News Archives - Page 13 of 18 - Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County

CFBMC Newsletter, May 2018

Community boosts Thrive by Five Campaign on Giving Day with $119,000 in gifts

Thanks to 26 local early learning heroes, 17 local businesses and more than 500 donors, Thrive by Five Giving Day raised more than $119,000 for early learning in Monroe County, exceeding the day’s goal! Our early learning heroes also lived up to their titles by raising more than $70,000 through the peer-to-peer fundraising blitz on April 25.

On Giving Day, corporate partners received an “Eat Like A Kid” lunch kit & Jellyfish Craft Kit to share with their offices. A discerning panel of pre-K kids evaluated jellyfish created by Giving Day partner businesses. Congratulations to the winner IU Riley Physicians Clarizz. Pre-K kids joined the fun, too, with early learning project kits delivered to local classrooms.

Thank you to the Giving Day partners, heroes, and donors who stepped up to ensure that all Monroe County kids thrive by age five. As a result, the Thrive by Five Campaign has raised more than $720,000 towards its $1 million goal for early learning initiatives. Thank you also to the Lewis Family for establishing the Lewis Fund for Early Childhood Education with their lead campaign gift.
View the Thrive by Five Superhero Leaderboard to see how much each hero raised on Giving Day.

Community Foundation awards $560,000 in grant initiatives

CFBMC awarded $560,000 in competitive and proactive grants this year to local organizations. The grant recipients were honored at a special event at Hoosier Energy.

Thirteen nonprofit organizations received Community Impact Grants, a competitive granting initiative totaling more than $270,000. The Community Impact Funding Initiative is co-funded by the Community Foundation and Smithville Charitable Foundation.

2018 Community Impact Grant Recipients:

Banneker Community Center for a 15-passenger vehicle
Catholic Charities Bloomington to expand mental health and counseling services
Ellettsville Main Street for a paved, handicap accessible parking lot at the Heritage Trail
Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools for the STEM Collaboration Lab at Bachelor Middle School
Girls Inc. of Monroe County for a programmatic needs assessment
Humanetrix Foundation for events to increase the number of women pursuing computer science, technology, and entrepreneurship
Middle Way House to expand violence prevention programming into elementary schools
New Hope Family Shelter to support the purchase of property for a new facility
People & Animal Learning Services for the construction of new fencing to expand therapeutic and educational programs
Teachers Warehouse to expand free school classroom supply services to high school teachers
Volunteers in Medicine of Monroe County for a feasibility assessment for gaining Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status
Wheeler Mission Ministries for the installation of a fire suppression system
WonderLab Museum for STEM-focused museum experiences for children ages birth to 3 years

The Community Foundation also announced that it is distributing $290,000 in proactive grants this fiscal year to serve Monroe County. These grants are generally awarded from field of interest funds established by donors to address specific focus areas along with the Community Foundation’s unrestricted funds.

2018 Proactive Grant Recipients:

Centerstone for transitional housing and treatment for women in recovery
Monroe County Community School Corporation to support the creation of an additional pre-K classroom at Grandview Elementary School
Monroe County United Ministries to support expansion of the Compass Early Learning Center
Monroe County Community School Corporation and Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation to support and facilitate the parental engagement program
Women Writing for (a) Change Bloomington to expand community creative writing programs
Community Development Finance Institutions. The Community Foundation is working with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association and the City of Bloomington to explore the potential for employing Community Development Finance Institutions to generate economic growth and opportunity, in particular among underserved populations.

Transitional housing and treatment program for women now open

This year, the Community Foundation awarded a proactive grant to Centerstone for a new transitional housing and substance abuse treatment program for women. We’re pleased to share that the program, officially named Centerstone Recovery Transitional Housing (CRT), formally opened in April.

The six-bed program is Bloomington’s first to serve women recovering from substance abuse who are pregnant or who have young children. It provides childcare support and parenting education along with substance abuse treatment. This recovery option enables mothers to keep their young children with them, rather than leave children with family members or in foster care. In addition to fully furnishing the housing facility, Centerstone has also hired a residential coordinator and recovery coach, three behavioral health technicians and an admission coordinator to support the program.

“CRT is filling a vital service gap in our community’s fight against addiction and is helping save lives and save families,” said Centerstone Director of Advancement Beth Rodriquez. “We are excited to share continued updates of our progress as this program grows.”

Community Foundation receives $145,000 legacy gift from Jean Langbak

Throughout her life, Jean Langbak helped others advance their careers, families, and communities. Her legacy now lives on through a gift from her estate of more than $145,000 to the Community Foundation’s Unrestricted Endowment Fund and the Boys and Girls Club Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation.

Born in South Dakota during the Great Depression, Langbak and her family moved to Logansport, Indiana as a teenager. After graduating from Logansport High School in 1941, Jean began a career as an operator with Indiana Bell Telephone Company. During her time there she was promoted to supervisory roles becoming the first female district manager in the company’s history. She remained with the company after it was purchased by AT&T and relocated several times around the state.

Longtime friend Denny Smith first met Jean as a colleague at Bell Telephone. Denny described Jean as “a strong, independent, and effective manager in the workplace. She was a very caring person, so focused on being responsible for herself.” She eventually took a position in Bloomington where she retired from the company and made the city her home.

Denny later went on to become Jean’s professional financial advisor and worked with her on how she could create a philanthropic legacy with her estate. Because Jean wanted to broadly support a number of the organizations, Denny and Jean’s attorney Tom McGlasson suggested the Community Foundation, which could put her gift to work through a number of local nonprofits to meet the community’s most pressing needs. She could also designate a portion of her gift specifically to the Boys and Girls Club through an agency endowment at the Community Foundation.

Jean’s gift will distribute grants to the Boys & Girls Club every year to support its mission in Monroe County. Her gift to the Community Foundation Unrestricted Endowment Fund will annually provide strategic grantmaking funds to address Monroe County’s most pressing needs and compelling opportunities.

Jean’s legacy will significantly impact the local community and enhances the Foundation’s $32 million+ endowment. “This is one of many gifts that have advanced the Community Foundation toward a goal set in 2012 to double our endowment to $40 million by 2022,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson.

“Through careful stewardship, wise financial management, and informed grantmaking strategies, the Foundation is well equipped to honor the intentions of the growing number of donors, like Jean, who have entrusted us with planned gifts. We are honored to serve in this trusted role for the benefit of our community.” For more information on making a legacy gift, contact Development Director Meagan Niese.

New planned giving website! Discover resources to leave a legacy.

Have you seen the new planned giving resources on our website? Learn how to create a lasting legacy in our community through your will, retirement plan, insurance policy, or other estate plans.
Read More

Applications for On My Way Pre-K now available for children starting pre-K programs in August

Help us get the word out! On My Way Pre-K applications are now open for children that will start pre-K programs in August.

On My Way Pre-K is Indiana’s first state-funded prekindergarten program or low-income children. Funding is available for up to 200 eligible 4-year-olds in Monroe County for the 2018-2019 school year!

Grants for FREE, high-quality pre-K programs are available for children who will be 4-years old, but not yet 5-years old by August 1, 2018, and will be attending kindergarten in the 2019-2020 school year. Grants will be awarded until all available slots have been filled. Families are encouraged to apply early.

On My Way Pre-K is a program of the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration and is locally supported by the Community Foundation and its Monroe Smart Start initiative. Go to www.OnMyWayPreK.org for more information or call 1-800-299-1627 for assistance.
Read More

Congratulations to our community’s 2018 scholarship recipients

The Community Foundation is proud to help local students and adults to fund their educational dreams. Established by generous individuals and companies, CFBMC’s scholarship programs help members of our community pursue continuing education, develop their unique potential, and enhance their ability to contribute to Monroe County and society.

Congratulations to the Community Foundation’s 2018 scholarship recipients. We wish them well as they begin their educational journeys and pursue their career aspirations.

See List of 2018 Scholarship Recipients

Bloomington launches new strategy for attracting national financing for community development

Bloomington is developing and piloting a new model for bringing national financing to local community development. Bloomington is encouraging and incentivizing community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to work here by becoming a “CDFI Friendly City.”

The Community Foundation is working with a local CDFI working group, Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association and the City of Bloomington to explore the potential for employing Community Development Finance Institutions locally.

CDFIs are financial intermediaries that provide capital and services to underserved populations – low-income, low-wealth and other disadvantaged groups and areas. For more than 30 years, CDFIs have produced substantial community impact through jobs, affordable housing, and sustainable community facilities, as well as solid financial returns. More than 1,000 CDFIs operate in the U.S., providing billions of dollars of financing annually. But smaller markets, including cities such as Bloomington, often face challenges attracting CDFI financing.

“Flexible, affordable financing from CDFIs attracts investments from national and regional banks and foundations into local communities,” said President and CEO Peterson. “These combined investments can help address a community’s most pressing needs and compelling opportunities, supporting nonprofit enterprises, catalyzing small business growth, and expanding affordable housing. These areas traditionally struggle to secure the capital necessary to optimally serve those who need community support to succeed and thrive, and we are excited about the potential that CDFIs bring to Monroe County.” Read More

Upcoming events and important dates

August 1: 100+ Women Who Care Quarterly Meeting. More information.
September 19: 50+ Men Who Care Quarterly Meeting. More information.

Introducing our new planned giving website

Planned giving made easy!

Good planning requires good information. We have it for you! We’ve launched a new planned giving website where you will find comprehensive resources to help create a legacy for your family and community using your estate plan.

What and How to Give

Find out what types of assets make the best planned gifts. Learn about gifts of cash, stocks, and property. Discover how to make a gift that provides tax benefits and even income for life.

Online Will Planner

Access an easy, secure guide to plan your estate. Complete the information on your family, estate, and goals using your personal account. Use your guide for efficient conversations with your professional advisor to create your estate plan.

Gift Calculators

View personalized gift calculations that show the income and tax benefits of setting up a gift plan using your assets and property values. Compare the benefits of various gift vehicles.

Gift Planning Stories, News & Articles

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to the Community Foundation. Enjoy articles on personal planning, Washington and financial news. Articles are updated every week, so visit us again and again.

See The New CFBMC Planned Giving Website

A special gift for you!
As part of this launch, we would like to give you a FREE Estate Planning Guide to help you successfully plan your legacy, provide for, and protect your family today. Get your free Estate Planning Guide.

Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact Development Director Meagan Niese at 812.333.9016 or [email protected].

Applications for On My Way Pre-K now available for children starting pre-K programs in August

? Help us get the word out! On My Way Pre-K applications are now open for children that will start pre-K programs in August.

Grants for FREE, high-quality pre-k programs are available for children from low-income families who will be 4-years old, but not yet 5-years old by August 1, 2018, and will be attending kindergarten in the 2019-20 school year. Grants will be awarded until all available slots have been filled. Families are encouraged to apply early!

Go to www.OnMyWayPreK.org for more information or call 1-800-299-1627 for assistance.

The announcement from the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning:

On My Way Pre-K applications for 2018/2019 school year are now available for families in 20 counties

Program has expanded from five original counties to 20 for next school year

Indianapolis (March 1, 2018) – Indiana’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) is now accepting applications from families in 20 counties who may be eligible for grants for their children to receive high-quality, prekindergarten education through the On My Way Pre-K program for the 2018/2019 school year. The pilot program was expanded in 2017 from five to 20 counties to provide the benefits of early childhood education to more Hoosier children from low-income families.

In addition to the five counties where On My Way Pre-K has been available since 2015 (Allen, Jackson, Lake, Marion and Vanderburgh) the program will be available for the 2018/19 school year in Bartholomew, DeKalb, Delaware, Elkhart, Floyd, Grant, Harrison, Howard, Kosciusko, Madison, Marshall, Monroe, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe and Vigo Counties. Families residing in these 20 counties must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply:

The family must have an income below 127 percent of the federal poverty level.
Their child must be 4 years old by August 1, 2018, and starting kindergarten in the 2019/2020 school year.
Parents/guardians in the household must be working, going to school or attending job training.

Links to electronic applications, in both English and Spanish, as well as a printable paper application, are available at www.OnMyWayPreK.org.

Once the family has met eligibility requirements and has been awarded a grant for their child, they may choose from any of the eligible, enrolled On My Way Pre-K programs in their county. Families can search approved providers at www.ChildCareFinder.IN.gov. OECOSL has enrolled 504 On My Way Pre-K providers in the 20 pilot counties, and the application process for new providers is ongoing. In order to qualify, a program must be top-ranked at level 3 or level 4 in Paths to QUALITY or be accredited by an approved national or regional accrediting body (Click here for details on provider eligibility).

Approved pre-K programs may be located in a public or private school, licensed child care center, licensed home or registered ministry as long as that program meets the quality requirements and is registered as an On My Way Pre-K Provider. Families may choose from a program that is full-day or part-day, as well as from programs that end with the school year or continue through the summer.

Families who need help finding an approved pre-K program can also call 1-800-299-1627 for assistance from an early learning referral specialist.

More than 5,000 Hoosier children have attended preschool through a grant from the On My Way Pre-K program since it began in 2015. OECOSL continues to partner with Purdue University on a longitudinal study of children who have participated in the pilot program in an attempt to measure their success OECOSL also updates the Indiana General Assembly every year on the program. The most recent report can be found here.

On My Way Pre-K is Indiana’s first state-funded prekindergarten program, which was approved as a five-county pilot by the Indiana General Assembly in 2014, and expanded to a 20-county pilot by the General Assembly in 2017. For more information, visitwww.OnMyWayPreK.org.

The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).

2018 scholarship applications open

The Community Foundation administers a number of scholarship funds to support the educational aspirations of Monroe County community members. Applications are now open for the following 2018 scholarships:

Stinesville High School Alumni Scholarship

Deadline to apply: February 28, 2018

This scholarship is awarded to an Edgewood High School senior who has a Bean Blossom Township School affiliation. Consideration is given for academic as well as other achievements, leadership activities, extra-curricular skills, financial need, and the student’s work record. View more information about Stinesville High School Alumni Scholarship.

Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club Betty Burnett Welke Scholarship

Deadline to apply: February 28, 2018

This memorial scholarship honors Betty Burnett’s years of service and commitment to the Pi Beta Phi chapter at Indiana University. Applicant must be a member in good standing of the Indiana Chapter of Pi Beta Phi; be a sophomore or junior currently attending IU – Bloomington; have at least a 2.50 overall GPA, and exhibit outstanding service to the chapter and to IU. View more information about Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club Betty Burnett Welke Scholarship.

Monroe County Ag Day Scholarship

Deadline to apply: March 15, 2018

This scholarship is awarded to a current senior in high school who meets at least one of the following criteria: raised on a farm, member/former member of the Monroe County 4-H program, current member of an FFA chapter in Monroe County. Scholarship(s) may be used for college tuition, fees, books, and/or equipment necessary for coursework. Applicants may major in any area of study; however, preference will be given to those individuals majoring in Agriculture, Home Economics or Natural Resources. View more information about Monroe County Ag Day Scholarship.

Carl Deal, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Deadline to apply: March 15, 2018

This scholarship was created in honor of Carl Deal Jr. Mr. Deal felt a strong passion for The Boys & Girls Club and their strong commitment and success in our community, the lives of his family and friends and he appreciated the commitment and impact that BGCB had on his life. Carl was a long-time Boys & Girls Club member and wanted to give back to the young people of this community. Upon his death, his friends, co-workers and family coordinated an annual fundraiser known as “King’s Blues, BBQ & Funkfest”, in order to raise funds to create a scholarship to be presented annually to a current, or former Boys & Girls Club member, for post-secondary education or training. For more information and the online application, View more information about the Carl Deal, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Thomas Moeller Memorial Scholarship

Deadline to apply: April 15, 2018

This memorial scholarship honors Thomas Moeller’s musical talents and provides opportunities for students to pursue music education. Applicants are high school students – grades 10 to 12 who reside in Monroe County and wish to pursue music endeavors. Examples of expenses eligible for this scholarship award include, but are not limited to, rental or purchase of a musical instrument, music lessons, fees for musical competition, recording projects, vocal lessons, tuition for music camp (college tuition/fees for music and/or music education major may be considered). View more information about the Tom Moeller Memorial Scholarship.

For specific questions on these or other scholarship opportunities, please contact Program Director Marcus Whited at [email protected] or 812-333-9016.

Community Foundation announces $560,000 in grant initiatives

Thirteen nonprofits selected to receive $270,000 in Community Impact Grants; additional $290,000 in proactive granting distributed

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has announced that it is awarding $560,000 in competitive and proactive grants this year to local organizations. The grant recipients were honored at a special event on Thursday, January 11 at Hoosier Energy.

Thirteen nonprofit organizations have received Community Impact Grants, a competitive granting initiative totaling more than $270,000. The Community Impact Funding Initiative is co-funded by the Community Foundation and Smithville Charitable Foundation. The Community Foundation also announced that it is distributing $290,000 in proactive grants this fiscal year to serve Monroe County.

“A review of the grants selected for funding this year serves as a reminder of our community’s most compelling needs and opportunities,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “From preparing our young people for a successful tomorrow; addressing the changing face of healthcare and the significance of trauma in derailing success for many of all ages, these grants are both relevant and specific to the very real issues we face as a community.”

“Dollars endowed by many generous donors over the last 28 years allow us to realize their philanthropic priorities and to fulfill our mission as an organization committed to ensuring that Monroe County is poised to thrive today and in the future.”

Competitive Granting

Grants funded through the Community Impact Funding Initiative aim to strengthen the community by supporting innovative projects with lasting impact by empowering local organizations to address pressing needs and compelling opportunities in Monroe County. This granting initiative is designed to support a broad range of community needs in arts and culture, social and health services, education, recreation, beautification, preservation, the environment, animal welfare, and community development.

This year represents the seventh year that Smithville Charitable Foundation joins the Community Foundation in funding Community Impact Grants. “We’re grateful for this partnership with Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County,” said Darby McCarty, a governor on the Smithville Charitable Foundation Board of Directors and President/CEO of Smithville Communications. “This grant initiative is a wonderful example of a community foundation and a private foundation working together to enrich the lives of people in their community.”

Grants were awarded from an original field of 58 applicants and range in size from $10,000 to $50,000 for a total of $270,194.

2018 Community Impact Grant Recipients:

Banneker Community Center for a 15-passenger vehicle to expand participation for low-income children and teens in programs that inspire youth to maximize their full potential. – The grant will allow Banneker Center to increase the transportation radius from 1.5 miles to 3.5 miles for the Banneker Camp summer program, Break Days, Teen Drop-In Afterschool Program, and the Teen Mentoring Program.

Catholic Charities Bloomington to expand mental health and counseling services for children, families, and individuals that have experienced trauma, often due to the impact of the opioid crisis. – The grant will fund Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a technique proven effective in decreasing or eliminating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress; Theraplay, a family therapy approach for children with reactive attachment disorder and their families; and positive parenting and education coaching sessions.

Ellettsville Main Street for a paved, handicap accessible parking lot at the Heritage Trail to provide safe access for people of all abilities to Ellettsville’s only recreational pathway for walking, jogging and biking. – The matching grant will help to fund paved parking that will allow users a safer way to enjoy and access the trail.

Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools for the STEM Collaboration Lab at Bachelor Middle School to give students tools and experiences in preparation for careers and pathways in science, technology and engineering. – The grant will be used to create a lab where students can create, invent, tinker, explore, & discover science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in an educationally relevant way.

Girls Inc. of Monroe County for a programmatic needs assessment to identify the challenges and opportunities of Monroe County girls ages 5-18, with a focus on girls of color, those from low-income families, and from rural communities. – The grant will facilitate an assessment to evaluate current Girls Inc. programs and enable the organization to better tailor and increase participation in its programs and activities.

Humanetrix Foundation for technology forum events to increase the number of women pursuing computer science, technology and entrepreneurship training and careers. – The grant will fund events for college students and professionals to promote technology skills, internships, companies, networking, and careers for women and increase female participation within the greater Bloomington technology sector.

Middle Way House to expand violence prevention programming into elementary schools to reduce the likelihood of future sexual and dating violence. – The grant will aid in hiring a part-time prevention specialist to expand youth prevention to elementary children, with the goal of allowing childhood sexual assault (CSA) survivors to seek help sooner, decreasing peer-to-peer perpetration, and better preparing students for prevention programming at the junior and high school level.

New Hope Family Shelter to support the purchase of property for a new facility to serve more families and children affected by homelessness – This grant will aid the relocation process of New Hope’s temporary shelter for homeless families and expand its low-income child care programs in a new location.

People & Animal Learning Services for the construction of new fencing to expand therapeutic and educational programs to help more children, adults and seniors with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social disabilities, or who are recovering from substance abuse. – The grant will provide for construction of additional fences on the property, which will increase capacity to serve clients participating in therapeutic riding programs.

Teachers Warehouse to expand free school classroom supply services to high school teachers – The grant will facilitate the successful expansion of free classroom supplies to teachers at high schools in Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, and Owen counties, previously only available to elementary and middle school teachers.

Volunteers in Medicine of Monroe County for a feasibility assessment of gaining Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status to serve more low income and medically underserved individuals in Monroe and Owen Counties. – The matching grant will allow Volunteers in Medicine to conduct a feasibility study of gaining FQHC status. FQHC status would enable VIM to receive federal and state funding for services.

Wheeler Mission Ministries for the installation of a fire suppression system to expand capacity from 50 to 130 men at the emergency shelter –The grant will help fund the installation of a fire suppression system including sprinklers, expanding capacity at the Center for Men. Shelter services are offered throughout the year to anyone regardless of religious preference, gender identification, race, background, etc.

WonderLab Museum for a STEM-focused museum experience for children ages birth to 3 years to meet the needs of an increasing number of visitors in this key age group and establish strong educational foundations for young children. –The grant will help to fund the creation of “Science Sprouts Place,” a new 600 square foot exhibit area with science, technology, engineering and mathematics experiences for children ages birth to 3 years and their caregivers. Experts in early childhood education recognize that effective STEM education begins at birth and that investment in early learning pays off through adulthood, with positive effects on educational achievement and professional success.

Proactive Granting

While competitive granting serves as one vehicle for addressing pressing needs and compelling opportunities, the Community Foundation Board also provides proactive funding in areas of particular relevance to our community. These grants are generally funded from field of interest funds established by donors to address specific focus areas along with the Community Foundation’s unrestricted funds. This fiscal year (July 1, 2017-2018), the Community Foundation is providing focused, proactive funding in the areas of innovative programming for children, parental engagement, health, and the arts. Grants range in size from $10,000 to $75,000 and total $290,000.

Proactive Grants:

Centerstone for transitional housing and treatment for women in recovery – The grant will provide seed funding for a six-bed transitional housing and treatment program for women recovering from substance abuse and their children. This transitional housing and treatment center will be Bloomington’s first to serve women who are pregnant or who have young children and will provide childcare support and parenting education along with substance abuse treatment. Currently, there is no housing option for women in recovery that enables them to keep their young children with them, rather than in foster care, a proven best practice and option for children, when feasible.

Monroe County Community School Corporation to support the creation of an additional pre-K classroom at Grandview Elementary School. This will be the seventh tuition-free pre-K classroom at a Title I school that the Community Foundation has helped establish in MCCSC. The goal is to increase access to affordable early childhood education. This classroom will serve another 20 children in need of high-quality learning.

Monroe County United Ministries to support expansion of the Compass Early Learning Center. The Community Foundation grants will support critical infrastructure improvements and bridge funding for additional staff, allowing Monroe County United Ministries to increase the number of children served through the early learning center.

Monroe County Community School Corporation and Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation to support and facilitate the parental engagement program for families of children in early learning programs. The grants will fund a preschool parent liaison position through MCCSC and support the RBBCSC preschool parent engagement program.

Women Writing for (a) Change Bloomington to expand community creative writing programs – The grant will allow Women Writing for (a) Change Bloomington to expand outreach to other vulnerable populations connected to nonprofits in Monroe County such as Stone Belt, Stepping Stones, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and others. The grant will facilitate funding for outreach and new writing classes and workshops for clients, volunteers, and staff.

Community Development Finance Institutions. Additionally, the Community Foundation is working with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association and the City of Bloomington to explore the potential for employing Community Development Finance Institutions to generate economic growth and opportunity, in particular amongst underserved populations. CDFIs can support communities through attracting private sector investment to support community development initiatives such as affordable housing, job creation, and nonprofit sector financing.

Several 2018 grant recipients shared how these grant funds will impact their organizations and communities:
“New Hope for Families is thrilled to receive a Community Impact Grant this year to help us begin the process of relocating our services,” said Emily Pike, director of The Nest at New Hope. “We are excited for the future of this project and feel so fortunate to have the Community Foundation as a partner.”

“I am so grateful to the Community Foundation for providing us the opportunity to expand our prevention work,” said Debra Morrow, executive director of Middle Way House. “We feel that it is so valuable to expand in this area as we continuously strive to reach more youth. While the immediate crisis work we do is vital, we must simultaneously work to prevent future violence.”

About the Community Foundation: Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has granted $27 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $32 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference 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.

Community Foundation receives $800,000 gift, largest in its history

Gift from Judith Feldpausch estate to benefit seven Monroe County nonprofit organizations

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County announced today that it has received its largest single donation to date from an individual or family – an estate gift worth more than $800,000 – from the late Judith “Judy” Feldpausch.

Prior to her death in December 2016, Feldpausch created a lasting legacy through a planned gift to endow funds that would benefit seven local Monroe County nonprofits. With this gift, the Community Foundation has established the Judith B. Feldpausch Fund, which will provide annual grants in perpetuity to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, the Monroe County Humane Association, People and Animal Learning Services, American Red Cross services benefiting Monroe County, The Salvation Army – Bloomington, and Volunteers in Medicine.

Part of the gift was funded by Judy’s designation of the Community Foundation to receive a share of her IRA account, and the rest came as a gift of the residue of her estate under the terms of her will and her trust.

“This is the largest planned gift our Community Foundation has received in our 27-year history,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “We are humbled by the opportunity to honor Judy, her generosity, and her thoughtful philanthropic work through this endowment. With this gift, Judy leaves a legacy of caring, compassion, and generosity.”

Feldpausch moved to Bloomington with her husband, Richard K. “Dick” Feldpausch, in 1999. Dick retired from Felpausch Food Centers, a Michigan-based grocery chain, in 1996 following 45 years of service in the family business. After he passed away in 2003, Judy stayed in Bloomington. Judy was passionate about animals, especially horses, and helping families in need. She moved to North Carolina to be near family in 2013. Judy was survived by three children, four step-children, one brother, 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

“We are grateful to Judy for her passion for making Monroe County a better place,” added Peterson. “At the Community Foundation, our mission is to create positive impact to improve the quality of life in our community. Judy’s estate gift is an example of the power of giving exponentially, advancing the Foundation’s capacity to meet the community’s most pressing needs and compelling opportunities, year after year, forever.”

The Community Foundation will invest the estate gift from Judy Feldpausch so that it will grow over time, while also distributing funds annually to each of the seven organizations to support their charitable work.

The Judith B. Feldpausch Fund will exist in perpetuity at the Community Foundation and is the newest of more than 215 funds that make up the Foundation’s $32 million+ in assets. “This is one of many gifts that have advanced the Community Foundation toward a goal set in 2012 to double our endowment to $40 million by 2022,” said Peterson. “Through careful stewardship, wise financial management, and informed grantmaking strategies, the Foundation is well equipped to honor the intentions of the growing number of donors, like Judy, who have entrusted us with many planned gifts. We have the expertise and capabilities to serve in this trusted role for the benefit of our community.”

For more information on planned giving to the Community Foundation, please contact Meagan Niese, Development Director, at [email protected] or (812) 333-9016.

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 $25 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $32 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

Aaron Nunes and Greta Stephenson selected as 2018 Lilly Endowment Scholars

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe Country has announced Monroe County’s 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients. Mr. Aaron Nunes and Ms. Greta Stephenson will each 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.

Aaron Nunes of Bloomington High School South is the son of Clayton and Sunita Nunes. He is vice president of the National Honor Society and member of the Student Council, French Club, School Band, Habitat for Humanity Club, and Solar Racing Team. Nunes has participated in a number of athletic programs, including cross country running, taekwondo and weightlifting. His community activities include Boy Scouts of America, serving as a team leader with Monroe County Youth Council, volunteering at WonderLab and participating in the St. Charles Youth Group.

Through his extracurricular activities, Nunes has traveled overseas to Le Mans, France as part of the Bloomington High School French Exchange Program, to Japan with the Solar Racing Team, and to Uganda on a mission trip with St. Charles Youth Group. He is planning to attend Purdue University next fall.

“I am honored to be chosen as a Lilly Scholar,” said Aaron Nunes. “I would like to thank the Lilly Endowment, my family, friends, teachers, and mentors who have helped me and continue to support me.”

Greta Stephenson of Bloomington High School North is the daughter of Bruce Stephenson and Maria Schmidt. She is a team captain of the Science Olympiad team and recipient of the Butler Science Olympiad Scholarship. She is also a member of the Orchestra, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Leadership Opportunities Through Service. Her community activities include Girl Scouts, volunteering with the Interfaith Winder Shelter and Salvation Army Community Backpack Program, tutoring and working as a child care provider at First United Methodist Church and St. Marks United Methodist Church. Greta plans to attend Indiana University in the fall and major in secondary math education.

“I am honored to receive this scholarship, and it is wonderful to be recognized in the community,” said Stephenson. ” I am very thankful to the Community Foundation and to my family and friends for their endless support and encouragement.”

“I want to congratulate Aaron and Greta on this incredible achievement, and also thank all of Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarship Finalists for the time they dedicated to this process,” said Tina Peterson, Community Foundation President and CEO.

“In Monroe County, our Lilly Scholarship Finalists are chosen not just for their academic success, but also for how they give back to their communities,” she added. “Through their deeds and actions, each of these talented young people have exhibited a depth of character and integrity that cannot be accidental. We look forward to following each their journeys and invite them back to seek out careers in Monroe County after they complete their educations.”

Ten area high school seniors were selected as finalists for the scholarship. Evaluation of Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarship applications is a two-part blind review process. Applications are first reviewed and independently scored by members of a Lilly Scholarship committee at each Monroe County high school. The scored applications are then submitted to the Community Foundation, and finalists are identified from each school. The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, which is made up of members of the community and former Monroe County Lilly Scholars, blindly reviews and scores applications from the finalists. Each finalist is interviewed, and their interview scores are combined with scoring from the written portion of their application. The rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations are then submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc., a nonprofit corporation representing 30 regionally accredited degree-granting colleges and universities in the state.

“The Lilly finalists represent our hope for the future,” said Jessika Hane, chair of the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. “Meeting each finalist, getting to know them, sharing their aspirations and dreams during the interview process reminds all of us of the great potential of young people. Greta and Aaron are shining examples of the light and leadership these students bring to our community, and to the world.”

Since 1998, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has assisted more than 4,500 Indiana high school graduates with more than $372 million in tuition to pursue baccalaureate degrees at Indiana colleges and universities. The program is administered by Independent Colleges of Indiana and community foundations in each of Indiana’s 92 counties.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has also announced that the eight other 2018 Lilly Scholarship finalists will receive $1,000 scholarships to use at a college or university of their choosing:

2018 JPMorgan Chase Bank Scholarship Recipients
Mikayla Deckard, Edgewood High School
Hadley Knaus, Bloomington High School South
Ryan Paquette, Bloomington High School North

2018 Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients
Zoe Berensztein, Bloomington High School South
Caleb Cooper, Lighthouse Christian Academy
Zachary Kovach, Edgewood High School
Mac Rogers, Bloomington High School North
Sage Sherfick, Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship

Previous Lilly scholarship recipients from Monroe County include:

2017
Betsy Beggs (BHSS); DePauw University
Frances Kincaid (BHSN); Indiana University
2016
Greer King (BHSN); Indiana University
Brian Emmons (BHSN); Indiana University
2015
Sidrah Din (BHSS); Rose-Hulman
Riley Callahan (Lighthouse Christian Academy); Rose-Hulman
2014
Emma St. John (BHSN); Indiana University
Winston Winkler (BHSN); Indiana University
2013
Hannah Alani (BHSS); Indiana University
Shannon Jager (BHSN); DePauw University
2012
Evelyn Bauman (BHSS); Notre Dame
Alex St. John (BHSN); Indiana University
2011
Maha Elsarrag (BHSN); Indiana University
Lynne Bauman (BHSS); Notre Dame
2010
Bhavin Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
Stephen Zerfas (BHSN); Notre Dame
2009
Miranda Arthur (Edgewood); Butler
Audrey Ernst (Edgewood); University of Indianapolis
2008
Ashley Larason (BHSS); Purdue University
Thomas Weakley (Edgewood); DePauw / Indiana University
2007
Meehan Lenzen (BHSN); Notre Dame
Kristen Miller (BHSS); Indiana University
2006
David Kim (BHSN); Notre Dame
Jenna Beasley (BHSN); Indiana University
2005
Manisha Patel (BHSN); Indiana University
Jesse Pontius (BHSN); Purdue 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
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
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
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
2000
Andrew Krebbs (Edgewood); Indiana University
Michael Goodman (BHSN); Indiana University
Alison O’Malley (Edgewood); Butler
Morgan Volrich Riggs (BHSN); Indiana University
1999
Kathleen Tran (BHSS); Indiana University
Aaron Ray (Edgewood); Indiana University
Amanda Horvath (BHSS); Notre Dame
Nathan Fuller (BHSN); Rose-Hulman
1998
Amber (Martindale) Yount (BHSS); Butler
Rebecca (Strain) Spriggs (Edgewood); University of Evansville

‘Tis the season for giving!

Five ways to make your giving count before 2017 ends

Now is a great time for giving. When you make a donation by December 31 to the Community Foundation, you aren’t just giving money—you’re creating positive impact that makes Monroe County better. Here are five ways to make the most of your year-end giving.

1. Give early and complete your gift by December 31.  A gift by check is complete when mailed (postmarked) by December 30. Gifts by credit card are complete when your credit card account is charged. Even if it’s last minute, you can donate online up until 11:59 p.m. on December 31st. Be sure to note which fund you’d like to support. View the CFBMC Fund List.

2. Review your stocks.  Consider a year-end gift of appreciated stock. If you gift stock, you will receive a charitable deduction for the current market value of the stock, which can provide significant savings in capital gains tax. Stock transfers can take several days. Contact your advisor soon to take advantage of this giving vehicle. View our guide to maximize tax savings with gifts of stock.

3. Give with your retirement plan.  If you’re receiving taxable income from an IRA, the Charitable IRA Rollover Act allows donors age 70 ½ or older to donate up to $100,000 from their IRA without counting the distribution as income. Learn more about using your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) to support the causes you care about most. View our IRA Rollover Fact Sheet. Donors interested in an IRA rollover gift for the 2017 tax year should contact their financial advisors soon to take advantage of this benefit by December 31st.

4. Give now—decide later.  If you need a charitable tax deduction this year but are undecided about which nonprofits to support, consider opening a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation. You can claim a deduction for contributions to your fund now even though distributions from the fund would be made in future years. Contact us for details.

5. Let the Community Foundation do the legwork.  Working with us gives you access to our extensive knowledge of the local nonprofit community and the needs of our county. We’re here to help you achieve your charitable goals. Email Meagan Niese or call 812-333-9016 to get started.

Thank you for making a difference in Monroe County! Happy Holidays!

CFBMC Newsletter, November 2017

Subscribe to the CFBMC Newsletter.

Community Foundation gives update on giving, granting, and impact at annual event

CFBMC held its 2017 Annual Report to the Community on November 2. The annual event provided an opportunity to celebrate the organization’s activities that connect caring people, important causes, and community resources. The Foundation gave updates on its endowment, fundraising, granting and leadership initiatives.

“As an organization built on endowments, our mission is focused on both today and tomorrow,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “We know that change today is positively essential to sustaining this community’s tomorrow. Our job, as an organization, is to empower those people, organizations, and nonprofits that drive the change Monroe County needs to succeed.”
Read More

Sycamore Land Trust endowment helps ensure environmental education programs live forever

Since 2005, the Sycamore Land Trust Environmental Education Program has provided hands-on learning experiences to people of all ages, free of charge. Today, Sycamore Land Trust provides its educational program to more than 5,000 people per year. In 2015, the Monarch Environmental Education Endowment, housed at the Community Foundation, was created to allow its educational program to grow and sustain long-term.
Read More

Impact grants fuel collaboration to address food insecurity, healthy foods, and job training

We believe the greatest impact is achieved when multiple organizations come together to address a community need or opportunity. We’re pleased to share how Hoosier Hills Food Bank, South Central Community Action Program, Growing Opportunities, and Stone Belt are working together to address food insecurity, healthy foods, and job training. Over the years, the Community Foundation has awarded a number of Community Impact Funding Initiative grants that have made this collaboration possible.
Read More

CFBMC partners with Centerstone to fund transitional home for women recovering from substance abuse disorders

CFBMC is partnering with Centerstone to establish Monroe County’s first transitional housing for women recovering from substance abuse disorders and their children. The program will provide a safe therapeutic environment to serve as a bridge between initial treatment and re-entry into the community. In addition to housing and treatment, the program will help women develop the coping, life and parenting skills necessary for recovery, self-sufficiency, and stability.

“Similar programs in Indiana that allow young children to stay with their mothers are showing tremendous and promising long-term trajectories for women and children,” said Peterson. “Centerstone has the staff, the training, and the expertise to support these women and their children and we are grateful for the opportunity to impact their life-changing work.”
Read More

Thrive by Five Campaign to ensure sustainability of early childhood initiatives

There’s never been a better time to be a preschooler in our community. Like never before, they have opportunities to succeed, to excel, and to conquer life. Since 2009, the Community Foundation has invested $1.2 million to increase access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education through its leadership initiative, Monroe Smart Start.

This year the Community Foundation is planning to build on the momentum for early childhood education by raising $1 million in new funds through the Thrive by Five Campaign. Once the goal is met, this endowment fund will generate $42,500 each year to sustain and support early childhood education programs in our community forever.
Read More

Preschool applications open for On My Way Pre-K program in Monroe County

Help us get the word out! Applications are now available for Monroe County income-eligible families with children to apply for free pre-K starting this January. Indiana’s state-funded prekindergarten program, On My Way Pre-K, provides tuition-free education grants for 4-year-olds from low-income families to attend high-quality pre-K. The Community Foundation also provides grant dollars as part of the 5% required On My Way Pre-K community match contribution.

For information on enrollment and eligibility, go to ONMYWAYPREK.org.

2018 Lilly Scholarship finalists announced

Congratulations to Monroe County’s 2018 finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship! These ten high school seniors were recently honored at the Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community.

Two of the finalists will be selected to receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an accredited Indiana public or private college of their choosing. Monroe County’s 2018 Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipients will be announced in early December.
Read More

Sixty-five nonprofits receive annual distributions

Sixty-five nonprofit agencies recently received annual grant distribution checks from funds established at the Community Foundation. This year, more than $316,000 was distributed to agencies. These endowed funds were created by single donors, groups of donors or by the agencies themselves. Grants from agency and designated funds provide much needed operational support for local organizations and represent some of the ways that the Community Foundation distributes funds to support local nonprofits. Thank you to the donors who make these distributions possible each year through gifts to long-term endowments and to the nonprofits that do incredible work in our community. See List of Nonprofits

Donors establish 17 new funds this year

The Community Foundation fuels lasting impact in Monroe County through our 217 funds designated to address a range of community needs. Since July 1, 2016, we’re thrilled to share that 17 new funds have been created! Thank you to the generous donors that made these funds possible.
See List of New Funds

Community Foundation welcomes three new board members

CFBMC added three new members to its Board of Directors this year. Jessika Hane (human resources director at Oliver Winery), Jeff Wuslich (co-founder of Cardinal Spirts) and Jeremiah Young (president of Nature’s Way) have been elected to serve a three-year renewable term effective July 1, 2017.

“These three individuals are exceptional advocates for our community and passionately believe in the mission of the Community Foundation,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “We’re fortunate to have them on our team!”
Read More

Great ways to give through appreciated stock and IRA distributions

Guest column by Scott Walters. There are many wonderful methods of charitable giving. While I am a firm believer that all charitable giving is important and purposeful, I also believe that there are often better, more efficient ways to give.

Gifts of appreciated property are one of the most effective ways to fulfill your charitable goals. Other types of gifts, such as real estate, mineral interests, art, and other collectibles, are examples of the assets that may often be appreciated and, therefore, are candidates to be given to a charity. The most common asset that is used for this technique is appreciated stock.
Read More

End-of-year giving and holiday hours

The holidays and the end of the year are quickly approaching, but you still have time to make a charitable gift to the Community Foundation and take advantage of 2017 tax benefits! Support your favorite organization or cause by donating to one of our 217 funds or choose to make an unrestricted gift to help meet Monroe County’s most pressing needs. Regardless of how you give, your gift will continue to have an impact well beyond this year through our growing endowment.

Online Donations: Contributions through our website are processed immediately and securely. Gifts can be made up until 11:59 pm on December 31 to count as a 2017 tax deduction.

Checks: Checks must be dated and postmarked on or before December 30 to be considered a 2017 tax deduction.

Stock Transfers: Donating appreciated stocks, bonds or mutual funds is quick, simple and may provide you with significant tax benefits. These gifts are transferred directly from your brokerage account to a fund at the Community Foundation. Please call us at (812) 333-9016 for more information.

IRA Rollovers: If you’re receiving taxable income from an IRA, the Charitable IRA Rollover Act allows donors age 70 ½ or older to donate up to $100,000 from their IRA without counting the distribution as income. View our IRA Rollover Fact Sheet for more information. Donors interested in an IRA rollover gift for the 2017 tax year should contact their financial advisors soon to take advantage of this benefit by December 31st.

We’re open weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. to assist you. However, we will be closed November 23-24, December 25-26, and January 1. Contact us with your end-of-year giving questions at (812) 333-9016 or [email protected].
Give Now

Upcoming events and important dates

February 7: 100+ Women Who Care Quarterly Meeting. More information.
February 23: 50+ Men Who Care Quarterly Meeting. More information

Sycamore Land Trust endowment helps ensure environmental education programs live forever

On an overcast morning in the fall, 15 Bloomington High School North environmental science students gather near a stream at the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. They divide into groups and gather equipment — nets, collection bins, test tubes, and even hip waders. Sycamore Land Trust‘s Environmental Education Director, Shane Gibson, describes the river watch exercise the group will conduct that day. With the help of Gibson and Sycamore volunteers, the students spend the next two hours in the stream collecting and analyzing data on water flow, habitat, chemicals, and macroinvertebrates.

Later that same week, Gibson travels to Unionville Elementary School to meet up with a class of 15 kindergartners. He leads the class in an exercise all about trees — from seedling to root system, to trunk, branches, leaves, and fruit. The class then goes outside to gather tree nuts of all varieties to learn how and why squirrels collect and store them for winter.

“Once you gain an appreciation for nature, that’s when the conservation and deeper level of understanding kicks in,” says Gibson. “We’re providing those initial experiences of awareness and observation that we hope later in life contribute to greater understanding.”

Since 1990, Sycamore Land Trust has preserved more than 9,100 acres of land in 26 southern Indiana counties, including hardwood forests, native prairies, family farms, wetlands, and critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. Sycamore’s Environmental Education Program was added in 2005 to connect people of all ages with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Sycamore provides hands-on educational opportunities on its nature preserves as well as in classrooms and schools. Gibson works closely with educators and community groups to customize lessons that meet teaching objectives. Lessons often include math, science, discovery, hiking and exploring, reflective writing, experimentation, collection of data, analysis, and interpretation.

In 2015, Sycamore Land Trust collaborated with the Community Foundation to create a new endowment fund that would allow its educational program to grow and be sustainable long-term. The Monarch Environmental Education Endowment is one of three designated endowment funds that support the organization and will help to ensure that these programs can continue to touch lives forever.

“Partnering with the Community Foundation is a natural fit because, like Sycamore Land Trust, the Community Foundation is also in the business of forever,” said Christian Freitag, Executive Director of Sycamore Land Trust.

In 2016, Sycamore rallied support for its educational endowment and took advantage of a Community Foundation agency endowment match opportunity. Thanks to generous donors and supporters, the Monarch Environmental Education Endowment has continued to grow every year. Sycamore expects this fund to reach more than $900,000 in early 2018, with a concerted effort to reach a $1.3 million goal by the end of the year. Once this goal is met, distributions from this fund will cover the majority of costs of the educational program on an ongoing basis. In the meantime, Monarch Fund endowment fund distributions help to make it possible for Sycamore to provide its environmental education program free of charge to more than 5,000 people per year.

“Sycamore Land Trust can sit in people’s living rooms and say, ‘Because of your support, because of your investment, Indiana will be a different place in 100 years,’” added Freitag. “Our children are going to have access to life-changing programming that they wouldn’t otherwise have. I think the future is only going to grow for this program.”

Learn more about Sycamore Land Trust’s Environmental Education Program. To support this endowment, Donate Now, and select Fund Name: “Monarch Environmental Education Fund.”