protected].

For more information on other efforts to reduce homelessness in our region, visit: https://www.monroeunitedway.org/housing

Other CFBMC Grant Programs

CFBMC’s Impact Funding Initiative is the second of two competitive funding rounds planned for its 2021-2022 fiscal year. In December, the Foundation awarded $154,000 to nine organizations as part of its Creating Community Grant initiative. Read more about this announcement.

CFBMC’s next competitive grant round will be announced this summer. It is anticipated that this round will be positioned to support a broad range of community needs and compelling opportunities rather than focus on any one specific area or initiative. This plan may change if circumstances make it prudent or necessary.  Stay tuned for updates.

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 more than $28.9 million since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.