Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County Inc Grants

Second opportunity in the 2026–27 multi-tiered grant initiative. It supports significant programmatic work that addresses important community needs and opportunities and produces meaningful, sustained benefits for Monroe County residents. Funding may cover the launch, continuation, expansion, strengthening or multi-year implementation of programs. Organizations may request $50,000–$100,000. Up to $750,000 is available in total for approximately 7–15 awards. The grant period is up to 24 months, and awarded funds are available beginning in December 2026 after a grant agreement is signed. Eligible applicants: Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of government, schools and other eligible education providers, religious organizations proposing non-proselytizing charitable work, and, in limited situations, other mission-aligned organizations serving a charitable purpose.; Initiative-wide: funding is available to nonprofit organizations, schools, post-secondary institutions, local governmental entities, and religious organizations; in select cases, mission-aligned for-profit entities may be considered if they can effectively address a charitable community need.; Organizations based outside Monroe County may also be eligible when the proposed work provides a meaningful and identifiable benefit to Monroe County residents.; Only one Tier 2 application may be submitted per organization.; Grant request range: $50,000–$100,000.; Intended for well-developed proposals with a clear approach to implementation, meaningful benefit to Monroe County residents, realistic outcomes, and the organizational capacity needed to carry out the work.; Organizational capacity-building or general operating support alone is not the primary focus of this funding opportunity.; Eligible expenses may include project-related personnel and benefits, contracted services, program materials and supplies, outreach, evaluation, technology, equipment, and other costs directly connected to the proposed work; reasonable administrative and indirect costs may be included when necessary and clearly explained in the proposal.; Collaboration is encouraged when it meaningfully strengthens the proposed work, but it is not required.; Applicants should review the complete guidelines (eligibility, funding priorities, eligible and ineligible expenses, required attachments, review criteria, FAQs) before beginning an application.. Geography served: Monroe County. Deadline: Tier 2 is now open; applications are due October 29, 2026..

Supports and speeds up organizations' efforts to eliminate food waste, to address climate change and advance a more sustainable and equitable food life cycle from production to soil regeneration. Eligible uses include education, consulting, bokashi fermentation equipment and materials, workshops, garden plots, staffing including paid interns, storage infrastructure, tools or technology, and associated operational costs. Awards are made as funding allows. Eligible applicants: Requests must be completed and submitted by an organization that qualifies as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.; Applicant organizations must operate in Monroe County, and their applications must support efforts in Monroe County.; An organization may be awarded a grant more than once within a 12-month period, provided each grant is for a different project and/or location.; Requests must be specific to the cycle of food.; Yard waste / composting initiatives are not eligible for grants from this fund.; Organizations requesting funds to support an educator are highly encouraged.; Organizations that request funds to hire food waste fermentation education organizations are highly encouraged.; The program director reviews applications, the Board of Directors approves all grant recipients, and an evaluation committee may be convened if deemed necessary.. Geography served: Monroe County.

Supports education and outreach about rescuing animals from food systems by Indiana-based farmed animal rescue programs and centers. Eligible costs include programmatic education or outreach expenses, supplies, transportation and outreach technology. Awards may be made for up to $5,000 per organization in a 12-month period. Eligible applicants: Requests for funds must be completed and submitted by an organization that qualifies as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; this may include nonprofit farmed animal rescues, school systems, or other similar organizations seeking to educate the public about farmed animal rescue.; Programs must be Indiana-based farmed animal rescue programs and centers (education and outreach efforts).; Grants may not be awarded for general operations.; Awards may be made for up to $5,000 per organization in a 12-month period.; Participating rescue programs must not breed animals nor sell/distribute animal products.; Participating programs must provide rescue/sanctuary for previously farmed animals.; Applicants must affirm that their mission and practice explicitly oppose animal exploitation, farming, breeding, or animals for sale or profit.. Geography served: Indiana.