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.
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!
The Community Foundation is deeply honored to be entrusted as the home of the Isabella Hutchison Memorial Scholarship Fund, a permanent endowment established through a planned gift bequest.
The Community Foundation is deeply honored to be entrusted as the home of the Isabella Hutchison Memorial Scholarship Fund, a permanent endowment established through a planned gift bequest. The endowment, funded by an estate gift of more than $350,000 from Isabella Hutchison, will provide college scholarships to students from the Bloomington High School South Orchestra. The endowment honors Isabella’s love of music and her belief in the power of the arts while providing post-secondary educational opportunities for aspiring students.
“We are honored to play a role in carrying forth Isabella’s legacy through this endowment,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “The Isabella Hutchison Memorial Scholarship Fund will serve as a fitting tribute to her legacy—celebrating her passion for equipping young people to fully develop their talents and capabilities.”
Born on June 11, 1933, in Bloomington, Indiana, to Walter B. and Marion S. (Beveridge) Hutchison, Isabella Hutchison led a life characterized by pioneering spirit, athletic achievement, and dedicated leadership. From her earliest days as the first woman to receive a Girl’s Athletic Association scholarship at Bloomington High School, she forged a path that would uplift women’s athletics and shape opportunities for generations to come.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Recreation in 1959 and a Master’s in Health and Safety in 1963 from Indiana University, Isabella demonstrated both athletic prowess and academic rigor. Her talents spanned basketball, field hockey, softball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton — excelling as both a team All-Star and a champion individual athlete.
In 1965, she carried that passion and ambition to the University of Miami, where she laid the foundation for what would become a thriving women’s athletics department. Beginning by establishing intramural sports for women, she elevated the university to the national stage—launching full recruiting programs and securing scholarships under the emerging Title IX. Her leadership earned her the role of Director of Women’s Athletics by 1977, and she was later honored with induction into the University of Miami Hall of Fame.
Returning to Bloomington, she served as the Associate Athletic Director for Women’s Sports at Indiana University until her retirement in 2000. Under her leadership, IU’s women’s teams in tennis, golf, track & field, cross country, and softball all rose to national prominence — earning top-20 rankings and cultivating All-American and All-Conference athletes.
Isabella passed away on September 21, 2024 — capping a life defined by leadership, generosity, and an enduring commitment to equity in sports. While her career focused on athletics, she leaves behind a legacy gift to the Community Foundation that will forever honor her other passions – music, the arts, and her love for her high school.
The application period for the inaugural Isabella Hutchison Memorial Scholarship will open in spring 2027.
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For more information on planned giving to the Community Foundation, please contact Meagan Niese, Development Director, at meaganniese@cfbmc.org or (812) 333-9016.
About the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County
The Community Foundation connects donors and resources to catalyze solutions that strengthen Monroe County through grantmaking, leadership, and strategic partnerships to drive both immediate and long-term impact. Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted $52 million to more than 600 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $59 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources to address our community’s most pressing challenges and seize its most compelling opportunities.
The Community Foundation is pleased to award a 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to Edgewood High School senior Isabella Carson.
We’re excited to share an update on Monroe County’s 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships.
After Erica Urheim chose to pursue other scholarships and post-secondary education opportunities, the Community Foundation was pleased to award a 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to Edgewood High School senior Isabella Carson.
“I am beyond grateful for this experience, and would like to say thank you to everyone who made this scholarship possible for me,” said Carson. “I appreciate my friends, family, and the good people at the Community Foundation for all of your support and love. Again, I am very thankful for this amazing opportunity.”
Isabella plans to attend the University of Evansville this fall.
Monroe County’s other 2026 Lilly Scholarship recipient, Helee Patel, also a senior at Edgewood, plans to attend Indiana University.
Congratulations to Erica, Isabella, and Helee! We’re proud to support all three of these outstanding students as they take their next steps and look forward to the impact they will make in their communities and beyond.
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 our spring 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!
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 $1,100is 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.
The Indiana Newsroom, a new learning lab in the Indiana University Media School, will expand local coverage on underreported issues affecting communities across southern Indiana, while providing paid experiential learning opportunities for IU student journalists.
The Indiana Newsroom, a new learning lab in the Indiana University Media School, will expand local coverage on underreported issues affecting communities across southern Indiana, while providing paid experiential learning opportunities for IU student journalists.
Launching this fall and funded by a two-year, $300,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the learning lab will operate using a content-sharing model common across today’s media landscape. Professional and student news organizations will partner with students under the guidance of a new Media School faculty member whose position will be supported by the grant.
“An important goal of this initiative is to expand the capacity for reporting that’s already being done by student and professional media organizations in our region,” said Suzannah Evans Comfort, associate professor in the Media School, who was instrumental in securing the grant.
“We’re looking to develop coverage on communities and issues that haven’t received as much news attention simply because of the limited resources facing our local news organizations,” Comfort said. “We’ve felt for some time that there was a stronger role for The Media School to play in supporting our local news landscape, and students are going to gain valuable hands-on experience that will make them better-prepared journalists when they graduate.”
Headquartered in dedicated space in Franklin Hall on the Bloomington campus, the program will employ up to 15 student reporters per semester.
The initiative will establish partnerships with both professional and independent student news organizations, beginning with Indiana Public Media, to strengthen the reach, credibility and real-world impact of student reporting.
“As a service of Indiana University, WFIU and WTIU have a long-standing mission to connect our community with the information and resources that improve Hoosier lives,” said Mike Arnold, executive director of integrated public media. “This partnership with the Indiana Newsroom expands that mission, giving us the capacity to dig deeper into the stories affecting southern Indiana through the fresh eyes of student journalists. We are excited to see what this becomes as more partners are involved in this project.”
Other news organizations will be invited to join as the program expands.
“At the heart of the Community Foundation is a vision for a vibrant Monroe County where every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” said Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County President and CEO Tina Peterson. “Access to trusted information is vital for residents to feel connected and empowered to participate in civic decisions that shape their daily lives. Strengthening local news is central to that work, which is why the foundation has been working in multiple ways to support a more resilient and collaborative local news ecosystem.
“Through this partnership with Indiana University, we’re not only expanding coverage across the Indiana Uplands region, we’re also helping build a stronger pipeline of journalists equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to report thoughtfully on local communities throughout their careers.”
The grant will support student pay and travel as well as the hire of a visiting professor of community journalism to serve as the lab’s founding director. Students will begin working through a three-credit community journalism course and become eligible for paid positions during their second semester of participation.
About the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County
The Community Foundation connects donors and resources to catalyze solutions that strengthen Monroe County through grantmaking, leadership, and strategic partnerships to drive both immediate and long-term impact. Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted $52 million to more than 600 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $59 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources to address our community’s most pressing challenges and seize its most compelling opportunities.
The Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Monroe County: Helee Patel of Edgewood High School and Erica Urheim of Bloomington High School North. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
The Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Monroe County: Helee Patel of Edgewood High School and Erica Urheim of Bloomington High School North. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
“Helee and Erica are shining examples of the motivated, talented, and community-minded young leaders emerging from Monroe County and the Indiana Uplands region,” said Tina Peterson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County. “Their academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to service reflect the very best of our community. We are proud to welcome them to the Lilly Endowment Community Scholars network and look forward to seeing the impact they will make as they pursue their college educations.”
Members of Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship evaluation committee noted that both students distinguished themselves through their leadership, civic engagement, and character during a highly competitive selection process.
“Helee and Erica stood out not only for their academic excellence, but for the way they lead with empathy, curiosity, and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” said Matt Hawkins, member of the Community Foundation’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship evaluation committee. “Both students are already making meaningful contributions to our community, and they reflect the values of service, leadership, and character that this scholarship is designed to recognize.”
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
Helee Patel is a senior at Edgewood High School. Her parents are Kalpesh Patel and Dharmistha Patel.
At Edgewood, Helee is the Key Club International president, founder of Global Minds, Student Council historian, and an officer of the German Club. Helee’s other school activities have included Academic Bowl, Environmental Club, Leadership Academy, Varsity Soccer, and Unified Track. Outside of school, Helee has been actively involved with Pantry 279, Monroe County Youth Council, Letters for Rose, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She’s also gained valuable, diverse work-based learning experiences as a math tutor, cashier, language translator, early childhood educator, real estate associate, property manager, and Nextech Catapult intern.
Two years ago, Helees’s interest in global community needs, cultures, and perspectives led her to co-found Global Minds. Through this organization, Helee and high school students developed a curriculum to educate second-grade students about diverse cultures and viewpoints, broadening their understanding of cultures from around the globe. Students have tasted new foods, learned traditional dances, and explored cultural traditions from around the world.
The idea for Global Minds came after a service trip to a low-income neighborhood in St. Louis. “This experience shined light on the gap we have with unequal access to education,” said Patel. “My own past as an immigrant exposed me to a variety of worldviews, but many other children lack the same foundation.” Patel added, “Global Minds grew into a rope that connected everyone, regardless of their differences, as it expanded everyone’s awareness of our increasingly diverse world.”
“I am deeply honored to be a Lily Scholar and am very grateful to the Community Foundation for this opportunity,” said Helee Patel, Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “I wouldn’t have been able to be where I’m standing today without the support from my family, teachers, and friends. I aim to carry this pride in my future career in business and law.”
Erica Urheim is a Bloomington High School North senior. Erica is the daughter of Sima Setayeshgar.
At Bloomington North, Erica is the captain of the soccer team, the concertmaster/lead violinist with the Hoosier Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of the Spanish Honors Society, and a Peer Tutoring Program tutor. Outside of school, Erica has been actively involved in volunteering with Stone Belt and Community Kitchen and participated in competitive rock climbing and Cutters Soccer Club. She’s also gained valuable work-based learning experiences at Hoosier Heights and as a research assistant with the IU Maurer School of Law.
In the 10th grade, Erica lobbied her counselor to enroll in the Peer Tutoring Program, a course typically open to juniors and seniors. Through the program, she tutored students with learning and developmental disabilities in math and science. Erica said this experience not only inspired her to volunteer at Stone Belt but also enabled her to form new friendships, getting to know her peers as creative, funny, smart, and caring friends.
“Redefining the words’ friend’ and ‘advocate’ within the context of civil and disability rights is a goal I hold in the highest regard as I consider a career in law,” said Erica.
“I am deeply honored to be named as a 2025 Lily Scholar,” said Erica Urheim, Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “The core values of the Lily Endowment and the Community Foundation embody so much of who I strive to be. Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity, and to everyone who has supported me.”
In nominating Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, the committee considers leadership skills, civic potential through community service, exemplary school citizenship, and outstanding academic performance.
After narrowing the field of 95 applicants, 20 semifinalists, and 10 finalists, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.
“Monroe County continues to be home to an extraordinary group of young leaders,” Peterson added. “With 95 applicants this year, the selection process was highly competitive and thoughtful at every stage. Our scholarship committees devoted significant time to reviewing each application, and we are proud to put forward scholars who represent our schools and our community exceedingly well.”
Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program’s primary purposes are:
To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.
To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.
To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.
About the 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 has granted $52 million to more than 600 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $55 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 Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.
About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI):
Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30% of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.
Congrats to Monroe County’s 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients: Helee Patel and Erica Urheim!
Congrats to Monroe County’s 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients: Helee Patel and Erica Urheim!
We made surprise visits today to their schools to share the big news. Helee and Erica will each receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private college or university.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program is administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County. For more information on our scholarships, visit https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/
During this holiday season of festive lights and the shimmer of joy, we are reminded of those who illuminate our paths toward a stronger, thriving, and more connected community.
During this holiday season of festive lights and the shimmer of joy, we are reminded of those who illuminate our paths toward a stronger, thriving, and more connected community.
Your generosity and commitment make our community shine brightly throughout the year.
From all of us at the Community Foundation, we hope 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.canb
Our offices will be closed from December 22 to 26. We will be open again December 29-31, and then closed again January 1-2. If you need to reach out to us, drop us a line at info@cfbmc.org, or leave us a message at (812) 333-9016.
The combined staff of the Community Foundation and Uplands Smart Start.
On Nov. 18, Monroe County nonprofits with designated Foundation endowment funds joined us to connect, share stories, and receive their annual agency fund distributions.
Small conversations shape big futures!
On Nov. 18, Monroe County nonprofits with designated Foundation endowment funds joined us to connect, share stories, and receive their annual agency fund distributions.
We’re grateful for the passion and commitment each organization brings to Monroe County, and we’re proud to support them through endowments that provide reliable, growing resources—fueling their missions today and strengthening their impact for generations to come.
On Nov 17, we celebrated ten outstanding high school seniors named as Monroe County’s finalists for the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Each student was honored for exceptional achievement, leadership, and service—both in the classroom and across our community.
On Nov 17, we celebrated ten outstanding high school seniors named as Monroe County’s finalists for the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Each student was honored for exceptional achievement, leadership, and service—both in the classroom and across our community. A heartfelt thank-you to the parents, families, school administrators, and Monroe County’s 2025 Lilly Scholars for joining us in recognizing these remarkable young leaders.
Monroe County’s 2026 Lilly Scholarship Finalists (pictured left to right):
Marcella Miles (Bloomington High School South)
Alice Racek (Bloomington High School South)
Lucinda Miksza (Bloomington High School South)
Hazel Hammerstein (Bloomington High School South)
Rebekah Arnold (Bloomington High School South)
Ashton Crosley (Bloomington High School South)
Elliana Vagedes (Edgewood High School)
Erica Urheim (Bloomington High School North)
Isabella Carson (Edgewood High School)
Helee Patel (Edgewood High School)
Stay tuned: Monroe County’s two scholarship recipients will be announced in December.
