News

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.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County is celebrating its 25^th year serving Bloomington and Monroe County.  Over the past 25 years, the Community Foundation has put nearly $22 million back into the community in the form of grants to support a diverse set of needs and opportunities.

On Monday, the Community Foundation, in partnership with the Smithville Charitable Foundation, announced the recipients of the 2015 Community Impact Grants.  Twelve agencies were awarded grants from an original field of 48 applicants.  Grants range in size from $10,000 to $40,210 for a total of $319,991.    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 fourth year that Smithville Charitable Foundation joined the Community Foundation in funding the Community Impact Grants Initiative.
Grants include:

Area 10 Agency of Aging

The Mobility Management Project will support the continuation of the New Freedom Taxi Voucher Program, development of a volunteer driver program and the creation of educational materials and support for riders who need assistance understanding their transportation options.

Bloomington Economic Development Corporation

The Bloomington Code School was established in 2014 by the Bloomington Technology Partnership with a goal of rapidly upskilling the existing workforce to meet the needs of local tech companies.  With assistance from the Community Foundation and in partnership with CFC Properties, Smithville Communications, and Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington Code School has trained over 60 Monroe County residents in web design and web development, PHP development and Rails development.  Grant funds will support a part-time coordinator to continue the program and to define a sustainability plan.

Bloomington Hospital Foundation

IU Health-Bloomington, in partnership with IU School of Public Health, and community partners MCCSC, Premier Healthcare, and Bloomington Hospital Foundation, will launch a Coordinated School Health Program, a comprehensive model that connects physical, emotional, and social health with education.

Catholic Charities of Bloomington

To better provide mental health services to very young children (0-8 years) and their families, Catholic Charities Bloomington will upgrade and expand its Non-Directive Play Therapy services, which will provide early intervention to children who have experienced trauma.  This project will provide professional training and ongoing supervision to CCB staff in an effort to shorten the wait time for young children and their families in need of services.

Community Kitchen of Monroe County

Community Kitchen will replace its 16 year old cargo van.  This vehicle replacement allows for food transport during the summer and for the acquisition of large quantities of food in a dependable vehicle with much improved gas mileage.

Girls Inc.

Girls, Inc. is replacing a worn out bus with a “new” used bus, enabling more girls than ever before to participate in after-school programming and summer camps.  Transportation assistance is critical in a community that spans many low-income neighborhoods.

Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The Graduation Coach Initiative, using the Check and Connect training model, helps at-risk youth in Monroe County stay in school and graduate.  In the seven years since the program began, high school graduation rates in Monroe County have risen over 10 percentage points from 80.53% in 2007 to 94.90% in 2013.  Funding will support the graduation coaches and Check and Connect training for area youth workers and school counselors.  By connecting at-risk youth to a trained advocate and mentor, the Graduation Coach Initiative provides critical one-on-one time to students that need it most.

Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech-Bloomington will expand its successful Arts Infused Preschool (AIP) to Highland Park Elementary School’s Title 1 preschool classroom.

Lotus Education and Arts Foundation, Inc.

Lotus will upgrade their administrative facilities and achieve a long-time strategic goal to become a more effective partner, and provide a year-round base for innovative, mission-driven programs.

New Hope Family Shelter, Inc.

The New Hope Early Childhood Center will establish a high-quality care and education program for children experiencing poverty in Bloomington and Monroe County.  By meeting low-income families’ needs for excellent, reliable, affordable childcare, the program will allow families a greater chance of attaining and sustaining employment or pursuing educational opportunities to the end of achieving lasting stability, and ensuring children enter school equipped for early success.

South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP)

SCCAP Thriving Connections (formerly Circles Initiative) will offer its first sustainable employment cohort for a group of highly motivated people striving to overcome poverty.  Participants will learn invaluable skills such as workplace communication and etiquette, goal setting and resume writing.  The children of participants will receive financial literacy and life skills education from staff, volunteers, partner agencies and peers.

Sycamore Land Trust

Sycamore’s project will protect a high-quality 30-acre nature preserve within the newly created Bean Blossom Conservation Area here in Monroe County.  This parcel will be part of a larger effort to connect already protected natural areas between Lake Lemon, Griffy Lake, and the White River in order to provide landscape-scale conservation benefits-significant habitat for the area’s biodiversity, clean air and water through the filtration of our storm water and pollution, and enhanced quality of life from scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.   This grant will leverage matching funds from the Indiana Bicentennial Nature Trust.

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 $21 million to more than 380 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, they work closely with community foundations in surrounding counties and support a variety of causes related to religion, education, health, relief of poverty or distress, and various public organizations.

Two Monroe County graduating high school seniors will be awarded four-year (eight semesters or twelve trimesters), 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.

Eligibility Criteria:
The student must be a citizen of the United States and a legal resident of Monroe County, Indiana. The applicant will have attended an accredited Monroe County high school and/or the Indiana Academy for four years and graduate by June of 2015. The applicant must have a G.P.A. of 3.5 or above (on a four-point scale) through the first semester 2014-15 and plan to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an Indiana college or university beginning in the Fall of 2015.

Conflict of Interest Criteria:
In order to comply with IRS rules, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Inc. has determined that the applicant must note on the Scholarship application form any of the following relationships: A child or step-child, grandchild or step-grandchild, great grandchild or step-great grandchild, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law (or spouse of any before mentioned persons), or spouse of someone who is currently a Director, member of the Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, or staff of the Community Foundation. Further, for the applicant to be eligible if any of the previously mentioned relationships to any current high school Scholarship Selection Committee member exists, the committee member must not be involved in any way with the student selections for this year.

Selection Criteria:
There is no rigid model for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. The student who demonstrates ability and potential through community service, exemplary school citizenship, outstanding academic performance and school attendance will be considered. S.A.T. scores and the student’s G.P.A. will be reviewed. An attendance rate of 95% or better during high school career is expected.

Retention Criteria:
In order to retain the scholarship for the full four years, the student must maintain full-time status at an Indiana college or university and be a student “in good academic standing”. A copy of each semester’s bill must be sent to the Community Foundation office as soon as received by the student. All book receipts from the current year must be turned in to the Foundation office and any unused book stipend money returned. A copy of the student’s cumulative transcript must be submitted as soon as it is available each Spring. Lilly Scholars will need to submit documentation of enrollment and grades each semester. In addition, annual progress reports will be required throughout college and for ten years post-graduation from college.

Application Information:
Applications will be available online October 17, 2014 at www.cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/

Participating high schools have assembled committees comprised of school staff members. These committees will score and rank all applicants. For 2015, the Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee will accept the top three (3) finalists from Bloomington High School North, three (3) finalists from Bloomington High School South, two (2) finalists from Edgewood High School, and one (1) each from the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Indiana Academy, Bloomington Graduation School at Broadview Learning Center, and Lighthouse Christian Academy. Applications are evaluated by schools’ Lilly committees then are reviewed by foundation staff to confirm eligibility criteria is met. “Blinded” versions (all identifying information removed) are then scored by the Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee. The Committee will then interview selected finalists. Foundation staff combines scores from the written evaluation and interview evaluation to provide the final ranking composite. If there is a tie, staff will review applications for a “yes” answer to the question “Will you be the first person in your family lineage to complete a baccalaureate degree?”. Applicant who has answered “Yes” will win the tie. If neither or both applicants answer yes, staff will consider composite score on Criterion #3 of written evaluation. If there is still a tie, staff will consider composite score on Criteria #4 of written evaluation. The Community Foundation will nominate two recipients and four alternates. Final approval of Lilly Scholars is made by Independent Colleges of Indiana.

What additional information is required to be provided through the online application?

• An official academic transcript. After students provide email addresses for school Guidance staff, the online system will generate automatic emails to Guidance staff requesting upload of official transcripts. Finalists will be asked to submit their Fall semester 2014 grades once finalists are determined and grades are available.
• Two letters of reference from adults other than family members. Through the online scholarship application process, students must provide emails addresses for the referrers, and the system will generate emailed requests for letters of reference. One should be from a school representative; i.e. teacher, counselor, coach, club sponsor, and one from a non-school related community connection; i.e. youth group leader, community volunteer supervisor, or employer.
• Essay questions – Applicants must provide responses to the following written essay questions:
   Question #1): What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing our community, state, country, world, (choose one) and how might your plans for the future impact this issue? Limit response to 200 words.
  Question #2): In your wildest dreams, if you had no boundaries, limitations, or expectations of you, what would you like to experience in your lifetime? Limit response to 400 words.

Deadline to Apply
Applications should be completed and submitted online by December 1, 2014. Application components must be 100% complete as indicated online to be considered.

Timeline

• October 17, 2014 Applications available online
• December 1, 2014 Application Deadline
• December 19, 2014 Schools submit online reviews and scoring to CF by 5:00pm
• January 7, 2015 Blind applications available online to CF scholarship Committee for scoring
• January 28, 2015 Application scoring completed by Scholarship Committee
• February 4-20, 2015 Finalist Interviews, Committee selects nominees
• February 26, 2015 Community Foundation Board approves nominees
• February 27, 2015 Nominee Report and documentation sent to ICI
• By March 27, 2015 ICI notifies CF of approved nominees. CF will immediately notify students and make announcement of recipients.

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 $20 million to more than 380 local nonprofit organizations. Our $25 million endowment is growing, and so is the difference we make by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship contact:
Marcus Whited, Office Administrator
Community Foundation • Bloomington and Monroe County, Inc.
101 W. Kirkwood Avenue, Suite 321
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
[email protected]
Phone: 812-333-9016
www.cfbmc.org

It was in 1990 that the tireless championing and unflagging persistence of  a small group of community leaders resulted in the incorporation of what was then to be called the Bloomington Community Foundation. These founders had a vision of an organization designed to grow and evolve with this community forever.  In April, 2015, that same Community Foundation will celebrate its 25^th birthday.

In the early years, board members and staff reached out across the community to engage donors from all walks of life in building the beginnings of an endowment that would position the Community Foundation to respond to Monroe County’s most pressing needs and its most compelling opportunities, year after year.

Twenty-four years later, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County holds 185 funds and $25 million in assets thanks to gifts from thousands of donors.  More than $20 million has been returned to the community through strategic granting and investments in 379 unique charitable organizations in and around Bloomington, as a result.

In honor of Monroe County’s upcoming Bicentennial in 2018 and the Foundation’s 25^th birthday, the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors has established the Bicentennial Fund.  Proceeds from this fund will be used for impact granting across the community in areas as far reaching as the arts, education, healthcare, the environment, economic development and social services.  Before the Bicentennial is celebrated in January, 2018, the Foundation is focused on growing the endowment substantially.  A recent announcement from Lilly Endowment Inc. will help to make the goal attainable.
In July, Lilly Endowment Inc. announced GIFT Phase VI, an effort to promote sustainable and effective community foundations in Indiana. Through this initiative, the Endowment will make matching grants available to Indiana Community Foundations, with the amount based upon the county’s population.  Monroe County is one of seventeen counties eligible for $1,000,000 in matching grant dollars to grow funds for strategic grantmaking across our community.

Community Foundation President and CEO, Tina Peterson, states, “The Lilly matching opportunity both incentivizes and challenges us to significantly grow our capacity to support this community, forever.  By achieving our endowment goal and meeting the match requirements, we can increase our grantmaking in the community by almost $100,000 a year.  This equates to a million dollars in a decade, $6 million in next fifty years.  It’s a game changer!”

Board Chair, Judge Edward Najam, adds “The Community Foundation Board is enthusiastic to once again partner with the Lilly Endowment Inc, to maximize the impact of local gifts, to grow the Foundation’s Endowment, celebrate the Foundation’s 25th anniversary and Monroe County’s Bicentennial, all at the same time.  The Community Foundation is on a roll and we continue to pursue that vision for the Foundation that our Founders passed down to us.   We must continue to grow and evolve with our Community.”

Gifts to the Community Foundations Bicentennial Fund or to a new or existing unrestricted endowment fund will be matched dollar for dollar.  Gifts qualifying for matching funds must consist of irrevocable contributions of cash or property which can include marketable securities, cash equivalents and real property including the present value of irrevocable deferred gifts.  Multi-year pledges are also matchable as long as each gift is received by the Community Foundation before March 31, 2016.  Specific incentives will be available for corporate giving.

Individuals wishing to learn more should contact the Community Foundation at 812.333.9016 or [email protected].

About Lilly Endowment Inc.  Lilly Endowment Inc. launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative a quarter century 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.  Now 94 community foundations and county affiliate funds throughout Indiana make grants to support local charitable organizations and programs in all of Indiana’s 92 counties.  The number of community foundations in the state has grown that number from about a dozen in 1990.  During the same period, 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.

About The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County:  The Community Foundation knows that vitality can come from all corners of our community.  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.  From early childhood development to aging, from basic needs to economic development, from the arts to the environment, our donors fuel innovative ideas and power lasting impact for our communities.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County is celebrating 25 years of Grantmaking in Monroe County.  Up to $325,000 will be available for funding the 2015 Community Impact Funding Initiative, a joint project with the Smithville Charitable Foundation.

In 1991, the Community Foundation awarded its first grants; five $1,000 grants went out for projects that included:

• handicap accessibility at Hilltop Garden
• an exercise program with the YMCA and Fontainebleau
• BHSS Academic Decathlon
• computer software for the Boys & Girls Club
• beautification project at the Monroe County Airport

Today, the Community Foundation focuses on community changing impact grants and awards $10,000 to $50,000 grants; a few recent projects include:

• Bloomington Playwrights Project (with IU Theater) – to develop a perpetually funded theatre collaboration
• Hoosier Hills Food Bank – a refrigerated van “Grover” to deliver fresh foods to partner agencies
• Options for Better Living – helping Options and Christole merge into LifeDesigns
• Boys and Girls Club – to help bring Lemonade Day to Monroe County
• Catholic Charities of Bloomington – implementation of electronic medical records system allowing increased quality and expanded services to those in need of mental health counseling
• LifeDesigns – organization and implementation of a shared services organization
• Habitat for Humanity – Family Self Sufficiency program to improve and expand the educational outreach programs to children of homeowners, helping children achieve greater academic success
• Franklin Initiative – Graduation Coach Initiative to help expand and maintain services that help at risk students graduate from high school
• Ivy Tech Foundation – AMP Program Workforce Development Solutions bringing job training and career opportunities to Bloomington
• Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce with BEDC – Bloomington Coding School pilot program

Community Foundation assets have grown from $16,000 in 1990 to over $25 million today.  This growth, and partnerships like the one with Smithville Charitable Foundation, enables the Foundation to distribute over $1 million annually back into the community supporting agencies, programs and projects that help to improve the quality of life here in Monroe County. 

“It has been very gratifying to observe the increasing impact these grants have made in our community” said Denise Howard, Chair of the grants committee.  “The donors of the Community Foundation and the Smithville Charitable Foundation are to be commended for their generosity which allows us the opportunity to distribute these funds to very worthy organizations and causes.  I’m looking forward to learning about new projects that will enhance the community.”

The Community Impact Funding Initiative, which aims to strengthen the community by supporting innovative projects with lasting impact, is designed to enable organizations to address pressing problems or pursue compelling opportunities of vital importance to Monroe County.  Local 501(c)(3) organizations and other organizations exempt from filing for 501(c)(3) status may apply for the 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: offers innovative or transformative solutions to critical community issues, fosters collaboration across organizations and/or sectors to increase impact and effectiveness, and creates capacity-building opportunities for developing more efficient or sustainable organizations.

To be considered for funding, applicants must first submit a two-page letter of intent and verification of tax-exempt status to the Community Foundation by 5 p.m. on August 25, 2014.  Following review of the letters of intent, selected organization will be invited to submit full grant proposals, which will be due October 27, 2014.  Grants will be awarded at a celebration event to take place January 12, 2015.

Guidelines and instructions for the letters of intent are available online at https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-grant/community-impact-grants/.  For more information on the Community Impact Funding Initiative and application procedures, contact CFBMC Program Director Renee Chambers at (812) 333-9016 or [email protected].

About the Community Foundation: Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion from Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted over $20 million to more than 380 local nonprofit organizations.  Our $25 million endowment is growing and so is the difference we make by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

About 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, they work closely with community foundations in surrounding counties and support a variety of causes related to religion, education, health, relief of poverty or distress, and various public organizations.

With the arrival of its newest fleet vehicle, “Growver”, Hoosier Hills Food Bank (HHFB) has launched Project GROW – the Garden Route On Wheels to distribute more fresh produce to agencies in Monroe County.  “Growver” joined the HHFB fleet Monday after delivery last week by Curry Auto Center to Signs Now for graphics installation.

GROW is being initiated with a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC), which supported the purchase of the van and the addition of staff hours to handle deliveries.  Further support was provided by Curry Auto Center and the City of Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market.  Community response to HHFB’s Feeding America/Hussman Challenge grant last winter is also helping the food bank to procure additional fresh produce.

“Getting more fresh produce out to our partner agencies has been a major goal for the past several years,” said HHFB Executive Director and CEO Julio Alonso. “We’ve been able to break down barrier after barrier to make that happen and this project represents a major step.  We often have produce to offer but many of our agencies haven’t been able to access it because of resource or logistical limitations.  This project will take the produce to them at times when it is convenient – so they don’t have to come get it and they don’t have to store it for extended periods.”

On Tuesday, “Growver” will make his first deliveries, offering fresh kale grown in HHFB’s Garden, purchased fresh carrots and watermelons, and produce from weekly Farmer’s Market vendor donations to the Salvation Army of Bloomington, Bloomington Township Food Pantry, Stepping Stones, and New Hope Family Shelter.  Future weekly deliveries will include about 7 other agencies including Area 10 Agency on Aging, Richland Township Food Pantry, Perry Township Food Pantry, First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Monroe County United Ministries food pantry and child care program, and Middle Way House.

Additional agencies will be brought on as the project evolves, said Alonso.  “We’re trying to tailor this around when the agencies need the food, but also have to factor in when we have product and when staff is available to deliver, so we’re starting with about a dozen and will add as time goes on.  Some of our larger agencies, like Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Community Kitchen and Shalom Center already receive deliveries because they’re so large and we can move large quantities of other products to them.  Up to now we haven’t really had the capacity to deliver to smaller agencies. We distributed over 756,000 pounds of fresh produce last year and we want to do more so clients have healthy options. ”

“Growver” will also get an introduction to the Bloomington community this week, with two opportunities to support the food bank.  The van, a refrigerated 2014 Chevrolet Express 3500, will be part of HHFB’s entry in Friday’s Bloomington 4^th of July parade, when the food bank will collect non-perishable food donations from parade goers.  On Saturday, July 5, “Growver” will be at the City of Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market to collect fresh produce donations from market patrons and vendors and help promote the Plant a Row program.

Like all HHFB programs, support from across the community is making GROW possible.  “The Community Foundation’s grant is the lynch pin for this program,” said HHFB Director of Development and Administration Jake Bruner. 

“They’ve funded some additional staff time for the first year, and more importantly they funded the cost of the van. But we wouldn’t have been able to get the van we needed if Curry Auto Center hadn’t stepped up and made sure the price fit our budget.  Signs Now helped keep the graphics costs down and since the van is tied in with our weekly Farmer’s Market collections, the Market helped with those costs.  Of course, we also need ongoing support to keep the produce flowing.  It will come from our garden and gleaning programs, from Plant a Row, from local retail donations and from purchases and all of that involves volunteers, food donors and financial support.”

CFBMC President and CEO Tina Peterson expressed excitement about the Foundation’s role in supporting GROW, “Hoosier Hill Food Bank is an organization that is never satisfied with business as usual.  They constantly strive for new and better ways to serve our community by helping to support and catalyze others who work on the front line of addressing hunger and food insecurity in our community.  Given that HHFB supports essentially every organization serving those in need of food support, it becomes apparent that progress and innovation at the food bank translate to progress and innovation for hundreds of other organizations too.   The Community Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to continue partnering with HHFB and you can bet we will be applauding every time we see “Growver” making deliveries around the community!”