News

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!”

Two graduating high school seniors, both from Bloomington High School North, will each receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an Indiana public or private college of their choosing. Ms. Emma St. John and Mr. Winston Winkler were chosen as the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County’s 2014 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars from among 62 applicants representing six 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.

“These two recipients are incredible young people selected from an outstanding group of finalists,” said Jean Emery, chair of the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. “The committee was highly impressed with their poise during the interview process.  We were truly amazed with not only their academic achievements but how each finds the time to volunteer in so many ways in our community, which was a major component of the selection criteria.  The entire group of finalists should be congratulated.”

Emma St. John is the daughter of David and Karin St. John and plans to pursue post-secondary studies in Human Biology at Indiana University.  At BHSN, Emma has served as President of the Student Athletic Board, Co-President and Leadership Board Member of Habitat for Humanity, and President of the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer team.  She is an Academic Scholar Award recipient and a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Business Professionals of America.  Emma has been recognized as an outstanding athlete, being named to the Herald Times All-Area Track & Field First Team and All-Area Basketball Second Team and was selected as senior captain. 

“I am honored to have received the Lilly Scholarship, especially among such a talented group of finalists.”  St. John said.  “I am truly grateful that The Lilly Endowment and The Community Foundation chose to invest in my education and I am so excited to be attending Indiana University in the fall as a Human Biology major.”

Winston Winkler is the son of Tiffany Tsu and Malcolm Winkler and plans to pursue post-secondary studies in Bio-Chemistry at Indiana University.  Winston has participated at BHSN as a LOTS Senior, Student Council Executive Board Member, Student Athletic Board Member, Cougar Leader, National Honor Society Member, and is currently serving as the Senior Class President.  Winston has been a four-year member of the school band, earning many distinctions as a musician, and has participated in chess competition for four years.  Winston is a four-year member of Track and Field and also participated in Soccer and Lacrosse.  He has been very involved with his community, serving as Co-President for Habitat for Humanity, and as the Morale/Publicity Executive for the Riley Dance Marathon and for Hoosiers Outrun Cancer.

“I am extraordinarily thrilled to have received the Lilly Scholarship”, stated Winston upon learning of his selection.  “It is my sincerest hope that with the help and support from the scholarship I can continue to uphold the values of the Community Foundation, and have community work and service to others at the forefront of my thought. I know that the Lilly Scholarship will change my life, and I would really like to thank all the people who have supported me along the way.”

Gregorio Lopes, from Bloomington High School North, was one of the original selections for the award but declined in order to attend school out of state.

The selection committee used a blind review process to score written applications from eleven finalists. The other finalists, along with Lopes, St. John and Winkler, were Denise Dorotheo, Gabriel Jones, Emily Moon, Katie Moore, Beth Nethery, Samantha Sparks, Hannah Spiegel, and David Nathan Wigington.  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-four Monroe County Lilly scholars in the last 17 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.  As a condition of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, the recipients stay in touch with the Community Foundation for at least a decade after receiving their undergraduate degrees.  It’s inspiring to watch them become teachers, doctors, engineers, scientists, journalists or even professional bloggers, like Indianapolis physician and blogger Annie Marshall, a BHSN graduate, Monroe County Lilly Scholar and author of Annie’s Eats.  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
 
 
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 $20 million to more than 380 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $25 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Inc. is accepting applications for the 2014 Precision Health Network Funding Initiative; up to $21,000 is available for granting. The Precision Health Network Fund is designated to assist with the development or enhancement of community health education and health outcomes.  Programs selected to receive grants must have stated goals that meet at least one of the following criteria with the first two generally receiving higher consideration:

1. Prevention of disease
2. Self-management of chronic disease
3. Promotion of health and healthy lifestyles; specifically, as it would relate to wellness, prevention of disease, and/or self-management of chronic disease and serve the citizens in one or more of the following counties in Indiana:

• Monroe
• Lawrence
• Brown
• Greene
• Morgan
• Orange
• Owen
• Martin
• Daviess

Precision Health Network grants are made only to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and organizations that are exempt from filing for 501(c)(3) status; this includes units of government, school corporations, and religious organizations.  Organizations do not have to have health related missions.  Grants may be awarded to religious organizations for programs that are non-proselytizing and do not promote religious doctrine or instruction.  Groups may apply individually or in collaboration with one another.  Programs developed through individual initiatives or by the for-profit sector will need to have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serve as the “fiscal agent” for the program. To confirm eligibility and learn more about an organization, a site visit may be arranged. Agencies receiving grant awards in 2013 included:

• Monroe County United Ministries – Monroe County
• Area 10 Agency on Aging – Monroe & Owen Counties
• Vincennes University Foundation dba Generations, Area 13 Area on Aging – Daviess, Martin & Greene Counties
• Volunteers in Medicine – Monroe & Owen Counties
• John Nichols Health Clinic – Owen County
• Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard – Monroe County

Grant guidelines and applications are available on the Community Foundation’s website; https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-grant/precision-health-network-grants/  Completed applications must be submitted to CFBMC by 5:00 p.m., May 15.  Recipients will be announced by June 30.  For more information on the Precision Health Network Funding Initiative and application procedure, contact CFBMC Program Director Renee Chambers at (812) 333-9016 or [email protected].

About the Precision Health Funding Initiative:  The Precision Health Network Fund, a Field of Interest fund at the CFBMC, was established in 1996 upon the dissolution of Precision Health Network, Inc. The endowed fund provides annual grant funding designated to assist with the development or enhancement of community health education and health outcomes in the counties which constituted the service area for IU Health-Bloomington Hospital and Bloomington physicians.  Since 1998, the Precision Health Funding Initiative has awarded 92 grants totaling over $359,000.

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 $20 million to more than 379 local nonprofit organizations.  Our $22 million endowment is growing and so is the difference we make by connecting caring people, important causes and community resources.

This week the Community Foundation and the Smithville Charitable Foundation announced the recipients of the 2014 Community Impact Grants.  From an original pool of 45 applicants, sixteen organizations received grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for a total of $406,000 in financial support. While every grant funded has the potential for creating substantial impact, several also represent new approaches to addressing significant needs or opportunities in Monroe County.

• Lettuce Works is a social enterprise inspired by a successful model from another state.  Through this enterprise, South Central Community Action Program will help low income individuals, primarily those with disabilities, improve their job skills by employing them to work in greenhouses growing hydroponic produce year round using no pesticides or herbicides.  The produce will be sold to local restaurants and stores.
• The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation will work in collaboration with the Franklin Initiative in piloting a “Coding School” to provide software coding courses to help area workers and job seekers qualify for technology-based jobs.  Additionally, they will offer coding training for area youth to prepare them for employment in the high growth technology sector. Other collaborators include Envisage Technologies and WorkOne.
• Habitat for Humanity will launch a family self-sufficiency program designed to help families stay in their homes or qualify for Habitat homes. The goal is to change habits and alter long-term financial behaviors through intensive budgeting and financial training paired with peer group support.  In addition, the participants’ children will be engaged in a mentoring program designed to encourage them to pursue post-secondary educational programs.

In 2011, the Community Foundation shifted its grant making away from smaller, project based grants to focus on funding charitable efforts that have the potential for encouraging change and creating solutions to the issues that impact our community.  Smithville Charitable Foundation joined the Community in funding the Community Impact Funding Initiative and, three grant cycles later, 57 grants have been awarded through the initiative for a total support of just over $1.1 million.  Requests that include innovation, collaboration, and capacity building receive priority in the evaluation process.
Other grants receiving support through the initiative in 2014 address a broad range of community needs ranging from the arts and graduation coaching in the public schools,   to nutrition for those facing food insecurity and capacity building support for area nonprofits.  Additional recipients include:

• Susie’s Place – Bloomington will expand their capacity to provide investigation and intervention support in bullying and school harassment situations.
• Stone Belt for Project Search, a program that prepares young adults with disabilities for competitive employment through classroom experiences and total immersion in business internships.
• Stepping Stones for a year-long capacity building initiative designed to help the organization achieve the next level of operational and programmatic maturity.
• Roundabout Opera for Kids will complete the development of 12 unique operas for young audiences in local elementary, middle and high schools.
• Monroe County United Ministries will reopen and sustain a preschool room for 2 year olds in an accredited program for less advantaged youth.
• Monroe County Public Library will complete the startup and implementation of Nonprofit Central, which provides resources, expertise and training to local nonprofits.
• LIFEDesigns will merge two summer camp programs to increase educational retention over the summer months in an inclusive environment for young people with disabilities.
• Ivy Tech Foundation for an Advanced Manufacturing Initiative that will build a regional partnership tasked with bringing advanced manufacturing training and career opportunities to the region.  Training will focus on the manufacturing process, safety, maintenance and quality practices.
• Hoosier Hills Food Bank for the Garden Route on Wheel (GROW) to deliver fresh produce to organizations and partner agencies serving those dealing with food insecurity.
• Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the Graduation Coach Initiative, which provides one-to-one focused counseling support for at-risk students to ensure they graduate from high school.
• First Book Monroe County to supply 8,000 books to low-income children ages five to eight in area Title 1 schools.
• Ellettsville Fire Department for the purchase and replacement of essential fire hoses.
• Amethyst House for the transition to electronic healthcare records.

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 $18 million to more than 380 local nonprofit organizations.  Our $20 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.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) announced today that grants of $10,000 to $50,000 are available for local nonprofit and tax-exempt agencies through the foundation’s Community Impact Funding Initiative, a joint project with the Smithville Charitable Foundation. The 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.  Up to $400,000+ will be available for funding community impact initiative grants.

“We are looking not only for projects that will have a measurable, meaningful impact on critical issues for local residents, but also for those that will become self-sustaining by permanently expanding the organization’s capacity to serve the community,” said Tina Peterson, CFBMC president and CEO. “The large award amounts reflect our commitment to facilitating major projects that would not otherwise be possible for these organizations.”  “We want to see organizations come forward with ideas that are going to fundamentally impact what they can do for the area,” said Darby McCarty, president of the Smithville Charitable Foundation. “We’re hoping to hear from a broad range of organizations representing many different types of services.”

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.In addition, funding from several Field of Interest funds may be available for programs/projects that support the following:

1. promote arts education in elementary and secondary schools in Bloomington and Monroe County
2. classical music performance and education
3. the arts and/or arts programs in Monroe County
4. shelter and/or programs that assist the homeless
5. the art of dance, primarily ballet or contemporary dance (including education, instruction, choreography, and performance)

To be considered for funding, applicants must first submit a two-page letter of intent and verification of tax-exempt status to CFBMC by 5 p.m. on September 20.  Following review of the letters of intent, selected organizations will be invited to submit full grant proposals, which will be due November 4.  Grants will be awarded January 14, 2014.

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 for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation has granted $18 million to more than 330 local nonprofit organizations.  Our $20 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.

Health Grants Awarded
H-T Report | Posted: Sunday, July 28, 2013 12:00 am

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has announced the 2013 awards from the Precision Health Network Fund.
Of the 22 organizations from Brown, Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Orange and Owen counties seeking support for projects, six were given funding totalling $30,108 and touching the lives of 3,000 citizens in five counties.

One of the six is Volunteers in Medicine, a free health care clinic in Bloomington for uninsured adults in Monroe and Owen counties, served 2,847 patients in 2012. VIM estimates that more than 90 percent of its patients come to VIM seeking assistance for pain or medical issues caused by untreated dental problems, and recent studies and reviews have shown a statistical association between periodontal disease and pre-eclampsia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

VIM will pilot a program to provide dentures to patients after significant tooth loss or extractions. If it helps improve both the overall health and employability of patients, VIM plans to pursue options for sustaining the program in the future.

The other five Precision Health Network grants funded this year are:

• Area 10 Agency on Aging for equipment and training programs to support senior citizens living with balance issues.
• Johnson Nichols Health Clinic for chronic disease prevention and treatment through a program to identify and treat chronic and acute health issues for uninsured persons living in poverty in Owen County.
• Monroe County United Ministries for the healthy living initiative, a program to address the physical, cognitive, and nutritional needs of low-income preschoolers enrolled in MCUMs affordable childcare program.
• Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard for its community garden education program that helps low-income populations increase self-sufficiency and learn about the healthy benefits of gardening.
• Vincennes University Foundation doing business as Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging for Care Transition, a program to provide patients in Daviess, Greene and Martin counties with the tools and support needed to transition from the hospital to home.

To view this press release on the web, click on the link below:
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/news/local/health-grants-awarded/article_d805881e-2cce-5375-bcca-d2dcfdcb1e7e.html?_dc=926086476072.6691

Regional leaders to develop economic development strategy for Southwest Central Indiana

Effort funded through planning grant from Lilly Endowment

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 2013) Leaders from industry, academia, community organizations and a federal military base have united to develop a strategic plan that leverages the unique assets of the Southwest Central Indiana region to drive economic growth and enhance residents’ quality of life.

A $650,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. will enable the Southwest Central Indiana region to identify opportunities, assets and resources that can be better utilized and coordinated to provide economic opportunities for its residents and communities. The region includes a world-class research university (Indiana University – Bloomington) and Naval Support Activity Crane, a military base which houses Indiana’s only federal laboratory, which collectively employ more than 10,000 people. Its growing life sciences industry employs another 4,400 people, and there is a high concentration of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs. The region also has a thriving hospitality and entertainment industry and is home to the state’s largest concentration of state forests, parks, lakes, fish and wildlife areas. Additionally, the new I-69 corridor between Evansville and Indianapolis runs through the heart of this region, which is expected to enhance economic development opportunities and offer greater connectivity through shorter routes and travel times.

Initially, the strategic planning efforts will focus on 11 counties in the region: Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen and Washington counties. These counties represent the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s Economic Growth Region 8, plus all of the counties served by Radius│Indiana. Throughout the planning process, the geographical focus may evolve as the plan develops. A steering committee consisting of regional leaders and stakeholders invested in the Southwest Central Indiana region will lead the planning effort. Steering committee members include:

• Brian Blackwell, director, Office of Engagement, NSWC Crane;
• Duane Embree, national director of Military and Defense Initiatives, Ivy Tech Community College;
• Paul Mitchell, president and CEO, Energy Systems Network (ESN);
• Dan Peterson, vice president of Industry and Government Affairs, Cook Group; Steering Committee Chair;
• Tina Peterson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County
• Becky Skillman, president and CEO, Radius│Indiana;
• William Stephan, vice president for Engagement, Indiana University;

Steering Committee Chair Dan Peterson says it’s not only the diversity of expertise of the committee members, but their commitment to collaborative strategic planning that will make it a successful project. “Each of these committee members is deeply invested in the success of this unique part of the state – both on a professional and a personal level,” he said. “It’s a landmark opportunity to capitalize on their widespread expertise for such an important common goal.” 
“The Southwest Central Indiana region has great potential for dramatic growth in a number of key sectors,” said ESN President and CEO Paul Mitchell. “Unlocking this potential will require a unified plan that leaders are prepared to leverage and co-invest in.” 

Lilly Endowment’s grant was awarded to the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation, which supports the charitable and educational activities of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), and will be managed by ESN, a CICP initiative that will support the activities of the steering committee and produce a comprehensive plan. This work builds on an initial planning grant from Lilly Endowment which was used to conduct asset mapping and data analysis on the defined region. While the results showed strong potential for enhanced growth, the steering committee recognized more work and engagement with regional leaders was required to develop a robust regional plan and shared vision for Southwest Central Indiana. 

ESN has selected Lori Torres, former commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor in Governor Mitch Daniels’ administration, to serve as project director for the 12-month grant period. The steering committee will meet regularly to develop a set of recommendations for the region. Recommendations from local and regional leaders, economic and workforce development experts, community foundations and the public will be solicited throughout the process. 

“Community involvement is critical in these types of planning projects to ensure the final proposal is representative of what the people who live and work here want,” said Torres. “The committee is looking forward to hearing from people from all corners of the region to get them engaged and invested in the outcomes of this process.” 

The steering committee has already begun meeting and will coordinate public listening sessions later this year. The plan is expected to be finalized by mid-2014. 

ABOUT ENERGY SYSTEMS NETWORK 
Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a not for profit, industry-driven economic initiative focused on bringing alternative energy technology solutions to market, using innovation to confront global energy challenges with systems-level solutions. In 2012, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) initiative broke ground on the Battery Innovation Center (BIC) in the Southwest Central Indiana region. The BIC is a customer-driven single point of access for battery research, development, testing and commercialization. The $20 million facility is located at Westgate Technology Park in Crane, Ind. and will open operations beginning later this year, providing significant economic growth to the area. For more information, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com.

ABOUT LILLY ENDOWMENT INC.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family — J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli — through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. More information can be found at www.lillyendowment.org.

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Contact:
Melissa Roberts, Energy Systems Network

• Phone: 317.532.4808
• Email: [email protected]

Raquel Bahamonde, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership

• Phone: 317.308.0064
• Email: [email protected]

To view this press release on the web, please visit Inside Indiana Business.