“Building the Future while Preserving the Past.”

This phrase appears prominently on the CFC Inc. web site and accurately describes the company’s impact on Monroe County. CFC owns and operates more than 30 commercial and residential properties in Bloomington, including the restored Fountain Square Mall, Showers Plaza and the most recent addition to their portfolio, the Chase Bank building located on the Courthouse Square.

“Building the Future…” also exemplifies CFC’s philanthropic efforts. In fact, CFC President Jim Murphy says that the company’s professional and philanthropic objectives go hand in hand.

“As a corporate citizen in Bloomington for 35 years, we feel we have an obligation to give back to the community,” Murphy said. “Following the example set by Mr. Cook, one gives because they want to with no expectation of anything in return.”

In addition to giving directly to various organizations,  and CFC gives to many, Murphy says that the one thing that usually goes unnoticed is that CFC employs a number of people who are also active in local activities.

“One of the things CFC promotes is to have a positive impact by giving back to the community,” Murphy said. “ To see our employees do so is rewarding.”

Through generous contributions to the Community Foundation’s annual operating fund, CFC knows that its resources will have a broad influence.

 “We appreciate the diversity that the Community Foundation has to offer,” Murphy said “You can designate your gift to a specific fund, or give to the general fund and let the Foundation decide based on need.”

Murphy also values the matching opportunities offered by the Community Foundation. And, as a member of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Foundation Board, he speaks from personal experience. Parks and Recreation is participating in the Matchstick Endowment Initiative for the third straight year.

The first two phases of Matchstick generated more than $40,000 in contributions and matching monies for the Olcott Youth Scholarship Fund. According to Murphy, this is as rewarding for the donors as it is for the local youth involved in Parks and Recreation programs.

 “Without scholarships, many kids would not have the opportunity to participate,” Murphy said. “Knowing they now have that opportunity is very satisfying.

“Improving one’s quality of life is what it’s all about.”