Local nonprofits meet endowment fundraising goals to secure match funds

Our Agency Endowment Matching Program completed Jan 31st with 100% of participating nonprofits meeting their fundraising goals!

We’re working together to make Monroe County an even better place to live!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, our Agency Endowment Matching Program completed Jan 31st with 100% of participating nonprofits meeting their fundraising goals! Each of the agencies will receive $.50 for each $1 raised for their endowments! Agencies received more than $267,000 in total match funds towards their endowments, helping to ensure they can sustain their critical work for the future.

Congratulations to the following agencies. We’re proud to support these the work they do in Monroe County today and forever!

With support from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Community Foundation launched this matching opportunity for nonprofits to create or build endowments in 2019. Local nonprofits were invited to apply for this opportunity. All agencies that applied were invited to participate. The participating nonprofits raised funds from February 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020.

Spring 2020 scholarship applications now open

Help us get the word out to high school seniors and families. Deadlines: March 1-April 15.

Scholarship season is in the air! Thanks to the generous support of donors and community partners, the Community Foundation is proud to administer a number of educational scholarship funds for students in Monroe County.

Help us get the word out to high school seniors and families you know. The following scholarships have upcoming application deadlines!

Stinesville High School Alumni Scholarship

Deadline to apply: March 1, 2020
Amount: Up to $2,000

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: March 1, 2020
Amount: Up to $1,300

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 22, 2020
Amount: Varies, Up to $1,500

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 31, 2020
Amount: $1,000 minimum

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. View more information about the Carl Deal, Jr., Memorial Scholarship

Thomas Moeller Memorial Scholarship

Deadline to apply: April 15, 2020
Amount: Up to $700

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 a complete list of Community Foundation scholarships, visit the Apply For A Scholarship page.

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

Community Foundation and Monroe Smart Start awarded $25,000 grant to improve elementary education starts for children

Monroe County among 15 Indiana communities selected to receive Strong Start Community Grant funds to develop plans to strengthen kindergarten transitions

Monroe County among 15 Indiana communities selected to receive Strong Start Community Grant funds to develop plans to strengthen kindergarten transitions  

The Community Foundation of Monroe County and Monroe Smart Start were collectively announced as a recipient of a statewide grant opportunity for communities interested in strengthening kindergarten transition programs and practices. The Strong Start Community initiative, funded by Indiana’s Preschool Development Grant and powered by Early Learning Indiana, supports the creation of locally driven plans to ensure more Hoosier children move effectively into the kindergarten classroom, setting the stage for success in their first year of elementary school and beyond. 

A smooth transition into kindergarten creates a foundation for children to build upon throughout the rest of their education journey. Without the right supports, children struggle to manage new expectations and the uncertainty of a new environment. Intentional programs that encourage family engagement and strengthen the connection between pre-K and K-12 are linked to academic gains, with the greatest gains made by children who experience social and economic risks.

Monroe County is one of 15 Indiana communities awarded $25,000 through the Strong Start Community Grant. As a grant recipient, the Community Foundation and Monroe Smart Start have committed to developing and implementing kindergarten transition plans using specific criteria. That criteria, informed by national best practices and local innovation identified through the Strong Start for Kindergarten Prize competition, includes:

  • Key stakeholder representation and public and private partnerships forged to support community participation
  • Joint participation by early childhood education and K-12 stakeholders 
  • Engagement of early learning and kindergarten teachers through exposure opportunities and joint professional development 
  • Activities that engage families in the kindergarten transition planning process 
  • Supports for at-risk or vulnerable populations with a specific outcome goal
  • Data use to set current level of kindergarten readiness and establish plan goals   

“An increasing body of evidence suggests that effective kindergarten transitions can reduce academic fadeout, improve outcomes, encourage family involvement and allow children to navigate a significant period of adjustment,” said Early Learning Indiana CEO and President Maureen Weber. “By bringing all of the right stakeholders to the table and creating plans that leverage high-impact practices, communities can signal a genuine commitment to giving Hoosier children the best start possible in their elementary education journey, paving the way for future success.”  

Indiana’s Preschool Development Grant, awarded to Indiana FSSA’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning in January 2019, supports a formal evaluation of the state’s birth-to-5 early childhood education programs and strategic planning to strengthen them. The Strong Start Community Grant builds upon these efforts.

For more information on the Strong Start Community Grant, visit solutions.earlylearningin.org/strong-start-community-grant.

Community Foundation opens grant opportunity to activate and create public spaces in Monroe County

The Community Foundation has opened a request for grant proposals for projects that activate or create public spaces to advance a more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has opened a request for grant proposals for projects that activate or create public spaces to advance a more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community. Up to $20,000 in grant funds is available for one or more projects. Funding for this initiative is made possible by a field of interest fund established by a Community Foundation donor to address community aesthetics and beautification. Proposals are due on February 29.

The Better Together – Creative Places Grantmaking Initiative is designed to support Monroe County’s “maker mindset.” “Monroe County has a long history of industrious people driven to build, create, and innovate together,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson. “This grant opportunity gives us a chance to continue that tradition of creativity and produce a placemaking asset that continues to grow our local quality of place and brings people to our communities.”

In 2019, hundreds of individuals participated in the creation of a community-informed quality of place and workforce attraction plan for Monroe County. Through focus groups, surveys, interviews, and town hall meetings, county stakeholders learned a great deal about where we succeed and where we could be better. We also learned that the communities within our broader community are very willing to engage and that being better requires working together.

Monroe County’s ability to attract and retain talent is greatly increased by taking advantage of unique placemaking assets in its communities. Building upon both the spirit and findings from the community design process that resulted in the Monroe County Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan, the Community Foundation is seeking proposals for creative placemaking projects that, through deliberate and thoughtful collaboration, will make us better together.

Funding and Eligibility

The Community Foundation has $20,000 to allocate to this initiative. Grant amounts will range between $5,000 and $20,000. Organizations must match 50% of the grant provided by the Community Foundation.

Examples of the match requirements follow:

Project total:$10,000$20,000$30,000
Grant from CF:$6,667$13,334$20,000
Organization Match:$3,333$6,666$10,000

Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and tax-exempt entities are eligible to apply. This includes nonprofits, units of government, school corporations and education institutions, and religious organizations.

Project Proposal Goals and Examples

Projects proposed should:

  • Advance community aesthetics and beautification
  • Address quality of place in one or more Monroe County communities
  • Create welcoming, inclusive space(s), accessible to all
  • Promote a sense of ownership and pride in the community
  • Bring community together in all phases of the project
  • Contribute to community vibrancy
  • Activate underused public spaces or create new ones
  • Be completed and open to the public within one year of receiving CFBMC funds
  • Have a sustaining impact

Some examples of the types of projects or programs that may be eligible for grant funding include, but are not limited to:

  • Streetscape beautification and walkability
  • Alley activations
  • Public plaza development
  • Innovative public space amenities that encourage people to interact
  • Community art projects
  • Farmer’s markets
  • Amphitheaters and band shells
  • Bike and pedestrian pathways

Events are not eligible projects, but expenses for convenings may be considered as part of the development process. For instance, expenses to bring community members together to participate in creating, installing, or building a place-based improvement may be considered.

Grant Timeline

  • February 29, 2020: Application deadline
  • March 2020: CFBMC reviews applications & selected applicants will be invited to pitch the project in person.
  • April 2020: Grant award(s) announced

For more information on eligibility and application procedures, contact CFBMC Program Director Marcus Whited at (812) 333-9016 or [email protected].

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 $30 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $33.5 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

Applications now open for the Better Together – Creative Spaces grant opportunity

Applications now open for the Better Together – Creative Spaces grant opportunity

Announcing a new Community Foundation grant opportunity! Now seeking proposals for projects that activate or create public spaces that advance a more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community. Up to $20,000 in funds available for one or more projects. Proposals due Feb 29!

Nicholas Graef and Sekou Noble-Kuchera selected as Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe Country has announced Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients. Nicholas Graef and Sekou Noble-Kuchera 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.

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Nicholas Graef of Edgewood High School is the son of Daniel and Michelle Graef. His activities have included Edgewood High Student Council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Edgewood Leadership Academy, Environmental Club, and Monroe County Youth Council. He has participated in many athletic programs, including Edgewood High School swimming and soccer, Cutters Club Soccer, and Bloomington Swim Club. Nicholas is regarded as a passionate leader inside and outside of school. Six years ago, he launched an annual neighborhood food drive to help community families struggling with food insecurity. To date, more than 600 bags of food have been collected thanks to his compassion and leadership. Nicholas is planning to attend Purdue University in the fall with a major in industrial engineering.

“I am incredibly blessed to be named a Lilly Scholar of Monroe County by the Community Foundation,” said Nicholas Graef. “I am especially grateful for Edgewood’s education and values that have motivated me to give back — specifically intermediate teacher Mrs. Crawford who explained that your life’s ambitions begin in 5th grade. I truly look forward to continuing a lifetime of service that Edgewood urges all of its students to pursue.”

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Sekou Noble-Kuchera of Bloomington High School North is the son of Jenny and Peter Noble-Kuchera. His activities have included Bloomington High School North Science Olympiad Team, Academic Superbowl Team, and interning in the Indiana University Kehoe Biology Lab, and with WonderLab’s Science Summer Camp. His athletic activities have included Bloomington High School North Soccer and Cutters Club Soccer, both as a player and referee. With more than 400 volunteer hours at WonderLab, Sekou is recognized as a motivated and dedicated leader passionate about sharing his love and excitement of science with people of all ages. Sekou plans to attend Indiana University in the fall with a major in biology.

“I am incredibly honored to be able to give back to my community as a Lilly Scholar, said Sekou Noble-Kuchera. “I wouldn’t be here without the support of my amazing family, teachers, and mentors over the years. I also want to thank the Community Foundation and the Lilly Endowment for making this opportunity possible.”

“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,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “Through their deeds and actions, Nicholas and Sekou have exhibited leadership, integrity, and depth of character. We look forward to following each of their journeys and invite them back to seek out careers in Monroe County or the Indiana Uplands region after they complete their educations.”

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has also announced that the eight other 2020 Lilly Scholarship finalists will receive $1,000 scholarships to use at a college or university of their choosing:

2020 JPMorgan Chase Bank Scholarship Recipients

  • Joelle Jackson, Bloomington High School North
  • Ava Crees, Bloomington High School South

2020 Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients

  • Hadley Abram, Bloomington High School North
  • Marielle Berin, Bloomington High School North
  • Joy Sera Bhattacharya, Bloomington High School North
  • Lexie Floyd, Bloomington High School North
  • Erica Goldsworthy, Bloomington High School North
  • Mairéad Kennedy, Bloomington High School South

The ten finalists were selected from among 20 semifinalists and 87 total applicants from Monroe County high schools. See more information and a complete list of semifinalists.

“There are so many incredible young people doing amazing things in our community,” said Jessika Hane, chair of the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. “Every year, we are blown away by the quality of applicants for the Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarship. While the selection process is no easy task, we are inspired by the potential of all these graduating seniors and the phenomenal difference they will make in our communities.”

The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, which is made up of members of the community and former Monroe County Lilly Scholars, blindly reviewed and scored the semifinalists’ applications to select the ten finalists. Next, the finalists were interviewed, and their interview scores combined with scoring from the written application. The finalist’s rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship recipients, were submitted to the statewide scholarship administrator Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection of Monroe County’s two 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.

In selecting the 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.

Since 1998, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has assisted more than 4,769 Indiana high school graduates statewide with more than $405 million in scholarship tuition to pursue baccalaureate degrees at Indiana colleges and universities.

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.

The program is administered by Independent Colleges of Indiana and community foundations in each of Indiana’s 92 counties.

Previous Lilly scholarship recipients from Monroe County include:

2019

Christian Gettelfinger (BHSN); Indiana University
Calvin Prenkert (BHSS); Butler University

2018

Aaron Nunes (BHSS); Purdue University
Greta Stephenson (BHSN); Indiana University

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

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 $30 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.

Community Foundation awards Impact Grants to 11 Monroe County organizations

A total of $331,980 has been awarded as part of its Community Impact Funding Initiative.

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) recognized 11 nonprofit organizations on Thursday, December 12, at its annual Community Impact Grant Awards reception. A total of $331,980 has been awarded as part of its Community Impact Funding Initiative.

This competitive granting program, co-funded by Smithville Charitable Foundation, is designed to fuel innovative ideas and lasting impact in Monroe County through funding opportunities to meet our community’s most pressing needs and seize its most compelling opportunities. This year, priority consideration was given to projects and programs identified as potential solutions in the Monroe County Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan.

“Aligning our impact grants with the quality of place priorities identified by our community through ROI’s Ready Communities process allows the Foundation to deploy our grant funds in a locally relevant and meaningful way,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson.  “Both the response to our request for grant proposals and the projects proposed inspired and impressed our evaluation team. We’re proud that each of the grants awarded this year has the potential to enhance our community for the benefit of all and make Monroe County and even better place to live, work, and play.”

Grants were awarded in amounts ranging in size from $10,000 to $50,000 for a total of $331,980.

Be Loved Transportation, Inc. to purchase a lift van to provide wheelchair-assisted individuals transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, including Medicaid-approved care. – Supporting approximately 40 per week with this wheelchair accessible van, Be Loved will provide reliable transportation to improve the health and quality of life of individuals in Monroe County.

Bloomington Housing Authority to fund a portion of construction and operation costs for a high-quality early Head Start center in the Crestmont neighborhood. – The Summit Hill Center will serve 16 infants and toddlers, support a BHA resident cohort of childcare educators, and include three rental apartments for low-income families.

Cardinal Stage to facilitate the production of “Ada and the Engine,” the story of female mathematician Ada Byron Lovelace, recognized as the first computer programmer. – The 2020 play will include discounted and free matinee performances with show-specific activities for students to learn more about the history of Lovelace as a pioneer and STEM role model.

Community Justice and Mediation Center for a project manager to coordinate a collaborative program providing mediation, legal assistance, and social services to tenants and landlords involved in eviction and housing challenges. – The Housing and Eviction Resource Table seeks to reduce eviction, preserve housing, provide comprehensive access to social services, facilitate tenant and landlord education, and improve overall housing stability for renters in Monroe County.

Ellettsville Main Street to engage stakeholders from all sectors of the community in a visioning process to create a long-term plan for the town of Ellettsville. – The grant will fund a professional firm to conduct research, facilitate community-wide input to define priorities, distill findings, and develop a shared action plan for growth.

Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County to fund a portion of construction costs for a recycled shipping container home. – With lower construction costs and mortgage payments than typical homes, this pilot project will allow Habitat for Humanity to explore the feasibility of homeownership for lower-income households earning 25% of the area median income.

Indiana Limestone Symposium to launch a series of free limestone lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and carving events at Karst Farm Park to increase community awareness and appreciation for our region’s limestone heritage. – Grant funds will be used for tools, materials, carvers, educational materials for teachers and students, and public art placement.

Monroe County Board of Commissioners to help fund site safety and accessibility upgrades for phase one of Quarries in the Uplands, a new 100-acre park and regional destination to be developed near the intersection of I-69 and SR46. – The park, which will be developed in phases, will showcase seven quarries and honor our region’s limestone heritage through interpretive exhibits, gardens and walking paths, and spaces for a variety of community, educational, and performing arts events.

Monroe County Public Library for equipment, appliances, and supplies to establish a teaching kitchen at the new Southwest Branch Library. – Scheduled to open in 2022, the library’s kitchen will provide free, hands-on cooking and nutrition programs for all ages, increasing food security and advancing literacy, math, and science.

New Hope for Families for architectural design fees associated with a new shelter and early childcare facility to be developed at 1200 S. Morton Street. – Estimated for completion in 2021, New Hope’s new location will shelter up 12 families experiencing homelessness (up from seven in its current location) and 48 low-income children in its high-quality early learning program (up from 16).

Stone Belt to pilot the Boost program, a classroom and internship gateway experience for local high school students interested in careers in healthcare and human services. – The 10-week paid internship opportunity will equip up to 15 graduating seniors with training, knowledge, and hands-on experience to empower and support people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives and participate fully in our community. Upon graduation, participating interns may be offered full-time or part-time positions as direct support professionals at Stone Belt.

The Community Impact Funding Initiative is funded through unrestricted funds at the Community Foundation and designated field of interest funds established to support particular areas of focus. This year also represents the 10th year that Smithville Charitable Foundation joins the Community Foundation in funding Community Impact Grants.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Smithville Charitable Foundation and Community Foundation donors for entrusting us to invest in innovative programs and ideas to improve the quality of life for all who call Bloomington and Monroe County home,” added Peterson.

“The McCarty Family and The Smithville Charitable Foundation are proud to partner with the Community Foundation on this important grant initiative aimed at enriching the lives of the people in Monroe County and our region,” said Darby McCarty.

Several grant recipients shared how these grants will impact their organizations and people in Monroe County:

“The Summit Hill Childcare Partnership team is thankful to the Community Foundation for supporting our project to increase access to childcare that is affordable, year-round, aligned with transit, high-quality, and prioritizes infant care,” said Amber Skoby, executive director of the Bloomington Housing Authority. “Early childhood is such a critical period of development, key to breaking barriers and creating lifelong potential. Within early childhood development, Early Head Start is an effective model due to its whole-child, comprehensive, and multi-generational approach, so we look forward to bringing this program and the facility to families in the greater Crestmont neighborhood.”

“We are grateful for the leadership of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation and the Community Foundation in developing the Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan,” said Christa Curtis, chairperson, of the Envision Ellettsville committee. “The plan provides a clear plan for improving quality of life for all Monroe County residents and we are thrilled that Ellettsville Mainstreet Inc. has received this community impact grant. We look forward to engaging Ellettsville residents, organizations, and business owners to build a shared vision and plan that benefits everyone in our community.”

“The Community Justice and Mediation Center (CJAM), with partners, the IU Maurer Tenant Assistance Project, Justice Unlocked, and South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities, are excited about the opportunity to build “quality of place” in partnership with the Community Foundation through The Housing and Eviction Resource Table Project,” said Liz Grenat, executive director of CJAM. “In a very short time, our collaborative has been inspired by how these direct and compassionate interventions benefit both tenants and landlords, and are working to improve overall housing stability. We commend CFBMC for their continued vision and commitment to investing in innovative and solutions-based programming. This funding will serve to strengthen our project locally and has the potential to become a model for other courts across our region that are dealing with the devastating impacts of the growing eviction epidemic.”

“Be Loved Transportation is so grateful to receive this grant from the Community Foundation to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle,” said CEO Dwayne Cole. “We will now be able to provide much needed rides for wheelchair bound individuals in the Monroe County area. Decreasing the rates of missed rides to scheduled medical appointments helps to ensure that people have more healthy lives in our community.”

“Monroe County audiences will be entertained by the fascinating true story of the Victorian-era female mathematician who is now widely considered to be the world’s first computer programmer,” said Gabe Glolden, managing director of Cardinal Stage. “Ada and the Engine will also support the growth of Monroe County’s knowledge-based economy and addresses the gender gap prevalent in most STEM fields. By presenting inspiring role models on stage for area middle and high school students, Cardinal is working together with our education and business community to eliminate cultural barriers to workforce attraction and retention.”

“The Southwest Branch Library teaching kitchen will advance literacy and serve as an innovative space to provide free, hands-on health, wellness, and nutrition education to the community,” said Mandy Hussey, communications and marketing manager for the Monroe County Public Library. “It will also provide opportunities for new residents, remote workers, and young professionals to meet, network, and become part of the community. We look forward to developing this inclusive space.”

“Stone Belt’s Boost program combines its Direct Support Professionals (DSP) training with paid internships for high school students enabling participants to apply what they learn through on-line and classroom instruction in a real work environment,” said Adam Hamel, development manager at Stone Belt. “The certifications and competencies earned during the internship are applicable to other healthcare positions and are portable to other developmental disability providers and health facilities throughout Indiana. The goal is to provide the interns with the skills to grow within the agency and/or seek higher education in a field such as nursing, counseling, or another field benefitting those with developmental disabilities.”

“How better to experience Quality of Place than by carving Indiana limestone – the bedrock of Monroe County,” said Mary Anne Sterling, board member of the Indiana Limestone Symposium. This generous funding not only advances Indiana Limestone Symposium’s mission to teach and share the art of carving, it also pays tribute to our shared history and connections to limestone.”

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 $30 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 Smithville Charitable Foundation: Inspired by altruism, The Smithville Charitable Foundation was established in 2007 as a desire to enrich lives by creating opportunities and bringing necessities to the communities served by Smithville Communications. As a private foundation, Smithville Charitable Foundation works closely with community foundations in the 17 counties of its service territory to support a variety of causes related to religion, education, health, the arts, relief of poverty or distress, and various public organizations.

Community leaders unite to address substance use disorder, announce new coalition and crisis center

Today, community leaders from Monroe County, Indiana, joined together to announce the formation of the Stride Coalition.

Today, community leaders from Monroe County, Indiana, joined together to announce the formation of the Stride Coalition, a group comprising public, private and nonprofit organizations to help our community address substance use disorder. With the support of a significant grant from IU Health and the IU Health Foundation, today Stride also announced the development of a dedicated 24-hour crisis diversion center.

Since its founding in 2017, the Stride Coalition has worked behind the scenes to map out the currently available community resources that support those with substance use disorder. With over 40 community organizations represented as members, the group has identified gaps and worked toward solutions.

“One of the critical problems identified by the coalition was the lack of a place to take someone in crisis that isn’t jail or the hospital. Neither option is helpful to the individual, and both drain public resources,” said Linda Grove-Paul, vice president of Adult Services at Centerstone. “People in crisis often need something as simple as a hot meal and a safe place with trained professionals available for support.”

To meet that need, the most significant undertaking by the coalition is the establishment of a jointly funded crisis center — one of the first of its kind in Indiana — slated to open in spring 2020. With commitments from the Bloomington Police Department and the City of Bloomington, the Bloomington Health Foundation, Centerstone, the Community Foundation of Monroe County, Cook Group and Monroe County, the Stride Coalition raised funds for the crisis center in downtown Bloomington. Matching the funds already raised, IU Health and the IU Health Foundation provided a $1,050,000 Community Impact Investment grant, which will allow the crisis center to be fully funded for three years. Centerstone will run the center’s daily operations.

Read complete release at www.stridecoalition.org

Ten students selected as finalists for Monroe County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Ten high school seniors have been selected as finalists for Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

Ten high school seniors have been selected as finalists for Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The 2020 finalists will be honored at the Community Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community on Tuesday, November 5.

Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Scholarship finalists include:

  • Hadley Abram, Bloomington High School North
  • Marielle Berin, Bloomington High School North
  • Joy Sera Bhattacharya, Bloomington High School North
  • Ava Crees, Bloomington High School South
  • Lexie Floyd, Bloomington High School North
  • Erica Goldsworthy, Bloomington High School North
  • Nicholas Graef, Edgewood High School
  • Joelle Jackson, Bloomington High School North
  • Mairéad Kennedy, Bloomington High School South
  • Sekou Noble-Kuchera, Bloomington High School North

 “Every year, we are inspired by the applicants for Monroe County’s Lilly Scholarship, said Tina Peterson, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “This year is no exception. As scholars, they have achieved; as individuals, they have inspired; and as community members, they have given back. We look forward to recognizing these exceptional finalists at our Annual Report to the Community on November 5, and we hope you will join us.”

This year’s ten finalists were selected from among 87 total Monroe County applications submitted by students from Monroe County high schools.

Applications for the 2020 scholarship were blindly reviewed and independently scored by members of a scholarship committee at each Monroe County high school to identify semifinalists. This year’s 20 semifinalists included eight seniors from Bloomington High School South, seven from Bloomington High School North, four from Edgewood High School, and one from Lighthouse Christian Academy. See complete list of semifinalists.

The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, which is made up of members of the community and former Monroe County Lilly Scholars, blindly reviewed and scored the semifinalists’ applications to select the ten finalists.

Next, the finalists will be interviewed, and their interview scores will be combined with scoring from the written application. The finalist’s rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship recipients, will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. Independent Colleges of Indiana will affirm the scholarship recipients for Monroe County. Monroe County’s two 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars will be named in December.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars across the state 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 selecting the 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.

Since 1998, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has assisted more than 4,626 Indiana high school graduates statewide with more than $392 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’s Annual Report to the Community begins at 4:30 p.m. on November 5 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.

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 $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.

Semifinalists selected for Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Scholarships

Twenty high school seniors have been selected as semifinalists for Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.

Twenty high school seniors have been selected as semifinalists for Monroe County’s 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Join us in congratulating these exceptional students:

  • Hadley Abram, Bloomington High School North
  • Marielle Berin, Bloomington High School North
  • Joy Bhattacharya, Bloomington High School North
  • Emma Coffey, Edgewood High School
  • Alexander Coniaris, Bloomington High School South
  • Ava Crees, Bloomington High School South
  • Alexandra Floyd, Bloomington High School North
  • Alice Ford, Bloomington High School South
  • Erica Goldsworthy, Bloomington High School North
  • Nicholas Graef, Edgewood High School
  • Brandt Guthrie, Edgewood High School
  • Joelle Jackson, Bloomington High School North
  • Mairead Kennedy, Bloomington High School South
  • John Lyles, Bloomington High School South
  • Grace May, Bloomington High School South
  • Sekou Noble-Kuchera, Bloomington High School North
  • Brooke Ramusack, Bloomington High School South
  • Ron Underwood, Bloomington High School South
  • Colby Wicker, Edgewood High School
  • Amelia Wiser, Lighthouse Christian Academy

Monroe County’s 2020 semi-finalists were selected from among 87 applications submitted by students from each Monroe County high school. Applications for the 2020 scholarship were blindly reviewed and independently scored by members of a scholarship committee at each high school to identify semi-finalists. The number of semi-finalists identified is reflective of each school’s senior class size.

Monroe County’s two 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 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. Applicants for the scholarship must attend Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Edgewood High School, Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities, Bloomington Graduation School, or Lighthouse Christian Academy. Read Monroe County’s full Lilly Scholarship eligibility requirements.

The Community Foundation Lilly Scholarship Selection Committee, which is made up of members of the community and former Monroe County Lilly Scholars, will blindly review and score semifinalist applications to select ten finalists. Finalists for the scholarship will be identified in October.

Finalists will then be interviewed, with interview scores combined with scoring from the written application. The finalists’ rankings, along with the committee’s recommendations for scholarship recipients, will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. Independent Colleges of Indiana will affirm the scholarship recipients for Monroe County. Monroe County’s two 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars will be named in December.

Since 1998, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has assisted more than 4,626 Indiana high school graduates statewide with more than $392 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.

For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program or other scholarships administered by CFBMC, visit https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/ or contact Marcus Whited, Program Director at 812-333-9016 or [email protected].