Bloomington, Indiana – A long-standing local giving circle dedicated to strengthening nonprofits across Monroe County is making a highly anticipated return. The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County announced that 50 Men Who Care of Monroe County is officially relaunching after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing renewed energy and a proven model of collective generosity back to the community.
Founded in 2014, 50 Men Who Care was created as a simple but powerful idea: gather a group of men who are committed to giving back, pool their resources each quarter, and direct that funding to local organizations making a difference. After several years of impactful work, the group temporarily stepped away during the pandemic. Now, organizers say the timing is right to begin again.
“We are excited to announce the relaunch of 50 Men Who Care of Monroe County!”
The group’s track record speaks for itself. Since its founding, 50 Men Who Care has raised more than $200,000 in unrestricted grants, supporting nearly two dozen nonprofits throughout Monroe County. Unlike restricted donations tied to specific programs, these grants allowed organizations to address their most urgent needs, whether that meant covering operational costs, maintaining staff, or responding to unexpected challenges.
Among the organizations that have benefited from the group’s generosity are Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, Boys & Girls Club, Community Kitchen, Girls Inc., Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Middle Way House, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, The Nest at New Hope, New Leaf New Life, Teachers Warehouse, Thrive By 5, and Volunteers in Medicine. Each serves a different segment of the community, but all share a reliance on consistent support to continue their missions.
Organizers emphasized that for several of these nonprofits, the assistance from 50 Men Who Care arrived at critical moments. In some cases, the unrestricted funding quite literally helped keep the lights on, allowing essential services to continue when other funding sources were uncertain. During times of heightened need, the group’s collective giving helped ensure that organizations could remain open and responsive to the people who depend on them.
The relaunch comes at a time when many nonprofits are still facing financial pressures, increased demand for services, and rising operational costs. Supporters of the giving circle believe its return will once again provide stability and flexibility to organizations working on the front lines of community care.
To mark the restart, 50 Men Who Care of Monroe County is inviting the public to attend its kickoff meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The gathering will take place at Heartwork Brewing, located at 1703 North College Avenue in Bloomington. Organizers describe the event as an opportunity to connect, learn about the group’s mission, and meet others who share a commitment to strengthening the community.
Additional meetings are already scheduled throughout 2026, including gatherings on April 23, July 16, and October 15. These quarterly meetings will follow the group’s traditional format of learning about local nonprofits and collectively deciding where pooled donations will have the greatest impact.
Membership is open to all men who are interested in giving back to Monroe County. Discounted memberships are available for those age 35 and under, with the goal of encouraging participation across generations. Organizers note that the meetings are designed to be welcoming and social, with food, drinks, and conversation creating an approachable entry point into philanthropy.
Administered by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, 50 Men Who Care is once again positioning itself as a catalyst for meaningful local change. As the group returns, supporters hope its renewed efforts will continue to strengthen the nonprofit organizations that help Monroe County thrive year-round.
