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Debbie Lemon wanted her planned gift with the Community Foundation to reflect her history and connection to Monroe County. Debbie’s ties to this community have deep roots spanning multiple generations. She explains, “My cousin, Tom Lemon, was the mayor of Bloomington for several years. After World War II, we had an influx of students to our town and started having water issues, which is when Lake Lemon was created.”

Debbie grew up on the southwest side of town, where she attended high school while her parents owned a retail store. Debbie gratefully recalls this “idyllic life.”

She attended Indiana University Bloomington to study Marketing and Entrepreneurship, a new field for her class. After graduating, Debbie worked in healthcare sales in Chicago and Seattle for a few years before moving to Indianapolis. Debbie moved back to Bloomington in 1985 to be closer to family and because she loved the town. She had a long career in the community, culminating in her role as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Indiana University from 2014 to 2021 before retiring.

As Debbie resettled in the community, she became more aware of the many charitable efforts – and she got involved. “When I came back to Bloomington, many of the people I used to know had moved away. I joined Leadership Bloomington, where I began networking and getting to know more organizations. I became involved in the hospital, Hospital Board of Directors, Local Council of Women, Hospital Foundation Board, and Parks Foundation Board, amongst others. Now, I am on the board of the Bloomington Health Foundation. Through this, I have seen the different community needs and focused my philanthropic efforts.”

Her firsthand experience witnessing the challenges of nonprofits led Debbie to create an unrestricted endowment at the Community Foundation in her estate plan. This permanent endowment, the Debbie Lemon Community Fund, will provide flexible grant funds to support community needs in perpetuity. The Debbie Lemon Community Fund will continue Debbie’s legacy of service and giving as it supports Monroe County’s changing needs. 

Debbie continues, “Serving on these boards and learning about their operating expenses, the help they need, and overhead made me passionate about unrestricted funds. Sometimes organizations have a specific focus, but they are often just trying to keep their doors open.” Debbie adds, “When the pandemic happened, no one had a line item in their budget that said ‘pandemic.’ Challenges and changes come from nowhere, but unrestricted funds keep everyone flexible and adept at handling these weighty issues.” The Community Foundation was the ideal place for Debbie to leave her gift because she knows her funds will be cared for, and it will ensure this place she loves will thrive, now and forever. “The Community Foundation makes me feel like this is the right place for my giving to happen because it will be done right, it will be done responsibly, and we will know the outcome,” she said. “When this money comes from my planned gift, I hope it will have a positive community spirit.” 

By leaving a legacy gift with the Community Foundation, Debbie can support the various organizations she has been connected to while adapting to the growth and needs they experience over time. Debbie says, “For my will, I know the institutions I am focusing the funds towards and leave them unrestricted, which gives the organizations a little more flexibility over the years.” 

 As both a volunteer and donor, Debbie has experienced the Community Foundation’s impact and shares in the vision for local, long-term support. “The Community Foundation covers a multitude of broad areas and covers needs that could be chronic or even acute,” she said. “The Community Foundation looks into the needs here and now, as well as the future. I appreciate that the Community Foundation can address things at a moment’s notice to reach community needs.”

Monroe County has become a better place thanks to Debbie’s many contributions, which will continue forever thanks to her thoughtful, planned gift. “This is my hometown,” Debbie shares, “I feel such a loyalty and a commitment to making it better. What’s important to me is that Bloomington keeps its beauty and continues to develop to be a place with great jobs for a growing workforce and that we support those gaps for the services people need. I have always felt very strongly about local giving. You can see the impact of your giving, give feedback, and see tangible assets.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beacon Emerson Endowment

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

BCT Management Endowment

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

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington Endowment

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

Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana Endowment

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

Community Kitchen Endowment

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

Conservation Law Center Endowment

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

Constellation Stage & Screen Endowment

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

Lake Monroe Water Fund Endowment

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

Meals on Wheels Endowment

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

Monroe County Humane Association Endowment 

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

Monroe County United Ministries Endowment

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

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Endowment

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

Roland E. Kohr Endowment for New Hope for Families

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

Sycamore Land Trust Monarch Environmental Education Endowment

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

United Way of Monroe County Community Care Endowment

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

Susann McDonald Endowment for the USA International Harp Competition

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

WFHB Endowment Fund

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

WonderLab Catherine Olmer Legacy Endowment

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

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

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

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

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

Participating nonprofits include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andy and Kim Allard believe strong, supported families are foundational to every community, and their donor advised fund enables them to positively impact families in Bloomington. The couple shares, “We love supporting families and children in our community. We want our giving to be a catalyst for their growth and success by creating opportunities.”

Kim grew up in Ohio and moved throughout the Midwest during her childhood. She attended Ohio University to study elementary education, where she continued to cultivate her passion for teaching. “I have known since I was very young that I would be a teacher when I grew up. The moment my fate was solidified and my teaching ‘career’ began was when I received a double-sided easel-style chalkboard for my fifth birthday. I joyously began my teaching career that very day in my family’s living room. I have taught a variety of grade levels in elementary school, preschool, and within the church.” Kim currently works at Clear Creek Christian School as a 6th-grade teacher.

Andy grew up in Bargersville and studied finance at Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He has been in the banking industry for 32 years and currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the IU Credit Union for the last 16 years. 

Andy and Kim met while working at a Greenwood restaurant shortly before starting their careers. The couple married after college and recently celebrated 32 years of marriage with their two daughters, Madeleine and Lydia. 

Supporting families has always played an essential role for Andy and Kim, even before their daughters were born. “As a newly married couple, we were leading the youth group at our church and supporting causes for families and children at risk,” Kim shared. “The journey to start our family wasn’t easy, and we explored and considered adoption,” said Kim. “Giving back and serving others, especially children, was one way for us to cope with our fertility struggles.”

Andy also recalled discovering his passion for programs serving families and children. “I remember when I was working at the bank in Indianapolis; we were encouraged as leaders to network in our community and to give back. One day, there was a nonprofit fair, and I went from booth to booth, grabbing brochures and asking questions. When I returned to my office, all the brochures were about youth and family needs. There was one program, Champions for Children, that served new parents and taught them how to care for their children. I distinctly remember when we were new parents how difficult it was. I had an epiphany because I had my family nearby and was blessed with an education and financial security, but I was still at my wit’s end. So that’s when I realized how difficult it must be for families at risk or in need.” 

Over the years, Andy and Kim have become deeply connected throughout the community and feel inspired to give back wherever possible. The couple volunteers frequently through their church at Sherwood Oaks and with local charities while serving separately in roles through nonprofit boards, locally and globally. “It is part of our civic responsibility to be purposeful and give back, whether through volunteerism or financial contributions,” Andy said. In the couple’s view, Kim shares, “We feel it is important to give back to the community where we live, which is also the community that invested and helped raise our daughters. Building connections and relationships within our community is important because it provides a constant thread that ties us all back together.”

In 2020, Andy and Kim established the Allard Family Charitable Fund, a non-permanent donor advised fund (DAF) through the Community Foundation, to support programs and philanthropic passions that matter the most to them – children and families. 

“It is deeply rooted in our beliefs and a core tenant of our faith,” the couple shared. “We have been blessed with a means to bless others, and serving others is love in action. When you give back, you can see tangible needs met. Providing opportunities for individuals in our community to grow and prosper is important to us.” 

The Allards shared that establishing their donor advised fund was easy and efficient. “When I first heard about setting up a fund, it seemed daunting and complicated, but it was easy to set up,” Andy said. The Community Foundation is great about helping you understand how your charitable dollars can be used and deployed.” 

The Allard Family Charitable Fund also provides tax benefits for the Allards as they give back. “When the tax laws changed, a cap was placed on tax deductions for charitable giving, but we were exceeding it,” said Andy. “By setting up a DAF, we can easily bundle our giving for tax advantages and handle our grants or distribute whenever we want, almost like a charitable checkbook.”

Kim agreed, adding: “It really is a great way to be efficient with your charitable giving. It does feel like, in a sense, a charitable checkbook. It’s very user-friendly and has no downside – It’s a win-win situation. The ease at which everything is managed at the Community Foundation is amazing. The new fund portal is a game changer; we can put in our request, and it tracks our giving. So, really, the simplicity of having the fund is wonderful.” 

“We have seen the impact of our fund through the causes we support,” said Andy. “The vast majority of our giving is centered on kids and families. We are strong supporters of  New Hope for Families, and a significant portion of our grants went to their capital campaign, which resulted in two new buildings and provided additional capacity to serve their clients.”

“The Boys & Girls Club is another organization that we partner with,” Kim added. “They are excellent at focusing on the needs of children and providing quality resources for families and kids. Whether it is during the summer or after school, it is the continuity and high-quality experiences that matter to us. It’s putting love into action, and that’s what our fund looks like.” 

Partnering with the Community Foundation to establish a fund can turn your charitable dollars into a philanthropic powerhouse. Andy and Kim shared, “When we partnered with our local community foundation to start the donor advised fund, we essentially partnered with our neighbors. There is a level of care and connection here that makes our charitable giving more effective. If you have a cause where your heart lies, the Community Foundation partners with you to make connections and structure your charitable giving more effectively.”

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

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

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

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

The Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Monroe County – Dominic D’Onofrio and Anson Reynolds.

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

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

“Dominic and Anson are wonderful examples of the talented, engaged, and generous young people that call Monroe County and the Indiana Uplands region home,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and look forward to following their academic journeys as they join an incredible network of Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.”

Domonic D’Onofrio is a Bloomington High School North (BHSN) senior and the son of Brian and Danica D’Onofrio. D’Onofrio is the president of the BHSN Habitat for Humanity Club and a member of the Cougar Community Kitchen Club, Student Athletic Board, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Art Club, and Young Life. He also competes on the Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams.

Among his community service activities, D’Onofrio has prepared summer lunches for school-aged children with Monroe Community Kitchen and served as a youth mentor for St. Charles School middle school basketball players.

D’Onofrio hopes to study architecture in college. As part of his career exploration, D’Onofrio interned in 2022 with Monroe County Habitat for Humanity, where he researched accessory dwelling units and net-zero construction to help Habitat and future homeowners explore sustainable housing options.

“During my work with Habitat, my reason for being an architect shifted to focusing on social impact and serving the community,” said D’Onofrio. “I learned up close that being an architect means listening to and actively serving the needs of real people to create a more equitable, just, and accessible community.”

“I am extremely honored and grateful to be awarded this scholarship by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County and Lilly Endowment,” said D’Onofrio. “While I truly cannot express the whirlwind of emotions I have, I want to thank my supportive family, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors who have been incredibly influential in my life. Becoming a Lilly Scholar has been an incredible experience that will change my life.”

Anson Reynolds is a Bloomington High School South (BHSS) senior and the daughter of Josh and Laura Reynolds. Reynolds is president of DECA, the Bring Your Own Book Club, and the Write On! Creative Writing Club. She is also a member of the Student Council, Academic Super Bowl, Indiana Mathematics League, BHSS Varsity Volleyball Team, and Bloomington Volleyball Club.

Among her community service activities, Reynolds has served on the Monroe County Juvenile Probation Youth and Family Work Group and has tutored with the Monroe County Public Library VITAL program.

In 2021, Reynolds co-founded Boost Volleyball Camps, which provides multi-day skills and training for middle school girls. “For the past three summers, I have helped middle schoolers enhance their volleyball and life skills,” said Reynolds. “With college on the horizon, there is even more responsibility and wisdom to acquire. I am grateful for the experience of running Boost Volleyball because it has allowed me a glimpse of my potential to impact others. My journey as a role model is only beginning.”

“I’m so grateful to the Community Foundation and the Lilly Endowment for this incredible opportunity,” said Reynolds. “I hope to use my time in college to pursue my dream of making education accessible to all so I can give others moments like this.”

The Community Foundation has also announced that Monroe County’s eight other 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists will each receive $1,000 scholarships to use at a college or university of their choosing:

• Kyle Davis, Bloomington High School South
• William Foley, Bloomington High School North
• Teagan Hanna, Bloomington High School North
• Ingrid Pendergast, Bloomington High School North
• Dylan Stringer, Bloomington High School South
• Lucy Tait, Bloomington High School South
• Joshua Tait, Bloomington High School South
• Layla Vamos, Bloomington High School North

“This year’s finalists have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service to our community,” added Peterson. “We are proud to award each of them a Community Foundation scholarship to support their continued academic endeavors. After completing their post-secondary educations, we hope they seek out one of the many amazing job opportunities available in the Indiana Uplands to begin their careers.”

Chair of Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Committee, Jessika Hane, added her admiration for this year’s finalists. “The scholarship selection process is never easy, but these high school seniors inspire us. They represent so much hope for our community, and we are confident that the future is bright for Monroe County, our region, and the state of Indiana.”

Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application Process

Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients were selected from among 143 applications submitted by students from seven of the ten high schools that serve Monroe County students. Eligible schools include The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Covenant Christian School, Bloomington Graduation School, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Edgewood High School, Harmony School, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Seven Oaks Classical School.

Applications were blindly reviewed and independently scored by members of a Lilly Scholarship committee at each Monroe County high school to identify 21 semifinalists. The number of semifinalists identified is determined by each school’s senior class size.

Each semifinalist was invited to submit an updated application, which included additional content and references from schools and other community members. The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee then evaluated the semifinalist applications. This committee, comprised of community members and a former Monroe County Lilly Scholar, 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.

Each finalist was interviewed in October, and their interview scores were combined with scoring from the written applications. The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship nominees, were then submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County.

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 $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

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

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 of Bloomington and Monroe County has granted $30 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.

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 Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates. 

Applications due January 12.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) is pleased to announce a matching and capacity building grant opportunity for local nonprofits interested in starting a new endowed fund at the Community Foundation or growing an existing one. These grants are designed to support Monroe County nonprofits by growing endowment funds to ensure their essential work continues today and in the future. This grant initiative will also allow agencies to invest in their sustainability while benefiting from an outright capacity building grant.

“Over the last few years, our nonprofit sector has shown incredible resilience and an unwavering commitment to creating a better place for individuals and families to thrive,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “On behalf of the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, we are proud to launch this grant initiative to support our dedicated local nonprofit organizations with capacity building grants to address immediate needs while also providing them with matching endowment funds to maximize their impact for the future.”

Program Details:

• Agencies may apply to receive between $20,000 and $50,000 in matching funds (fundraising goals between $20,000 and $50,000).
• Agencies that achieve their endowment fundraising goals will receive $1 in endowment match funding for each $1 raised.
• Agencies will have until June 30, 2025, to meet fundraising goals.
• As part of the matching grant program, accepted agencies will also receive a $10,000 capacity building grant.
• Monroe County nonprofits must apply by January 12, 2024. Accepted agencies will be notified by January 31.
• An informational Zoom meeting will be held on Monday, December 11, at 10 a.m.

To view grant guidelines, FAQs, and application, visit https://cfbmc.org/agency-matching-grants-2023/

To register for the December 11 Zoom meeting, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIud-2rqTMuE9H-aSAtyKNMfm5p5KPwm0l7#/registration

Have questions? Contact Marcus Whited, Program Director, at (812) 333-9016 or [email protected] to discuss details and eligibility.

About Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County: Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has granted $30 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.