Bloomington, Indiana – Nonprofit organizations in Bloomington now have an opportunity to secure funding aimed at strengthening essential social services, as the city’s Common Council has officially opened applications for the 2026 Jack Hopkins Social Services funding cycle.
The program, administered by the Council’s Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee, will distribute a total of $500,000 this year to support local agencies working to meet urgent community needs. Officials say the funding is intended to help organizations expand their reach, sustain critical programs, and develop long-term solutions to persistent social challenges.
Applications are currently available online through the committee’s webpage, with a firm deadline set for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. City leaders are encouraging eligible nonprofits to begin preparing their proposals early, noting that the process is competitive and requires careful documentation.
The Jack Hopkins Social Services Fund has a long history in Bloomington. Established in 1993, the initiative has provided nearly $7 million in total support to community organizations over more than three decades. During that time, the program has become a cornerstone of the city’s strategy to ensure resources reach those most directly serving vulnerable populations.
Committee Chair and Councilmember Courtney Daily emphasized the program’s longstanding role in strengthening the community’s safety net and improving quality of life for residents in need.
“For more than thirty years, the Jack Hopkins Fund has stood as a powerful example of Bloomington’s commitment to meeting the needs of our most vulnerable residents through thoughtful, community-centered investment,” said Committee Chair Councilmember Courtney Daily. “Since its founding in 1993, this program has directed nearly $7 million to local agencies that provide essential services and create meaningful opportunities for our neighbors in need. This year’s funding cycle reflects both our respect for that legacy and our vision for the future, as we work to support established partners while also welcoming newer organizations and innovative initiatives. By helping emerging agencies get off the ground and encouraging new approaches to longstanding challenges, we are strengthening the entire social services network in our community. We encourage eligible organizations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to expand their impact and help build a stronger, more resilient Bloomington.”
Officials say the fund is designed not only to address immediate social service gaps but also to foster lasting improvements across the community. Proposals must demonstrate how they respond to clearly identified local needs while delivering sustainable benefits over time.
Katherine Ntiamoah, one of three resident members appointed to the committee, described the fund as a key mechanism for strengthening the city’s broader civic infrastructure.
“As a new member of the Jack Hopkins Committee, I see this fund as a strategic tool for strengthening Bloomington’s civic infrastructure. When we invest in innovative new and established organizations and innovative approaches, we are not only addressing immediate needs, we are building long-term resilience. I’m particularly focused on ensuring that all nonprofits have equitable access to resources so they can scale their impact and deliver measurable results for the communities they serve. Strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built through intentional investment, clear accountability, and sustained partnership. Our responsibility is not just to fund programs, but to help shape a durable ecosystem that can meet Bloomington’s evolving needs.”
To qualify for funding, nonprofit organizations must primarily serve Bloomington residents and align their proposals with established city priorities. Applications are evaluated based on several key criteria, including how effectively the proposed project addresses a recognized community need and whether it offers long-term benefits rather than temporary relief.
Agencies are also encouraged to demonstrate financial leveraging by securing matching funds, forming partnerships, or contributing in-kind support. Officials say this approach helps maximize the impact of public investment while encouraging collaboration among service providers.
The funding process includes several important milestones beyond the initial application deadline. A technical assistance meeting for applicants is scheduled for February 26, 2026, providing organizations with guidance on preparing strong proposals.
Following the application period, the committee may request formal presentations from selected agencies in late April. Funding recommendations are expected to be finalized in May, with final approval from the Common Council scheduled for June.
City leaders say the timeline is designed to ensure careful review while allowing funded programs to begin planning for the year ahead.
For many local nonprofits, the Jack Hopkins Fund represents a vital source of support that enables them to maintain essential services, expand outreach efforts, and introduce new initiatives. Over the years, funded programs have addressed a wide range of issues, including housing stability, food access, health services, and youth support.
As applications open for the 2026 cycle, officials say the goal remains consistent: to strengthen Bloomington’s social service network and ensure that resources reach organizations making a tangible difference in residents’ lives.
With a combination of long-standing community partnerships and opportunities for new agencies to participate, the program continues to reflect the city’s commitment to investing in solutions that promote resilience, equity, and lasting social impact.
