Author: Tatum Rose

Spring 2026 Food Security Impact Update

At the Community Foundation, we recognize that food security is fundamental to the well-being of both individuals and the community. When everyone has access to nourishing food, Monroe County thrives—creating a foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future.

We are proud to support the dedicated efforts of local nonprofits that work tirelessly to address food insecurity. The stories below highlight just a few of the many organizations making a real difference—providing essential resources, innovative programs, and hope for our neighbors.

Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Monroe County both today and for generations to come.

Community Kitchen Express Location

Grant awarded: 2024
Facility opened: 2025

In August 2024, the Community Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Community Kitchen for its new Express location. Located in the Crestmont neighborhood, the project replaced an aging building that provided carryout meals for anyone in need, no questions asked. In addition to express meals, the new facility also includes a consulting room where patrons can discuss other services with referral specialists. This investment enhances Community Kitchen’s ability to serve patrons and those in need with dignity in the years ahead.

Southwest Library Teaching Kitchen

Grant awarded: 2019
Facility opened: 2023

In June 2023, Monroe County Public Library’s new Southwest Branch opened a Teaching Kitchen to provide free, hands-on cooking and nutrition programs for all ages. The Community Foundation supported this effort with a $38,500 grant. The Teaching Kitchen offers space for up to 12 participants to learn, cook, and share meals together. Programs help children, teens, and adults develop practical skills while connecting families and neighbors through food and learning.

Hoosier Hills Emergency Food Purchase

Grant awarded: 2025

When the USDA announced it would not pay November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, over 16,000 residents across Hoosier Hills Food Bank’s service area were at risk of losing critical food assistance. The Community Foundation responded quickly, awarding a $100,000 grant for emergency food needs. This support helped HHFB provide thousands of meals for residents facing sudden food insecurity.

Diamond Mather’s Lasting Legacy to Support Food Security

Diamond Mather was a beloved friend of the Community Foundation. She was kind, generous, and determined. She established the Glenn and Diamond Mather Food Security Fund and the Glenn and Diamond Mather Education Fund to ensure those who are less fortunate have access to basic services.

Unfortunately, Diamond passed away in December 2025. In her will, she left a lasting legacy by growing her funds and their impact, including a gift to support the Bloomington Meals on Wheels Endowment at the Foundation. Because of Diamond’s thoughtful generosity, these funds will help provide sustainable support for local hunger relief, both now and forever.

Thank You for Nourishing Monroe County.

Donors like you make these initiatives possible. Thank you for your partnership in making our community a better place!

With support from generous donors and community partners, the Community Foundation is proud to administer several educational scholarship funds for students in Monroe County.

Applications for the following scholarships are now open, with more opening soon. Please help us get the word out to students and families you know who may be interested in these opportunities!

Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club Betty Burnett Welke Scholarship

Deadline to apply: March 2, 2026
Amount: One award of $1,600 is expected

In 1932, Elizabeth (Betty) Burnett was initiated into the Indiana Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi and served her chapter as the social chairman, rush chairman, and Panhellenic representative during her years as an active member. This memorial scholarship honors Betty Burnett’s years of service and commitment to the Pi Beta Phi chapter at Indiana University. View more information about the Pi Beta Phi Scholarship.

Stinesville High School Alumni Scholarship

Deadline to apply: March 31, 2026
Amount: Two awards expected of $4,385 each

This scholarship is awarded to an Edgewood High School senior with a Bean Blossom Township School affiliation. Consideration is given for academic achievements, leadership activities, extracurricular skills, financial need, and the student’s work record.  View more information about Stinesville High School Alumni Scholarship.

Monroe County Ag Day Scholarship

Deadline to apply: March 31, 2026
Amount: One award of up to $2,500 is expected

This scholarship is awarded to a current high school senior who meets at least one of the following criteria: raised on a farm, member/former member of the Monroe County 4-H program, or current member of an FFA chapter in Monroe County. Scholarship(s) may be used for college tuition, fees, books, and/or equipment necessary for coursework. Applicants may major in any area of study; however, preference will be given to those individuals majoring in Agriculture, Home Economics, or Natural Resources. View more information about Monroe County Ag Day Scholarship.

Carl Deal, Jr., Memorial Scholarship

Deadline to apply: April 5, 2026
Amount: Two awards of $2,000 each are expected

This scholarship was created in honor of Carl Deal, Jr.  Mr. Deal felt a strong passion for The Boys & Girls Club and a deep appreciation for its strong commitment to our community as well as its impact on the lives of his family and friends. Carl was a long-time Boys & Girls Club member and wanted to give back to the young people of this community. Upon his death, his friends, co-workers, and family coordinated a fundraiser known as “King’s Blues, BBQ & Funkfest” to raise funds to create a scholarship to be presented annually to a current or former Boys & Girls Club member for post-secondary education or training. View more information about the Carl Deal, Jr., Memorial Scholarship.

Thomas Moeller Memorial Scholarship

Deadline to apply: May 7, 2026
Amount: One award of $1,100 is expected

The Thomas Moeller Memorial Scholarship provides music funding/grants to high school students in grades 10 to 12 who reside in Monroe County and wish to pursue music endeavors. Examples of expenses eligible for this scholarship award include, but are not limited to, the rental or purchase of a musical instrument, music lessons, fees for musical competition, recording projects, vocal lessons, tuition for music camp (college tuition/fees for music and/or music education major may be considered). View more information about the Thomas Moeller Memorial Scholarship.

Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Deadline to apply: June 7, 2026
Amount: Two awards of $2,000 each are expected

This scholarship honors the legacy of Camisha R. Sims, a dedicated nurse who cared selflessly for others and pursued excellence in her field with passion. In her own words, Camisha was “always a nurse,” and her dedication led her to spend her life caring for patients and our community through her service in healthcare. This scholarship award is designed to support students who need financial assistance to pursue their goals of becoming a nurse like Camisha. View more information about the Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship.

Gene T. and Doris O. Shipp Scholarship

Deadline to apply: June 7, 2026
Amount: One award of $2,500 is expected

This scholarship fund is a lasting legacy honoring Gene T. and Doris O. Shipp. The Shipps demonstrated with their words and lives a commitment to education and to supporting their church community, Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana. This scholarship is intended to recognize both the Second Baptist Church community and its students’ pursuit of higher education. View more information about the Gene T. and Doris O. Shipp Scholarship.

Looking for a complete list of scholarships administered by the Community Foundation? Visit the Apply For A Scholarship page.

For specific questions on these or other scholarship opportunities, please contact Program Director Marcus Whited at marcus@cfbmc.org or 812-333-9016.