Author: CFBMC Staff

$2.1 million in new funds raised for the Monroe County community

With more than $2 million in new funds, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) has announced it exceeded fundraising goals set for the Lilly Endowment GIFT Phase VI matching challenge.

“Thanks to the foresight and generosity of donors and organizations in our community, the Community Foundation received the full $1 million dollars in match from the Lilly Endowment,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson.

“We’re grateful to these individuals, families and businesses who share our passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future.”

In total, 645 individuals and businesses gave $1.18 million in gifts. With the match provided by Lilly Endowment, the Community Foundation’s endowment has grown by $2.18 million total.

“The Lilly matching opportunity has allowed us to significantly grow our capacity to support our community and increase our grantmaking ability,” added Peterson. “It’s a game changer. Because of GIFT VI’s impact, the Foundation will be able to make $98,000 in additional grants to the community each year forever. That translates to an additional $1.8 million over the next 25 years to address the most pressing needs and compelling opportunities in our community.”

In 2014, Lilly Endowment Inc. announced Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Phase VI, an effort to promote sustainable and effective community foundations in Indiana. Through this initiative, the Endowment made matching grants available to Indiana community foundations, with the amount based upon the county’s population. Monroe County was one of 17 counties eligible for $1 million in matching dollars to grow funds for strategic grantmaking in our community. The Phase VI Lilly Endowment fundraising challenge ended March 31, 2016. This phase was the sixth Lilly Endowment initiative to provide matching challenges to Indiana community foundations since 1990.

As part of the current Lilly Endowment challenge, CFBMC’s Board of Directors set a target of 65% in unrestricted funds. Of the $2.1 million raised in this time period, the Community Foundation exceeded its goal with 76%, or $1.4 million, to grow unrestricted funds. Personal gifts from the Foundation’s Board of Directors totaled $111,661 and board members established eight new named unrestricted funds.

“Unrestricted funds allow us the flexibility to address Monroe County’s ever-changing needs,” said Development Director Meagan Niese, “Through strategic grant making and leadership initiatives, the Community Foundation is able to facilitate innovative and proactive funding to respond to the community’s most pressing and compelling opportunities, challenges and urgent needs.”

The Lilly GIFT VI challenge also gave CFBMC momentum for its “Corporations for the Future” campaign. Corporations took advantage of the matching opportunity to create new funds and partner with CFBMC, often for the first time. The number of new companies that made gifts to CFBMC during this time period increased by 24% with a total of $484,450 from 17 corporations.

New donors also participated in the Community Foundation’s first match-day event, “Match Madness” in March 2015. Match Madness was an event to grow the endowments of 10 local nonprofit agencies. The Community Foundation offered $150,000 ($50,000 Lilly GIFT VI and $100,000 CFBMC) in match dollars. Combined, agency endowments grew by $280,000 in this 25-hour period.

“We are immensely grateful to the Lilly Endowment for GIFT VI,” Chris Cockerham, chair of the Community Foundation development committee. “This opportunity challenged and incentivized us to develop new and innovate ways to significantly grow for the future. We’re proud of the outcome, and thrilled that it gave us the opportunity to develop new relationships and increase awareness about the Foundation and the agencies and nonprofits that are so vital in our community.”

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 $24 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources. We make grants, offer expertise and lead in collaboration with others to meet our community’s most pressing needs and seize its most important opportunities, including impacting education, healthcare, the environment, charitable economic development, social services, the arts and more.

About Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. A separate entity from the pharmaceutical company, the foundation supports community development, education and religion causes primarily in Indianapolis and Indiana.

Lilly Endowment Inc. launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative 25 years ago to encourage the establishment and strengthening of community foundations as vehicles to improve the quality of life in Indiana communities. The success of Indiana’s community foundations over the intervening years has far exceeded the Endowment’s expectations when GIFT began. With assistance from the Lilly Endowment, all 92 counties in Indiana are served by a community foundation or affiliate. The total value of the assets of Indiana community foundations that have regularly participated in GIFT has increased from an aggregate value of about $30 million to nearly $2 billion, and those community foundations have paid grants totaling more than $915 million. These results would not have been achieved without the imagination, generosity, commitment and leadership of thousands of donors, volunteers and foundation staff members throughout the state.

CFBMC Board Member and Old National Bank Regional CEO Mark Bradford has been chosen as Indiana’s 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Indiana chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Bradford will receive the award at the Indiana Philanthropy Awards Dinner on November 17, 2016 in Indianapolis, IN.

“The Community Foundation is greatly indebted to Mark for his leadership,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “Mark embodies the potential that a volunteer can make in inspiring and motivating peers, fellow board members, the community, and an organization’s staff to stretch beyond the norm, to set ever higher expectations, and to achieve.”

Bradford, along with Community Foundation leadership, created the CFBMC Corporations for Our Future Campaign in 2013. Under Bradford’s volunteer leadership in this initiative, corporate giving to the Community Foundation has increased by 24 percent since 2013. With $687,200 in endowed corporate gifts, the campaign is already more than 68 percent towards its $1 million goal in corporate gifts by 2022. Thanks to the Lilly Endowment GIFT VI matching challenge, a portion of corporate funds were also matched between 2014 and 2016. With a match of $408,850 from the Lilly Endowment, the impact of corporate gifts to the Community Foundation has totaled $1,096,050 since 2013.

“This project has been a labor of love for Mark,” said Immediate Past Board Chair Edward W. Najam, Jr. “He is an incredible advocate for the mission of the Foundation.”

Funds raised from the Corporations for Our Future Campaign will generate more than $46,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations next year. Over the next 10 years, the impact of corporate gifts raised to date will infuse more than $500,000 into Monroe County to respond to the community’s most pressing needs and compelling opportunities.

“As is the case with all good fundraisers, Mark is driven by a passionate commitment to making Monroe County a better place for all who call it home,” added Peterson. “He is a strong fundraiser who knows how to connect with others and draw upon their love of our community. But more significant than his ability to raise funds is the legacy of impact he has created for Monroe County.”

Tickets and sponsorships are available for the 2016 Indiana Philanthropy Awards on November 17. More information and the complete list of 2016 award recipients is available at https://community.afpnet.org/afpinindianachapter/home.

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 $24 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

Grant initiative to prioritize projects this year that empower youth.

 The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County announced today that grants are available through the Community Impact Funding Initiative. The grants, co-funded by Smithville Charitable Foundation, aim to strengthen the community by supporting innovative projects with lasting impact and enabling organizations to address pressing problems or pursue compelling opportunities in Monroe County. The 2017 grant initiative will award more than $300,000 to area nonprofits and will prioritize projects that “empower youth to reach their potential.”

Local 501(c)(3) organizations and other organizations exempt from filing for 501(c)(3) status may apply for the 2017 grants with requests ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Priority consideration will be given to projects that meet one or more of the following criteria: empower youth to achieve their full potential; offers innovative or transformative solutions to critical community issues; or foster collaboration across organizations and/or sectors to increase impact and effectiveness.

“Indiana has the 15^th largest population of children in the United States with more than 1.5 million children younger than 18 living in our state,” said Tina Peterson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County. “Yet many of our children live in conditions that are less than ideal and struggle with issues beyond their control.”
For example, Indiana ranks:

• 30th for the well-being of its children
• 32^nd for family and community strength
• 44th for the number of residents with Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 4th for the number of children who have thoughts of suicide
• 10th for the number of children attempting suicide
• 39^th for per capita income
• 31^st for overall health
• 44^th for obesity and smoking

“We believe the best way to move the needle relative to these significant issues is by focusing on the potential of young people,” added Peterson. “This year, we are asking for grant projects designed to allow nonprofits and other exempt organizations to prepare young people for success and provide them with skills, knowledge and awareness to inspire and equip them to reach their full potential.”

Youth development grants are intended for programs with broad scope, influencing and addressing educational, career and general life issues. Potential examples include grant projects that promote and facilitate character development, leadership skill development, career awareness, positive mental health, prevention of substance abuse, tolerance and acceptance of others, soft and interpersonal skill development, entrepreneurship education, and preparation for STEM-related training and/or careers.

“We are hoping this year’s focus on youth will be a strong call to action in our community,” added Peterson. “Only 12 of Indiana’s counties have experienced an increase in child population since 2008 and Monroe is one of those counties. This gives us a unique opportunity to become a leader in addressing the many challenges Indiana faces while empowering youth here at home.”

To be considered for funding, applicants must first submit a two-page letter of intent and verification of tax-exempt status to CFBMC by 5 p.m. on September 19. Following review of the letters of intent, selected organizations will be invited to submit full grant proposals, which will be due November 7. Grants will be awarded January 9, 2017.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of CFBMC donors and the Smithville Charitable Foundation for making this grant initiative possible,” added Peterson.

“We have seen these funds used in amazing ways to address a broad range of community needs,” added Darby McCarty, a governor on the Smithville Charitable Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re excited once again to invest in this initiative and are looking forward to seeing the funded projects make a difference in the lives of Monroe County residents.”

A few examples of recent Impact Grant projects include:

• Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools – development of curriculum to enable Grandview Elementary become Bloomington’s first state-accredited STEM school.
• New Hope Family Shelter – establishment of an Early Childhood Education Center, a high-quality care and education program for children experiencing poverty in Bloomington and Monroe County.
• WonderLab – utilization of a museum-planning consultant to reimagine its environment and exhibits to enhance visitor experience and add science learning throughout.
• Centerstone – funding to support three certified mental health first aid instructors to train 200+ concerned Monroe County citizens to support children, adults and veterans facing a mental illness or substance use disorder.
• Cardinal State Company – implementation of a new online box office and ticketing system to streamline operations and improve long-term financial management and organizational stability.
• Sycamore Land Trust – creation of a 30-acre nature preserve within the Bean Blossom Conservation area, a parcel that is part of larger effort to connect already protected areas between Lake Lemon, Griffy Lake and the White River.

Guidelines and instructions for the 2017 grant initiative are available online at https://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 $24 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

About Smithville Charitable Foundation: Inspired by altruism, The Smithville Charitable Foundation was established in 2007 as a desire to enrich lives by creating opportunities and bringing necessities to the communities served by Smithville Communications. As a private foundation, Smithville Charitable Foundation works closely with community foundations in the 17 counties of its service territory to support a variety of causes related to religion, education, health, the arts, relief of poverty or distress, and various public organizations.

New deadline for 2017 applications: Interested high school seniors must apply by August 31^st.

View the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Scholarship Application.

Applications for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are now available. Interested high school seniors have until August 31^st to submit their applications to be considered for the scholarship program.
Finalists for the scholarship will be identified in October and the two 2017 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars for Monroe County will be named in December 2016.

“Our community continues to be blessed with exceptionally talented young people and we’re honored to award Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships to deserving Monroe County students again this year,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “To ensure that every eligible student has the opportunity to apply, we want our community to be aware that the timeline for the Lilly Scholar program has changed and applications are due much earlier this year.”

In previous years, applications in Monroe County were due in December and scholarship recipients were announced in April of the year they graduated from high school. The accelerated timeline is the result of a “compelling recommendation” from community foundations who participated in a statewide evaluation of the program conducted by Lilly Endowment in 2015. During the evaluation process, a number of Indiana community foundations suggested that identifying Lilly Endowment Community Scholars earlier in the school year would give recipients more time to decide which college or university to attend. The change affects the program for all Indiana community foundations.

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 selecting recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance and leadership potential.

Since 1998, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has assisted more than 4,000 Indiana high school graduates with more than $300 million in tuition for pursuing baccalaureate degrees at Indiana colleges and universities.

Deadlines for all other donor-established scholarships administered through The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County will remain unchanged. For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program or other scholarships administered by CFBMC, visit https://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 $24 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

The timeline and deadlines are changing this year for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program and students interested in applying will need to act quickly to complete requirements for participating. The two 2017 Lilly Scholars for Monroe County will be named in December 2016. Previous scholarship recipients were announced in March of the year they graduated from high school. The change affects the program for all Indiana community foundations.

The advanced timeline is the result of a “compelling recommendation” from community foundations who participated in a statewide evaluation of the program conducted by Lilly Endowment in 2015. During the evaluation process, a number of Indiana community foundations suggested that identifying Lilly Scholars earlier in the school year would give more time for them to decide which college or university to attend.

Lilly 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 selecting recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance and potential for leadership.

Online applications will be made available on the Community Foundation website this summer. Students planning to apply for the scholarship should expect to submit their completed materials in August. The Community Foundation Board of Director’s is reviewing the new scholarship procedures and the new timeline will be publically announced in June on the CFBMC website.

“For 20 years, the Community Foundation has been given the distinct honor of awarding the Lilly Community Scholarships to deserving Monroe County students,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “This community continues to be blessed with exceptionally talented young people and the pool of potential candidates for this scholarship is always highly competitive. To ensure that every eligible student has the opportunity to apply, we want to get information out to the community about this change in deadlines early in order to ensure that students make plans to start their application process this summer in advance of the new deadlines.”

Deadlines for all other donor-established scholarships administered through The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County will remain unchanged. For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship or other scholarships administered by CFBMC, visit www.cfbmc.org or contact Marcus Whited, Program Officer 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 $23 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

Monroe Smart Start recognized early childhood educators, providers and partners at its 3^rd annual Early Childhood Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 14 at WTIU.

Each of the providers and educators recognized are committed to addressing school readiness in Monroe County and improving the quality of early education throughout the community.

“Because most brain development occurs in a child’s first five years, providing the right foundation is important for children to succeed in school and eventually in life,” said Monroe Smart Start Director Jennifer Myers. “

“The incredible work of early education providers is often overlooked, but research has shown that it is critical to to improving success in school, graduation rates, workforce readiness and community engagement. That’s why we’re thrilled to acknowledge and recognize the incredible work of Monroe’s County’s early childhood educators each year.”

Early Childhood Excellent Educator Awards were given to educators and teachers demonstrating high quality care and excellent collaborative efforts. Seventeen early childhood teachers were nominated by Level 4 and Level 3 early childhood directors and their colleagues for the 2016 awards.

“The 2016 educator award recipients are an amazing group who inspire children, families and colleagues,” added Myers. “These educators demonstrate developmentally appropriate practice, exemplify high quality care, collaborate with other instructors, and serve as excellent early childhood role models in our community.”

2016’s Early Childhood Excellent Educator Award recipients include:

• Sarah Agmon, Edgewood Early Childhood Center
• Alex Ballard, Early Head Start Jack’s Defeat Creek
• Dawn Berkenstock, IU Campus Children’s Center
• Jennifer Brinegar, Summit Elementary Title I Pre-K
• Kim Clay, Monroe County United Ministries
• Robin Cole, St. Marks Nursery School and Kindergarten
• Laura Creed, Head Start Lindbergh Center
• Rachel Draughn, Bloomington Developmental Learning Center
• Kim Freeman, Penny Lane East
• Alexandra Green, Monroe County YMCA Center for Children and Families
• Jennifer Hare, Hoosier Courts Nursery School
• Cathy Lawson, Head Start Walnut Woods
• Charity Prince, Children’s Village Child Development and Education
• Kate Putnam, Children’s Corner Cooperative Nursery School
• Samantha Sisk, Campus View Child Care Center
• Katie Stallsmith, Bloomington Center for Global Children
• Kathy Yonkman, MCCSC’s Ready Set Grow

Recognition awards were also given to 34 early childhood quality providers that have achieved Level 3 and 4 Paths to QUALITY^TM designations and national accreditations. Paths to QUALITY^TM represents Indiana’s voluntary quality rating and improvement system for child care providers. Level 4 programs are nationally accredited and demonstrate a commitment to the highest level of professionalism in quality child care. Level 3 programs have demonstrated the knowledge and skill necessary to plan appropriate activities and opportunities that lead children toward school readiness.

Paths to QUALITY^TM regulations are designed to keep children safe while helping to ensure early learning is developmentally appropriate and follows Indiana’s Early Learning Standards. Level 3 sites are accountable for providing a curriculum that appropriately readies children for kindergarten. Research shows children who are ready for school are also ready for life.

Twenty-two Monroe Smart Start early childhood cohort providers have improved Paths to QUALITY^TM ratings since 2013.

“Monroe County is seeing some nice progress in the number of early childhood sites that have increased levels in Paths to QUALITY^TM, but we still have a major shortage of quality early childhood sites for children to attend,” added Myers.
“We are proud of our early childhood community and their desire to increase the quality of care given to children and their families. The Early Childhood Excellence Awards is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of quality early childhood professionals while motivating others to continue striving toward quality improvements.”

The providers recognized by Monroe Smart Start this year include:

• Arlington Heights Elementary Title I Pre-K, Level 3
• Binford Elementary Ready Set Grow, Level 3
• Bloomington Center for Global Children, Level 3
• Bloomington Developmental Learning Center, Level 3
• Campus View Child Care Center, Level 4, NAEYC Accredited
• Children’s Corner Cooperative Nursery School, NAEYC Accredited
• Children’s Village Child Development and Education, Level 4, COA Accredited
• Cookie Club Daycare, Level 3
• Deborah Hawkins Day Care, Level 3
• Early Head Start at Jack’s Defeat E, Level 3
• Early Head Start at Jack’s Defeat F, Level 3
• Early Head Start at Jack’s Defeat H, Level 3
• Early Head Start at Jack’s Defeat N, Level 3
• Early Head Start at Jack’s Defeat O, Level 3
• Early Head Start at Jack’s Defeat P, Level 3
• Grandview Elementary Title I Pre-K, Level 3
• Head Start Lindbergh Center, Level 3
• Hoosier Courts Nursery School, Level 4, NAEYC Accredited
• Imagine Daycare, Level 3
• IU Campus Children’s Center, Level 4, NAEYC Accredited
• Jenny’s Place, Level 3
• Kid Angles Early Education Butterfly Bungalow, Level 3
• Kid Angles Early Education Monkey House, Level 3
• Kiddos World Childcare, Level 3
• Lakeview Elementary Ready Set Grow, Level 3
• Levato’s Little Ones, Level 3
• Little Peeps, Level 4, NAFCC Accredited
• Monroe County United Ministries, Level 4, NAEYC Accredited
• Monroe County YMCA Center for Children & Families, Level 3
• Penny Lane East, Level 4, NAEYC Accredited
• Penny Lane West, Level 4, NAEYC Accredited
• Sandy’s Kids Child Care, Level 3
• Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten, NAEYC Accredited
• Walnut Woods Head Start, Level 3

In 2013, Monroe Smart Start began its first Cohort of Quality Providers. Early childhood sites actively seeking to progress in Paths to QUALITY^TM are invited to participate each year. Providers receive funding and training that improve the education and ultimately the school readiness of the children in their care.
Since 2013, 22 local, licensed early childhood sites have participated in Monroe Smart Start’s Quality Cohorts. These cohorts have successfully progressed through Paths to QUALITY achieving level increases and offering 461 children higher quality care.

The 2015 Cohort of Quality providers recognized at the event include:

• Jack and Jill Daycare
• Kid Angles: The Early Education School
• Korra Bells Playhouse
• Little Angels Daycare and Preschool
• Love & Learn Preschool & Daycare
• My Little Blessings
• New Hope Early Childhood Development Center
• Rise and Shine Child Care

In addition to early childhood providers and teachers, additional recognitions were given to quality advisors, partners and parent liaisons that work collaboratively to improve preschool programming, resources and school readiness in Monroe County.

2016 Early Education Leadership Award recipients:

• Jolene Wright, Parent Liaison, Monroe County Community School System
• Jill Ferguson, Parent Liaison, Richland-Bean Blossom School Corp.
• Emily Roth, Education Coordinator, Purdue Extension-Monroe County
• Jackie Bond, Coach, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
• Danielle Riddell, Coach, Paths to QUALITY, Chances and Services for Youth
• South Central Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Executive Committee

Monroe Smart Start began in 2009 in response to an urgent need to increase and improve preschool programing and resources in our community. Facilitated through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) and the United Way of Monroe County, Monroe Smart Start is an initiative to develop and improve early childhood education opportunities in Monroe County so that children enter kindergarten ready for school and ready for life. Coalition members include local leaders in education, government, health and human services, as well as parents and other community members.
Monroe Smart Start initiatives include foundation educational grants for programs to achieve quality designations or accreditation, tuition-free preschool classes for less advantaged children, preschool parent liaisons, continuing education and quality improvement efforts for early childhood educators, and community education activities to promote the awareness and importance of school readiness.

“Four years ago, the Community Foundation highlighted early childhood education as a major priority for Monroe County and Bloomington due to the lack of state funding for preschool and the abundance of research demonstrating a connection between school readiness and academic and professional success,” said Tina Peterson, CFBMC president and CEO.

“Through more than one million dollars in Community Foundation grants and our partnership with United Way, Monroe Smart Start has been able to provide the resources to build our capacity for more early childhood education and prepare our community’s children for success in school.”

In addition to improving school readiness in Monroe County, Smart Start partnered with the City of Bloomington’s Monroe County Energy Challenge in 2015. As part of the program, Jackie Duemler, Energy Outreach Coordinator, works with interested home-based childcare sites to provide information on energy efficiency and potential savings opportunities to their client families most in need of assistance. Willing households receive free in-home energy and air quality assessments and information on grant programs and other resources.

Monroe Smart Start invites early childhood home providers to participate in the free energy assessments. Participating home providers received LED light bulbs, faucet aerators, outlet insulators, and weatherization to help them to reduce home energy use and save money on utility costs. By paring improved environmental quality with improved childcare, children and their families are healthier, safer and more likely to prosper in the future.

Providers that completed energy assessments were recognized at this year’s Early Childhood Excellence Awards:

• Marcella Ettinger, Director, Rise and Shine Child Care
• Jenny Dittfach, Owner, Jenny’s Place
• Noel Hanson, Owner, Kid Angles Early Education School: Monkey House, Kid Angles Early Education School: Butterfly Bungalow
• Linda Jackson, Owner, Jack and Jill Daycare
• Marianna Edmonds-Hogue, Owner, Cookie Club Daycare
• Jackie Perez, Owner, Little Peeps

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 $23 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

About United Way of Monroe County
United Way of Monroe County improves people’s lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through its Community Action Fund and grant initiatives, United Way works with 25 member agencies and community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earning, and the essentials.

About Paths to QUALITY^TM
Paths to QUALITY^TM is dedicated to supporting the well-being and success of all Indiana children through a statewide system that improves child development and age-appropriate learning experiences, promotes high quality child care, and supports and empowers parents as teachers and decision makers. More information on Indiana’s Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement System can be found at http://www.in.gov/fssa/2554.htm.

About Monroe County Energy Challenge:
The Monroe County Energy Challenge (MCEC) is a broad coalition of community organizations collaborating to reduce energy use in Monroe County, Indiana. More information on specific energy reduction initiatives can be found at http://mocoenergychallenge.org/

Over $306,000 awarded to eleven area agencies.

The Community Foundation, in partnership with the Smithville Charitable Foundation, has announced the recipients of the 2016 Community Impact Grants.

Eleven agencies were awarded grants from an original field of 40 applicants. Grants range in size from $10,000 to $50,000 for a total of $306,193.

Community Impact Grants focus on funding charitable efforts that have the potential for encouraging change and creating solutions to the issues that impact our community. Requests that include innovation, collaboration and capacity building receive priority in the evaluation process. This year represents the fifth year that Smithville Charitable Foundation joins the Community Foundation in funding the Community Impact Grants.

“Every year, we continue to be impressed by the applicants and the incredible work these organizations do for our community,” said Tina Peterson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County. “The agencies selected for grants this year represent organizations devoted to improving the quality of life for members of our community and we’re thrilled to help them advance initiatives to expand and improve their services.”

“We are pleased to have the partnership with the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County,” said Darby McCarty, a governor on the Smithville Charitable Foundation Board of Directors.  “This is another example of a community foundation and a private foundation working toward the needs of the county and city.”

Agencies selected for grants in 2016 address a broad range of community needs including the arts, education, resources for food and shelter, and capacity building support for area nonprofits.

“The Community Impact Grant couldn’t have been more essential for our efforts to end homelessness in Bloomington,” said Rev. Forrest Gilmore, Executive Director of the Shalom Community Center. “At a time when we are actively expanding from emergency services to long-term solutions, the Community Foundation was there for us to help us make the leap.”

“The Foundation [of Monroe County Community Schools] is honored to receive this Community Impact Grant,” added Executive Director Cyrilla Helm. “It will assist us in transforming science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education at Grandview Elementary School. The program is going to immerse students in relevant hands-on projects that will teach STEM concepts while igniting a passion for these subjects. We believe that exposing these children to STEM education at a young age we will spark a lifelong interest in learning, which can translate into increased performance in the classroom.”

The complete list of agencies selected for 2016 Community Impact Grants include:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington is undertaking a capital project that will renovate the Lincoln Street facility as well as provide the means to acquire, renovate and expand the former IU Eye Clinic building at 803 N. Monroe Street. The Monroe Street facility will serve as the new clubhouse for the Crestmont neighborhood and administrative home for the BGCB.

Cardinal Stage Company – As part of their current strategic plan, Cardinal has identified enhancements to online, box office, and fundamental accounting/fundraising systems. Cardinal will invest in a robust system that will significantly streamline internal operations, improve long-term financial management and support organizational stability.

Centerstone – The Centerstone Mental Health First Aid project will provide three certified instructors to train 200+ concerned Monroe County citizens to save lives of children, adults and veterans facing a mental illness or substance use disorder.

Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools – Grandview Elementary is working to become an accredited STEM school. The school will develop and implement a rigorous integrated curriculum that incorporates science, technology, engineering and math across all subject areas. The units of study will immerse students in project-based learning experiences that allow student collaboration, communication, critical thinking and problem solving.

Hoosier Hills Food Bank – HHFB will create a full-time staff position dedicated exclusively to securing donated food and maintaining food donor relationships. The Food Sourcing Coordinator will build on existing sources and expand capacity to acquire more food for programs and partner agencies, leveraging valuable donations for the community good and ensuring no food is wasted.

LIFEDesigns – The LIFEDesigns Employment First Project will build the agency’s capacity to support individuals of all ability levels in pursuing careers in the community, including self-employment. By developing staff skills in facilitation of career planning, cataloguing resources for business development, providing small start up loans and capturing new revenues sources, LIFEDesigns will ensure that 50% of its clients are working in the community by 2018.

Lotus Education and Arts Foundation – Lotus is working to implement broad technological improvements that will address risk management, expand future capacity and create a more cohesive, effective, work environment as they transition into their new facility.

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard – Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard will purchase the building they currently lease, located at 1100 W. Allen St. In the three years that MHC has occupied this building, the space has been transformed into a vibrant community food resource center, meeting the emergency food needs of over 10,000 low income community members each year.

Shalom Community Center – Shalom is working to expand its organizational capacity to aid and empower people experiencing homelessness and poverty, including the management of the shelter formerly known as Martha’s House (renamed Friend’s Place). Shalom will add a full-time development director to grow its fundraising capacity and donor base.

Stepping Stones – Stepping Stones will seek to expand its services to homeless youth by engaging consultants to explore partnerships with agencies that have strong administrative structures and complementary or similar funding streams.

WonderLab – WonderLab will work with a museum-planning consultant to reimagine the museum experience, environment and exhibits, to add layers of learning, expand the wonder experienced by visitors and add science depth throughout the learning landscape. This will enable WonderLab to creatively reimagine how the building space can be maximized to provide increased space for exhibits, programs and camps, and enable WonderLab to more effectively reach a wider audience for years to come.

About the Community Foundation: Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted nearly $23 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations. Our $26 million endowment is growing and so is the difference we make by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

About the Smithville Charitable Foundation: Inspired by altruism, the Foundation’s main goal is to enrich the lives of those around them by creating opportunities and bringing necessities to communities in its areas of service. As a private foundation, it works closely with community foundations in surrounding counties and supports a variety of causes related to religion, education, health, relief of poverty or distress, and various public organizations.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe Country has announced the 2016 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients. Ms. Greer King and and Mr. Brian Emmons were chosen from among 42 applicants representing three high schools in Monroe County.

Each will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an Indiana public or private college of their choosing. In addition to the cost of tuition, they will receive a $900 annual stipend for books and other required materials.

Greer King of Bloomington High School North is the daughter of Kane & Paris King and plans to attend Indiana University to study business economics and public policy. She is a member of National Honor Society, serving as vice president, and participates in the Life Skills Academy. She is a member of the student athletic board and has served four years on student council. Over the last two years, she has completed internships with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. Greer has been active in tennis, swimming and rowing. Her community efforts include volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Dance Marathon, Hoosiers Outrun Cancer and Book Buddies, where she has read to children for the last four years. A mission trip to Guatemala as a sophomore two years ago changed her life profoundly and gave her a new perspective. She now has a passion for those living in poverty and intends to be a part of eradicating substandard housing in Bloomington.

“I am humbled and honored to be one of the 2016 Lilly Scholars,” said King. “This has been such an amazing and exciting experience. I would like to thank my teachers at Bloomington High School North and my family for supporting me, and the Community Foundation for granting me this opportunity.”

Brian Emmons of Bloomington High School North is the son of Donald and Julie Adams. He plans to attend Indiana University in the fall and study informatics. Brian is the president and founder of the Life Skills Academy, and has volunteered for several organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers in Medicine, Interfaith Winter Shelter and Hoosiers Outrun Cancer. Brian is a four-year member of Business Professionals of America and the Young Republicans Club. Brian played tennis and soccer, and has been involved in mission trips to inner cities across the U.S. over the last five years. Brian is passionate about providing solutions to the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and believes that a future in informatics can help narrow that gap.

“I am deeply honored and appreciative that I was selected as a Lilly Scholar,” said Emmons. “Going through the finalist process was an amazing experience. It will be an honor to attend college as a member of the Lilly community, and I look forward to being able to give back to this program in the future.”

The selection committee used a blind review process to score written applications from eight finalists. The other finalists, along with King and Emmons, were Emily Finley, Hailea Howard, Catherine May, Jacquelyn Parkes, Carter Sims and Ian Zanger. Each finalist was interviewed, with their interview scores tallied alongside the scores from the written portion of their application. The rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations were submitted to and approved by Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc., a nonprofit corporation representing 31 regionally accredited degree-granting colleges and universities in the state.

“We had a tremendous group of finalists this year who demonstrate leadership in academics, extracurricular activities and in service to their community,” said Jean Emery, chair of the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. “Greer and Brian exemplify the high-caliber students we’ve come to expect. We’re thrilled to provide them with this opportunity to pursue their career aspirations and we look forward to the contributions they will make in their communities.”

Since 1998, the Lilly Endowment Scholarship Program has assisted more than 4,000 Indiana high school graduates with more than $300 million in tuition for pursuing baccalaureate degrees at Indiana colleges and universities.

“For 19 years, the Community Foundation has been fortunate to work with the Lilly Endowment and Independent Colleges of Indiana to select 58 Monroe County Lilly scholars,” said Community Foundation President and CEO, Tina Peterson.

“This scholarship allows them to pursue careers that might otherwise have been unattainable and helps us increase the odds that many of these young people stay here, in Indiana, to become the citizens and leaders needed to ensure a bright, prosperous future for our communities.”

Previous Lilly scholarship recipients from Monroe County include:
1998
Amber (Martindale) Yount (BHSS); Butler
Rebecca (Strain) Spriggs (Edgewood); University of Evansville
1999
Kathleen Tran (BHSS); Indiana University
Aaron Ray (Edgewood); Indiana University
Amanda Horvath (BHSS); Notre Dame
Nathan Fuller (BHSN); Rose-Hulman
2000
Andrew Krebbs (Edgewood); Indiana University
Michael Goodman (BHSN); Indiana University
Alison O’Malley (Edgewood); Butler
Morgan Volrich Riggs (BHSN); Indiana University
2001
Lindsay Kile (Edgewood); Purdue
Ruthie (Willsey) Sterrett (BHSS); Purdue
Ann Marshall (BHSN); Indiana University
Elizabeth Sloan (BHSN); Indiana University
Reed Carmichael (BHSN); DePauw University
Talialin Fehrenbach (BHSS); Butler
2002
Theodore (Tio) Savich (BHSN); Earlham
Aliese Sarkissian (BHSN); DePauw University
Virginia Chappell (BHSS); Indiana University
Michael Kruszynski (Indiana Academy); Rose-Hulman
James Moynihan (Edgewood); Butler
Andrea (Stalcup) Wallace (Edgewood); University of Evansville
2003
Amber (Knowlton) Todd (BHSS); Indiana University
David Courtney (BHSS); Earlham
Jennifer Richardson (BHSN); Indiana University
Robert (Matt) Hawkins (Edgewood); Rose-Hulman
Abram Hess (Indiana Academy); Indiana University
Anand Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
2004
Ryan Hodge (Indiana Academy); Rose-Hulman
Isaac (Ike) Dolby (BHSN); Purdue
Jennifer (Laird) Black (BHSS); Butler
Tara Langvardt (Edgewood); DePauw University
Caitlin (Odya) Homenda (Edgewood); Indiana University
Mark Strother (BHSN); Indiana University
2005
Manisha Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
Jesse Pontius (BHSN); Purdue University
2006
David Kim (BHSN); Notre Dame
Jenna Beasley (BHSN); Indiana University
2007
Meehan Lenzen (BHSN); Notre Dame
Kristen Miller (BHSS); Indiana University
2008
Ashley Larason (BHSS); Purdue University
Thomas Weakley (Edgewood); DePauw / Indiana University
2009
Miranda Arthur (Edgewood); Butler
Audrey Ernst (Edgewood); University of Indianapolis
2010
Bhavin Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
Stephen Zerfas (BHSN); Notre Dame
2011
Maha Elsarrag (BHSN); Indiana University
Lynne Bauman (BHSS); Notre Dame
2012
Evelyn Bauman (BHSS); Notre Dame
Alex St. John (BHSN); Indiana University
2013
Hannah Alani (BHSS); Indiana University
Shannon Jager (BHSN); DePauw University
2014
Emma St. John (BHSN); Indiana University
Winston Winkler (BHSN); Indiana University
2015
Sidrah Din (BHSS); Rose-Hulman
Riley Callahan (Lighthouse Christian Academy); Rose-Hulman

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 $23 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County is delighted to announce donations totaling nearly $19,000 from the Bloomington 100+ Women Who Care group. At their May meeting, the 100+ Women Who Care selected the CFBMC as the recipient for their quarterly award.  To date, the 100+ Women Who Care group has contributed nearly $350,000 to different nonprofits in Monroe County since the group was founded in November 2011.

Lennie Busch made the successful pitch for the group to support the CFBMC. Tina Peterson, the President and CEO of the CFBMC and a founding member of 100+ Women Who Care, said the donations are especially meaningful, timed as they are to allow the CFBMC to claim a match through the Lilly Endowment.

“Each $100 contribution from a 100+ Women Who Care member will translate into a $200 addition to the CFBMC endowment for strategic grantmaking,” Peterson said. “This in turn will allow us to address our community’s most pressing needs and respond to its most compelling opportunities – year after year after year.  That’s the power of endowment.”

100+ Women Who Care is open to all women who want to make a difference in Monroe County, and who agree to contribute $100 at each quarterly meeting.  Each member also pays an annual commitment fee of $100 to the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County. For more information about how to join 100+ Women Who Care, visit the website: http://100pluswwc.wordpress.com/ or the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/100womenbloomington.

The group’s next meeting is Wednesday, August 5, 2015, from 6 PM – 7 PM at the Bloomington Country Club. Women who wish to join the group may attend the meeting and join at that time. All members – current and new – are invited to arrive at 5:30 for socializing before the meeting starts.

Two of Monroe County’s graduating high school seniors will each receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an Indiana public or private college of their choosing.

Ms. Sidrah Din and Mr. Riley Callahan were chosen as the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County’s 2015 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars from among 51 applicants representing five high schools in Monroe County. In addition to the cost of tuition, they will each receive a $900 annual stipend for books and other materials.

Sidrah Din of Bloomington High School South is the daughter of Faiza and Zahid Din.  She plans to pursue post-secondary studies in Biomedical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  At BHSS, Sidrah has been on the honor roll for her entire career, earning a GPA of 4.32.  She is president of the BHSS Orchestra and was chosen as a Leader of Tomorrow and was selected as a Scholastic Star. Sidrah has a passion for improving health care and believes strongly that people deserve the right to proper medical care regardless of financial status.  She would like to focus on disease prevention as a proactive measure both in the United States and around the world.  Sidrah plans to become an orthopedic doctor.

“It is a privilege to be a recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, and I am honored that the Community Foundation is going to support me in the next stage of my life. ”  Din said.  “I cannot wait to continue making as much of a difference in the community as I can while pursuing my education at Rose-Hulman. I would especially like to thank all of the people who helped make this possible.”

Riley Callahan of Lighthouse Christian Academy, is the son of Susan and Brian Callahan.  Riley also plans to pursue post-secondary studies in Biomedical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  Riley has experienced a life-long passion for service to other people, as evidenced by his nine mission trips.  Riley stated his belief that one only finds true joy when serving others.  Riley has been involved with student council, National Honor Society, orchestra & band, drama, soccer, golf, church youth group and is an Eagle Scout.

“I am highly honored to be a recipient of the Lilly Scholarship. It is amazing to receive this award, because now I can achieve my dreams without future stress of paying for it.  This is a culmination of many years of hard work and the support of friends, family and my school,” stated Riley upon learning of his selection. “I am so thankful and happy that I have been awarded this opportunity, and I look forward to giving back to my community.”

“The Lilly Scholarship is a game changer for not only Sidrah and Riley, but for their parents, too.” said Jean Emery, chair of the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. “I commend all ten Lilly finalists.  Each finalist has worked very hard in their academics, school activities and in service to their community.”

The selection committee used a blind review process to score written applications from ten finalists. The other finalists, along with Din and Callahan, were Alison Burt, Megan Gardner, Morgan Huntington, Emily Maegerlein, Roger Morris, Elizabeth VanAllen, Nicholas Wernert, and Anthony Williams.  Each finalist was interviewed, with their interview scores tallied alongside the scores from the written portion of their application. The rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations were submitted to and approved by Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc., a nonprofit corporation representing 31 regionally accredited degree-granting colleges and universities in the state.

Since 1998, the Lilly Endowment Scholarship Program has assisted more than 3,900 Indiana high school graduates with more than $300,000,000 in tuition for pursuing baccalaureate degrees at Indiana colleges and universities.

“The Community Foundation is pleased to have been given the opportunity to work with the Lilly Endowment and Independent Colleges of Indiana in selecting fifty-six Monroe County Lilly scholars in the last 18 years,” stated Community Foundation President and CEO, Tina Peterson.  “The benefit realized by this community and our state by encouraging these exceptional young people to pursue an education in Indiana is immeasurable.  This scholarship allows them to pursue careers that might otherwise have been unattainable and helps us ensure that many of these young people stay here, in Indiana, to become the citizens and leaders needed to ensure a bright, prosperous future for our communities.”

Previous Lilly scholarship recipients from Monroe County include:

1998
Amber (Martindale) Yount (1998, BHSS); Butler
Rebecca (Strain) Spriggs (1998, Edgewood); University of Evansville
1999
Kathleen Tran (1999, BHSS); Indiana University
Aaron Ray (1999, Edgewood); Indiana University
Amanda Horvath (1999, BHSS); Notre Dame
Nathan Fuller (1999, BHSN); Rose-Hulman
2000
Andrew Krebbs (2000, Edgewood); Indiana University
Michael Goodman (2000, BHSN); Indiana University
Alison O’Malley (2000, Edgewood); Butler
Morgan Volrich Riggs (2000, BHSN); Indiana University
2001
Lindsay Kile (2001, Edgewood); Purdue
Ruthie (Willsey) Sterrett (2001, BHSS); Purdue
Ann Marshall (2001, BHSN); Indiana University
Elizabeth Sloan (2001, BHSN); Indiana University
Reed Carmichael (2001, BHSN); DePauw University
Talialin Fehrenbach (2001, BHSS); Butler
2002
Theodore (Tio) Savich (BHSN); Earlham
Aliese Sarkissian (BHSN); DePauw University
Virginia Chappell (BHSS); Indiana University
Michael Kruszynski (Indiana Academy); Rose-Hulman
James Moynihan (Edgewood); Butler
Andrea (Stalcup) Wallace (Edgewood); University of Evansville
2003
Amber (Knowlton) Todd (BHSS); Indiana University
David Courtney (BHSS); Earlham
Jennifer Richardson (BHSN); Indiana University
Robert (Matt) Hawkins (Edgewood); Rose-Hulman
Abram Hess (Indiana Academy); Indiana University
Anand Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
2004
Ryan Hodge (Indiana Academy); Rose-Hulman
Isaac (Ike) Dolby (BHSN); Purdue
Jennifer (Laird) Black (BHSS); Butler
Tara Langvardt (Edgewood); DePauw University
Caitlin (Odya) Homenda (Edgewood); Indiana University
Mark Strother (BHSN); Indiana University
2005
Manisha Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
Jesse Pontius (BHSN); Purdue University
2006
David Kim (BHSN); Notre Dame
Jenna Beasley (BHSN); Indiana University
2007
Meehan Lenzen (BHSN); Notre Dame
Kristen Miller (BHSS); Indiana University
2008
Ashley Larason (BHSS); Purdue University
Thomas Weakley (Edgewood); DePauw/ Indiana University
2009
Miranda Arthur (Edgewood); Butler
Audrey Ernst (Edgewood); University of Indianapolis
2010
Bhavin Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
Stephen Zerfas (BHSN); Notre Dame
2011
Maha Elsarrag (BHSN); Indiana University
Lynne Bauman (BHSS); Notre Dame
2012
Evelyn Bauman (BHSS); Notre Dame
Alex St. John (BHSN); Indiana University
2013
Hannah Alani (BHSS); Indiana University
Shannon Jager (BHSN); DePauw University
2014
Emma St. John (BHSN); Indiana University
Winston Winkler (BHSN); Indiana University
 
About CFBMC:  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 $22 million to more than 390 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $26 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.