The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that 18 local nonprofits are participating in the Strengthening Monroe County’s Nonprofits Endowment Matching Initiative.
Each participating nonprofit that reaches its fundraising goal by June 30, 2025, will receive a dollar-for-dollar match to grow an endowment at the Community Foundation. This initiative will bolster nonprofits’ sustainability to help ensure their important work continues in perpetuity. We are proud to shine a light on each of these nonprofit organizations.
You can click on each endowment link below to support this participating nonprofit. For more information and FAQs, visit the Matching Initiative website page.
Beacon Emerson Endowment
Beacon is a solutions-driven, antipoverty organization dedicated to aiding and empowering people experiencing extreme poverty, especially hunger and homelessness. Beacon provides housing, day and overnight shelter, hunger relief, social services, financial support, life essentials (like laundry, showers, and mail), and other related health and human services to hundreds of people each day and thousands of people each year.
BCT Management Endowment
Buskirk-Chumley Theater is launching its first endowment, a vital step in ensuring the long-term sustainable use of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater as a performing arts center and movie theater. The endowment will provide a reliable source of funding for BCT-presented programming, allowing it to continue offering high-quality performances and special events for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington Endowment
Since 1956, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington has been dedicated to serving the youth in our local community. Its mission is to empower all young people to reach their full potential as caring, productive, and responsible citizens. The Clubs provide an extensive schedule of after-school programming, summer camps, and holiday break camps.
Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana Endowment
CSC is launching a new endowment to further its mission of uplifting and strengthening people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. CSC offers five pillars on which its survivorship program is built: support services, education, wellness, social connections, and information, assistance, and referrals.
Community Kitchen Endowment
Community Kitchen provides free nutritious meals, nutrition education, referrals to other agencies, and a clean, comfortable social environment for patrons, staff, and volunteers. Community Kitchen works to educate the public about the extent of hunger in Monroe County, explain probable causes of hunger, and provide ways to respond to hunger needs.
Conservation Law Center Endowment
CLC is the only Indiana-based nonprofit environmental law firm dedicated to public interest litigation, policy advocacy, and support for organizations. CLC’s core mission is to provide pro bono representation to conservation organizations engaged in protecting clean water and natural habitats in the Great Lakes region, as well as to environmental nonprofits and community groups tackling environmental health and justice issues in Indiana.
Constellation Stage & Screen Endowment
Constellation produces world-class theater and film that impacts the national performing arts industry through new work development. Productions, community events, and education programs serve as a leading contributor to the cultural and economic vibrancy of Bloomington. Constellation’s offerings include year-long classes, summer camps, workshops, after-school programs, in-school residences, and theater and film writing competitions.
Lake Monroe Water Fund Endowment
The Lake Monroe Water Fund is one of approximately 43 water funds worldwide
established to meet local freshwater needs. Incorporated in 2021, LMW is the first water fund in Indiana and works to promote, catalyze, and invest in nature-based solutions and practical remedies across the 440 square miles of a five-county watershed that drains into Lake Monroe.
Meals on Wheels Endowment
Bloomington Meals on Wheels is establishing a new endowment at the Community Foundation. Its mission is to provide nutritional meals to homebound persons who are unable through medical or physical disability to purchase and prepare nourishing meals. Services are provided to the ill, disabled, or elderly regardless of income and without distinction.
Monroe County Humane Association Endowment
MCHA strives to advance animal welfare, deepen human-animal bonds, and extend accessible veterinary care and humane education across our community. Its services include the Crisis Housing Program, Accessible Veterinary Clinic, Mobile Vaccine Clinics, Street Outreach Program, Spay/Neuter Assistance, and Food and Supply Pantry Program.
Monroe County United Ministries Endowment
Monroe County United Ministries seeks to end generational poverty for Monroe County families. MCUM supports community members in breaking the cycle of poverty through assistance with basic and financial needs, self-sufficiency coaching, and affordable, high-quality early learning.
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Endowment
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard increases access to healthy food for all people in need in ways that cultivate dignity, self-sufficiency, and community. Since 1998, MHC (often known as the Hub) has been working to relieve hunger and improve access to healthy food. Founded by two mothers who had experienced food insecurity firsthand, the Hub was intentionally designed with a focus on health, choice, and respect.
Roland E. Kohr Endowment for New Hope for Families
New Hope for Families provides emergency shelter for up to 12 families at a time while its dedicated team of skilled and caring professionals works with those families to help them move through homelessness to stability. New Hope is the only place in Monroe County where families with children can find shelter together.
Sycamore Land Trust Monarch Environmental Education Endowment
Sycamore Land Trust preserves land, restores habitats, and connects people to nature in southern Indiana. The primary purpose of this fund is to support SLT’s environmental education program, which was established to help children and adults understand, appreciate, and connect with nature so that they are moved to protect it.
United Way of Monroe County Community Care Endowment
United Way of South Central Indiana improves peopleís lives by bringing together expertise, funding, and volunteer support to positively impact the resilience of our community and those who live within it. In partnership with others, it works to eliminate inequities experienced by low-income and diverse populations so that all people have a safe, healthy home environment, achieve their educational potential, and increase their financial stability.
Susann McDonald Endowment for the USA International Harp Competition
The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) is an independent triennial performance competition held at IUís Jacobs School of Music that recognizes the accomplishments and fosters the careers of gifted young harpists worldwide. Founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, the USA International Harp Competition is open to harpists of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 32.
WFHB Endowment Fund
WFHB exists to provide an open forum for the exchange and discussion of ideas and issues and to celebrate and increase local cultural diversity. WFHB envisions a sustainable, diverse, participatory multimedia service that contributes to an entertained, informed, and empowered community. As a community radio station, WFHB is supported financially by contributions from listeners, program underwriting, and community service grants.
WonderLab Catherine Olmer Legacy Endowment
WonderLab’s mission is to ignite a love of science through learning that is experiential, inclusive, and amplifies the role science plays in the world. This endowment was created to honor and continue the legacy of Catherine Olmer, a founding director of WonderLab. This fund will support WonderLab in carrying out its role and mission as an award-winning science museum located in the heart of downtown Bloomington.
If you have questions, contact Program Director Marcus Whited at [email protected], Development Director and COO Meagan Niese at [email protected], or call (812) 333-9016.