Applications Open for Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding as City Government Increases Support for Local Agencies

The City of Bloomington Common Council’s Jack Hopkins Social Services Committee is now accepting applications for the 2025 funding cycle, with a significant increase in available funds. This year, the Committee will distribute $500,000, nearly $150,000 more than last year, to support local agencies addressing urgent social service needs in the community.

Applications are available online at https://bloomington.in.gov/council/jack-hopkins 

The application deadline is Friday, March 21, 2025, by 4:00 PM.

The Jack Hopkins Social Services Fund, established in 1993, has allocated more than $6 million to organizations providing essential services to Bloomington residents. This year’s increase reflects the Council’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that funding reaches the people and organizations directly meeting the city’s most pressing needs.

“For more than three decades, the Jack Hopkins Fund has strengthened the fabric of our community by directly supporting those on the front lines of service,” said Committee Chair Councilmember Isak  Asare. “This year, the Common Council and Mayor have expanded this commitment, increasing funding by nearly $150,000 to ensure more resources reach the organizations and people addressing Bloomington’s most urgent needs. The Council has long advocated for growing this fund because we believe that investing directly in community-driven solutions is the most effective way to build a stronger, more resilient city. We encourage local organizations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to expand their impact.”

Camryn Greer, one of the 3 resident appointments to the committee added “"Our community's strength lies in our collective commitment to uplift one another. The Jack Hopkins Fund embodies this spirit by empowering organizations that tirelessly work to address pressing social needs. With this year's increased funding, we have a profound opportunity to amplify these efforts, fostering resilience and hope throughout Bloomington. I encourage all eligible agencies to apply, as together, we can create lasting, positive change for our neighbors in need."

Eligibility and Funding Criteria
Nonprofit organizations serving Bloomington residents may apply for funding. To be considered, proposals must:

• Address an Identified Community Need – The proposal should align with established social service priorities, such as those outlined in the Service Community Assessment of Needs (SCAN) Report, the City of Bloomington’s 2020-2024 Housing and Neighborhood Development Consolidated Plan, or other community-wide assessments.
• Leverage Matching Funds or Other Fiscal Support – Agencies are encouraged to demonstrate financial leveraging through matching funds, partnerships, or in-kind contributions.
• Provide Long-Lasting Community Benefits – Proposals should focus on sustainable, impactful solutions rather than short-term assistance.
  

For a full list of funding criteria, agencies are encouraged to review the guidelines at https://bloomington.in.gov/council/jack-hopkins.

Important DatesTechnical Assistance Meeting for Applicants: Friday, March 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM
Application Deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025, by 4:00 PM
Agency Presentations (if requested by the Committee): Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Committee Recommendations for Funding: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM 
Common Council Approval of Funding:Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Agencies Sign Funding Agreements: Early June, 2025
Technical Assistance Meeting for Grantees (Claims & Reimbursements, tentative): [DATE], 2025, at [TIME]

How to ApplySocial service agencies interested in applying for funding should:
Review the funding criteria and guidelines at https://bloomington.in.gov/council/jack-hopkins .
There is also an optional Technical Assistance Meeting on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM, for guidance on submitting a strong application.
Completed application  should be submitted via email to [email protected] by Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

For additional information, contact Lisa Lehner at the Office of the Common Council at (812) 349-3409 or [email protected].