The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County was established in 1990 to encourage and manage philanthropic support for the long-term benefit the community and all those who call it home. Today, we manage $31 million in assets representing more than 200 unique funds – each with its own defined purpose as stipulated by the inspired donors who provided the resources to create the fund. Each year distributions from these funds are returned to the community in the form of charitable grants to local non-profits and other exempt organizations like schools, churches, and governmental agencies. In fact, the Community Foundation has granted $27 million dollars back to this community in the last 25 years.
Generally Community Foundation grants fall into two basic categories. They include grants awarded through competitive granting processes and those awarded in response to donor recommendations or designations. The latter category is supported through donor advised funds, designated funds, and agency endowment funds.
The Never Lose Hoop Fund was established by JC and Joni Hulls to support children affected by cancer, specifically by providing grants for shared family experiences that will give the children and their families improved quality of life and happiness.
After the Hulls' personal experience with cancer, they realized the value of taking time for fun as a family to lift their spirits. They established this fund to help other families battling cancer enjoy quality time together. Whether it's attending a family camp, taking a hot air balloon ride, or simply canoeing at Lake Monroe, the Never Lose Hoop fund will help provide rest, renewal, and enjoyment for families affected by cancer.
The grants are for families dealing with a current cancer diagnosis or treatment, or those who have experienced the death of an immediate family member to cancer within the last two years. Applications for the grant must be submitted by a referral organization, such as a social service agency, religious organization, educational facility, public assistance organization, or other nonprofit serving children. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.