This video was shown at the Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community on November 15, 2022. The theme of the event focused on how we, as an organization and as a community, lift people and each other up (through our work, through our words, and through our actions).
Each of these high school seniors excels in their academics, gives back to their communities, and exhibits civic responsibility. We’re proud to share a little be of each of them with you!
On November 15, we hosted the Community Foundation’s 2022 Annual Report to the Community. It was an honor and pleasure to celebrate the students, organizations, and people that lift our community up! Thank you to everyone that was able to celebrate with us!
On November 15, we hosted the Community Foundation’s 2022 Annual Report to the Community. It was an honor and pleasure to celebrate the students, organizations, and people that lift our community up! Thank you to everyone that was able to celebrate with us!
The Community Foundation has announced that 10 high school seniors have been selected as finalists for the 2023 Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. The finalists will be honored at the Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community on Tuesday, November 15.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation has announced that 10 high school seniors have been selected as finalists for the 2023 Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. The finalists will be honored at the Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community on Tuesday, November 15.
Monroe County’s 2023 Lilly Scholarship finalists include:
Felicia Bolander, Edgewood High School
Clara Crain, Edgewood High School
Advaith Iyengar, Bloomington High School North
Carina Jacobson, Bloomington High School South
Jake Keller, Bloomington High School South
Grace McKay, Bloomington High School South
Connor Shin, Bloomington High School North
Jack Steiner, Bloomington High School North
Hazel Stringer, Bloomington High School South
Hayden Wilson, Edgewood High School
Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are awarded four-year, 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. In Monroe County, two students are awarded Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships each year.
Among their many accomplishments, this year’s Monroe County Lilly Scholarship finalists have participated in more than 50 school organizations clubs and sports, volunteered for over 40 organizations, and worked in more than 20 local businesses.
They have pursued and created internships and work experiences to explore their future career paths and have translated ideas into new organizations, clubs, and businesses. As engaged members of the community, that have impacted many local nonprofits including Area 10 Agency on Aging, City of Bloomington, Community Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Justice Unlocked, New Hope for Families, Middle Way House, People and Animal Learning Services, Pantry 279, Salvation Army, Wheeler Mission, WonderLab, YMCA, and many others.
“In the midst of the pandemic, this exceptional group of young people did more than persevere,” said Tina Peterson, Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “This year’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists have shown remarkable motivation to take control of their futures by pursuing their passions, leading by example, and demonstrating kindness.”
“While we always regret that only two of these amazing high school seniors will ultimately receive the Lilly Scholarship, we are proud to recognize each of their accomplishments and hope that many of them will choose to stay in Indiana as they continue their educations and begin their careers.”
The Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community begins at 4:30 p.m. on November 15 in Shreve Hall at Ivy Tech Bloomington (200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404). This annual event is a celebration of the Foundation’s past year of connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources. More information can be found at: https://cfbmc.org/
Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarship Application Process
Monroe County’s finalists were selected from among 21 semifinalists and 84 applications submitted by students from six of the 11 high schools that serve Monroe County students. Eligible schools include The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Covenant Christian School, Bloomington Graduation School, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Edgewood High School, Harmony School, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Seven Oaks Classical School.
Applications for the 2023 scholarship were blindly reviewed and independently scored by representatives from each high school to identify semifinalists. The number of identified semifinalists reflects each school’s senior class size.
Each semifinalist was invited to submit an updated application, which included additional application questions and recommendations. The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee then evaluated the completed semifinalist applications. This committee, comprised of community members, blindly reviewed and scored applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. In selecting recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance, and leadership potential.
Finalists were interviewed during the week of October 17, and finalist interview scores combined with scoring from the written application. The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship nominees, are submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County. The two 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars for Monroe County will be named in December 2022.
Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-1999 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling in excess of $439 million. Administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. with local support from Indiana community foundations, more than 5,000 Indiana high school students have been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.
The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
About 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 $28.9 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.
Twenty-one high school seniors selected from six area schools as semifinalists for Monroe County’s two 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships
Twenty-one high school seniors selected from six area schools as semifinalists for Monroe County’s two 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) has announced that 21 high school seniors have been selected as semifinalists for the 2023 Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Congratulations to these exceptional students:
Brooke Bailey, Bloomington High School North
Felicia Bolander, Edgewood High School
Clara Crain, Edgewood High School
Yarra Ellett, Bloomington High School South
Madilyn Fisher, Bloomington High School North
Luke Fritz, Lighthouse Christian Academy
Advaith Iyengar, Bloomington High School North
Carina Jacobson, Bloomington High School South
Jake Keller, Bloomington High School South
Trinity Kissinger, Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship
Alice Lehr, Bloomington High School North
Grace McKay, Bloomington High School South
Ryan Mooney, Bloomington High School North
Connor Shin, Bloomington High School North
Nora Shipp, Seven Oaks Academy
Benjamin Smith, Bloomington High School South
Jack Steiner, Bloomington High School North
Hazel Stringer, Bloomington High School South
Nicky Walker, Bloomington High School South
Hayden Wilson, Edgewood High School
Audrey Wu, Bloomington High School South
In Monroe County, two students are awarded Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships each year. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are awarded four-year, 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.
Monroe County’s semifinalists were selected from among 84 applications submitted by students from six of the 11 high schools that serve Monroe County students. Eligible schools include The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Covenant Christian School, Bloomington Graduation School, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Edgewood High School, Harmony School, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Seven Oaks Classical School.
Applications for the 2023 scholarship were blindly reviewed and independently scored by representatives from each high school to identify semifinalists. The number of identified semifinalists reflects each school’s senior class size.
Each semifinalist has been invited to submit an updated application, which includes additional application questions and recommendations. The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee will then evaluate the completed semifinalist applications. This committee, comprised of community members, blindly reviews and scores applications from the semifinalists to select ten finalists. In selecting recipients for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance, and leadership potential.
Finalists will be identified and interviewed in October, and finalist interview scores will be combined with scoring from the written application. The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship nominees, will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for final selection of scholarship recipients for Monroe County. The two 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars for Monroe County will be named in December 2022.
“High school seniors in Monroe County have a wide array of choices ahead of them, and we are proud that each of this year’s 65 Lilly Scholarship applicants is interested in pursuing their post-secondary education at one of Indiana’s world-class higher education institutions,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “While only two Monroe County students will ultimately receive a Lilly Scholarship, we look forward to getting to know each of the semifinalists better and hope that all of our applicants will elect to not only stay in Indiana for post-secondary education but will also choose to make Indiana home after graduation.”
Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-1999 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling in excess of $439 million. Administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. with local support from Indiana community foundations, more than 5,000 Indiana high school students have been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.
The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
About 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 $28.9 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.
This competitive granting program is designed to fuel innovative ideas and lasting impact in our community by granting funds to nonprofits to meet our community’s most pressing needs and seize its most compelling opportunities. Interested organizations are encouraged to submit letters of intent by September 7.
Interested organizations are encouraged to submit letters of intent by September 7.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has opened its Community Impact Funding Initiative. This competitive granting program is designed to fuel innovative ideas and lasting impact in our community by granting funds to nonprofits to meet our community’s most pressing needs and seize its most compelling opportunities.
On an annual basis, the Community Foundation entertains funding requests for projects and programs that will benefit the citizens of Bloomington and Monroe County. Grant funding for this year’s Community Impact Funding Initiative is designed to support a broad range of community needs such as arts and culture, social and health services, education, recreation, beautification and preservation, animal welfare, the environment, and community development opportunities. Grants are awarded from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund, select field of interest funds, and from collaborative funding provided by Community Foundation partners, including the Smithville Charitable Foundation.
The Foundation seeks to invest in projects that are forward thinking, community changing in their implementation, practical in their application, and unique to the community. Highest priority in the evaluation of grant awards will be given to projects that incorporate and embrace the following:
Innovative or transformative solutions to critical community issues
Collaboration across organizations and/or sectors to increase impact and effectiveness
Projects/programs that plan for long-term sustainability (when applicable)
Grant Amounts
Range of grant awards: $10,000 to $50,000 per proposal. Total grants: 8-12 awards are expected, depending on grant amounts.
Timeline
September 7, 2022 – Due date for Letters of Intent, IRS Letter, non-discrimination policy
September 23, 2022 – Selected applicants receive invitations for full online application
October 31, 2022 – Full applications due
December 5, 2022 – Announcement of awards
Mid-December 2022 – Grant funding available (pending grant agreement)
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 more than $28.9 million since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.
The Community Foundation awarded six nonprofit organizations with Heading Home grants this summer. A total of $200,000 has been awarded as part of this funding program, CFBMC’s second competitive grant cycle for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) awarded six nonprofit organizations with Heading Home grants this summer. A total of $200,000 has been awarded as part of this funding program, CFBMC’s second competitive grant cycle for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The Heading Home Plan was developed collaboratively in 2021 by local and regional partners, including service providers, government officials, community members, funders, and people with lived experience. The plan is serving as a community guide to support long-term initiatives with strategies to address the many contributing factors to housing insecurity, ranging from financial and legal challenges to emotional, physical, and mental health-related matters.
“Since the release of the Heading Home Plan, our community has begun a new phase of deliberate collaboration to advance housing security in our region,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson.
“Working together, we are making amazing strides, but we know there is much work yet to do. Today, the Community Foundation is proud to award these Heading Home grants to dedicated nonprofit organizations that have made coordination and collaboration key components of their work. In addition to housing security, individuals and families impacted by these grants will have the benefit of support services from across our community to put them on a path to a better future.”
Grants were awarded in amounts ranging in size from $17,000 to $50,000:
Beacon, Inc.for a capital campaign feasibility study, architectural designs, and land assessments associated with a new facility that would combine and expand essential services for people experiencing poverty, hunger, and homelessness. – This grant will enable Beacon, Inc. to explore the development of a multi-tiered building that would centralize and expand essential and emergency services and housing stabilization in one location with co-located space for local health and substance misuse programs.
Bloomington Housing Authorityto establish a rent deposit funding program to reduce financial barriers for low-income residents to secure stable housing opportunities. –Available to income-qualified renters, deposit assistance will be provided to an estimated 50-75 individuals per year as zero interest, flexible loans that can be repaid over time in alignment with participant income.
Catholic Charities Bloomingtonto support the Parent Empowerment and Child Therapy Program, a collaboration with New Hope for Families. – Through this program, low-income families threatened by homelessness will have on-site access to mental health services, including attachment-based child therapy and parenting empowerment support groups. New Hope’s early childcare educators will also receive evidence-based trauma therapy training to support children at the Nest.
Community Justice and Mediation Center (CJAM)to expand no-cost mediation services through the Housing and Eviction Prevention Project, a program that provides free landlord-tenant mediation services, legal advice, social service/rental housing assistance referrals, and court navigation support. This grant will enable CJAM to provide advanced eviction-court mediation training, develop mediator recruitment strategies, and expand its capacity to serve more clients.
Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) to expand its Self-Sufficiency Center financial assistance program, which provides rent, mortgage, and utility payments for low-income families and individuals at risk of eviction or homelessness. Grant funding will allow MCUM to expand financial assistance to 200 more families and increase Self-Sufficiency Center outreach to landlords and community members.
New Leaf, New Life (NLNL)to enable 35 formerly incarcerated people to move into transitional housing with transportation vouchers and basic needs for employment such as clothing and shoes. In addition to NLNL’s transition navigation services, this grant will provide initial funding for these individuals to establish immediate transitional housing increasing the likelihood of them remaining sober, healthy, and employed.
CFBMC’s “Heading Home” grant initiative is co-funded by Smithville Charitable Foundation and made possible through unrestricted funds at the Community Foundation and designated field of interest funds established to support specific areas of focus.
“We are grateful for the generosity of Smithville Charitable Foundation and Community Foundation donors for entrusting us to invest in innovative programs and ideas that improve the quality of life for all who call Bloomington and Monroe County home,” added Peterson.
CFBMC’s “Heading Home” grant initiative is the second of two competitive funding rounds for the 2021-2022 fiscal year (July 1-June 30). In December, the Foundation awarded $154,000 to nine organizations as part of its Creating Community Grant initiative. Read more about this announcement.
CFBMC’s next competitive grant round is now open. This round will support a broad range of community needs and compelling opportunities rather than focus on any one specific area or initiative. Letters of intent are due September 7. For more information, visit: https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-grant/community-impact-grants/
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 more than $28.9 million since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.
About Heading Home of South Central Indiana:
Heading Home of South Central Indiana is a community-wide partnership working to decrease homelessness and improve housing security. Heading Home’s lead partners are the Community Foundation of Bloomington/Monroe County (CFBMC) and the United Way of Monroe County, where the Heading Home staff is based. For more information, visit https://www.monroeunitedway.org/housing
The arts strengthen our community socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that have persisted even during the pandemic. We are delighted to share a few ways your support has enabled the Community Foundation in helping to enhance the arts in our community.
By Mary Anne Sterling, Special Contributor
From theater to sculpture and from painting to music, the creative arts inspire us—fostering creativity, empathy, and beauty. The arts strengthen our community socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that have persisted even during the pandemic. We are delighted to share a few ways your support has enabled the Community Foundation in helping to enhance the arts in our community.
Constellation Stage + Screen
In April 2022, the newly formed Constellation Stage + Screen organization launched a grand vision for the future of the performing arts in Bloomington. Its three founding organizations, Bloomington Playwrights Project, Cardinal Stage, and Pigasus Institute, began collaborating in 2019. The Community Foundation provided a grant to enable the organizations to work with a consultant and explore the possibility of creating an innovative blend of theater and film production, arts education, and new work.
As a result of the grant and the exploration process, Constellation was formed with a mission to produce world-class theater and film that impacts the national performing arts industry through new work development.
“Our productions, community events, and education programs serve as a leading contributor to Bloomington, Indiana’s cultural and economic vibrancy,” said Gabe Gloden, the new organization’s managing director. “We envision a future where the performing arts is as indispensable to our community as any other public service, and philanthropic giving is the key to the success of this vision.”
Established in 1978, the Bloomington Community Band (BCB) is an all-volunteer concert band. “We are comprised of 50 to 60 musicians at any one time, with ages ranging from 18 to 85,” explains Andrea Smith, Chair, Board of Directors. Any adult who plays an instrument may join without auditioning, and BCB performs 15 to 20 times per year in and around Monroe County at civic events, public gatherings, retirement homes, and state parks.
“We established an endowment fund to keep our organization going with match funding offered through the Community Foundation,” she said. The Bloomington Community Band Fund now ensures that the BCB will be able to sustain its mission of bringing the joy music to our community for years to come. To join the band or learn about its 2022 performance schedule, visit https://www.bloomingtoncommunityband.org/.
Indiana Limestone Symposium
The stone belt that runs through Monroe County has carved a deep legacy in the region. “Celebrating that legacy and keeping it alive is our top priority,” says Frank Young, board president, who, with co-founder Amy Brier, created the Indiana Limestone Symposium in 1996.
“Our mission is to teach and share the art and tradition of limestone carving with people of all ages and skill levels,” he said. Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation, ILS expanded beyond its historic three-week annual program. “While most of our events were cancelled because of the pandemic,” Frank explained, “we managed to develop a carving space at Karst Farm Park to host demonstrations year-round.”
Registration is open for the 2022 Symposium that will take place on the grounds of Bybee Stone Company in Ellettsville, Indiana—a few miles northwest of Bloomington— June 5-25. “Your support will help us build capacity to develop a volunteer program, attract and employ teachers, and keep the art of limestone carving alive in this wonderful region,” Young added. To register for a class or learn more, visit https://limestonesymposium.org/.
USA International Harp Competition
Bloomington is known in Indiana for its musical arts, but it is known worldwide as the host of the triennial USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC), which is open to harpists of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 32. Held at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, the event is paired with a globally recognized triennial Composition Contest producing new works for the harp.
The USAIHC nonprofit organization is based in Bloomington and exists to inspire, promote, and sustain artistic excellence while fostering a broader appreciation of the harp and its repertoire. Founded in 1989 by celebrated harpist and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Harp at Indiana University, Susann McDonald, it is the world’s foremost solo harp competition. USAIHC’s vision is to be a global platform for the harp that will inspire artistic excellence, encourage personal growth, launch careers and create community between musicians and their audiences.
This year, 48 contestants from 21 countries have been invited to participate in the 12th competition from June 29 – July 9, 2022. USAIHC also hosts a biannual Concert Series of distinguished harpists and introduces hundreds of students to the harp through its educational program, Harp Start. Joyce Claflin, president and CEO, says the organization “is committed to the diversity of performance, new music, and education.
USAIHC chose to establish two permanent endowment funds at the Community Foundation, the Susann McDonald Fund for USAIHC and the Joyce Claflin Fund for USAIHC, to sustain its mission and support the competition. For more information, visit https://usaihc.org/.
Jewish Theatre of Bloomington
A pillar of the Bloomington community, the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington is the only theater company of its kind in Indiana. “We produce works that are accessible to a diverse audience that arise from or reflect on the Jewish experience and on universal issues of the human condition,” said Deb Allmayer, Board Member and Treasurer.
“Arts organizations like ours face multiple and daily challenges,” she confided. “Locating rehearsal and performance space and raising money to fund compelling productions requires both creativity and collaboration.” “Our co-founder and artistic director, Audrey Heller, is nearing retirement; for 16 years, she has never been paid. We have to ensure we have the means to pay her successor and support the challenges this organization already faces.”
“We are so grateful for the patient and well-informed guidance we received from the Community Foundation,” added Allmayer. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, donations made through 2024 to the Audrey Heller Jewish Theatre of Bloomington Fund at the CFBMC will be matched up to $100K. Learn more at: https://www.jewishtheatrebloomington.com/audrey-heller-fund
Leck and Savastuk Bravo Fund
Susan Savastuk and Glorianne Leck are passionate about the arts. Susan discovered a love for painting when she retired, and they have enjoyed everything from local theatre, music performances, and the visual arts.
As they became more involved in the local arts community, however, they noticed that venues for the arts to be performed and displayed were often a challenge to secure in Monroe County. Susan and Glorianne stepped up to create a permanent field of interest endowment fund at the Community Foundation that could provide sustainable grant funding to support the arts and art venues. Aptly named the Bravo Fund, it will help provide grant funding dedicated to this vital component of a thriving arts community.
These are just a few examples of how your generosity is creating a stronger, thriving arts ecosystem in Monroe County. To see all of our arts-related funds, check our fund list by focus area and if you have questions, reach out and contact us.
CDFI Friendly Bloomington is the product of a collaboration among Bloomington entities including the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), the City of Bloomington, and local business and civic leaders.
A 501(c)(3) organization, CDFI Friendly Bloomington was formed to enhance the economic welfare, equity, and quality of life for the Indiana Uplands region. It provides technical assistance and financing to nonprofits, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and public servants making a positive impact in their communities. By leveraging the national network of CDFIs (mission-based lenders called community development financial institutions), CDFI Friendly Bloomington helps with financing needs such as microloans, working capital, building remodels, bridge loans, or affordable housing developments.
CDFI partners will be attending the event to meet local partners and share their resources. We encourage you to come learn how your organization or small business may benefit from their services.
The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has opened its Community Impact Funding Initiative, CFBMC’s second competitive grant cycle for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
Interested organizations are encouraged to submit letters of intent by March 21.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has opened its Community Impact Funding Initiative, CFBMC’s second competitive grant cycle for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. This funding round will focus on advancing housing security through projects and programs aligned with solutions outlined in the Heading Home Plan, A Regional Plan for Making Homelessness Rare, Brief, and Non-Repeating. CFBMC expects to award 8-10 grants with funding amounts ranging from $10,000-$50,000 per proposal.
In 2021, CFBMC and the United Way of Monroe County, with support from the South Central Housing Network, City of Bloomington, Monroe County Government, and the townships of Perry and Bloomington, convened a working group for the explicit purpose of addressing housing insecurity in Monroe County. Using the 2014 Heading Home document, the working group’s goal was to update the county’s plan for ending homelessness by creating a more comprehensive approach for driving community-wide solutions to the depth and breadth of underlying challenges that result in housing insecurity.
The updated Heading Home Plan was developed collaboratively by local and regional partners, including service providers, government officials, community members, funders, and people with lived experience. Released in July 2021, this plan is serving as a community guide to support long-term initiatives with strategies to address the many contributing factors to housing insecurity, ranging from financial and legal challenges to emotional, physical, and mental health-related matters. The plan also speaks to system-level issues related to access to a variety of housing types.
Impact Grant Eligibility and Timeline
Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and tax-exempt entities are eligible to apply. This includes nonprofits, units of government, school corporations and educational institutions, and religious organizations. Grants may be awarded to religious organizations for programs that are non-proselytizing and do not promote religious doctrine or instruction. In limited situations, CFMBC may be able to grant to other types of organizations that are serving a charitable purpose but do not have a 501(c)(3) status.
Direct costs for implementing the project or program are eligible grant expenses. In addition, no more than 30% of the requested grant funding may be used for indirect costs that contribute to the organization’s ability to implement the grant project or for building and/or sustaining operational capacity for the duration of the grant period. Examples of indirect operating expenses related to the project may include areas such as internal operations such as IT upgrades, financial management tools, administrative costs, essential staffing, and core program costs.
The Community Impact Funding Initiative uses a two-part grant proposal process. Interested agencies should submit a two-page (maximum) letter of intent to the Community Foundation by March 21, 2022. View specific instructions for letters of intent.
Following a review of the letters of intent, selected organizations will be invited to submit full grant applications online, which will be due April 22. The 2022 Community Impact Grants will be announced May 27.
CFBMC’s Impact Funding Initiative is the second of two competitive funding rounds planned for its 2021-2022 fiscal year. In December, the Foundation awarded $154,000 to nine organizations as part of its Creating Community Grant initiative. Read more about this announcement.
CFBMC’s next competitive grant round will be announced this summer. It is anticipated that this round will be positioned to support a broad range of community needs and compelling opportunities rather than focus on any one specific area or initiative. This plan may change if circumstances make it prudent or necessary. Stay tuned for updates.
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 more than $28.9 million since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $44 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.
