Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Program

The Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding program, administered by the City of Bloomington Common Council, has opened its 2026 grant cycle to support nonprofit agencies delivering critical social services within the Bloomington community. Established in 1993, this long-standing local funding initiative reflects a strong civic commitment to addressing pressing community needs through strategic investments. To date, nearly $7 million has been allocated to local nonprofits, reinforcing Bloomington’s emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity in its approach to social service delivery. In 2026, the Committee has earmarked $500,000 to distribute among eligible applicants. Funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including the Bloomington Housing Authority by exception, provided they serve Bloomington residents. The program specifically prioritizes initiatives offering housing, food, healthcare, emergency services, or support for historically marginalized and low-income populations. Projects must be delivered within the city limits or provide direct, measurable benefit to Bloomington residents if occurring elsewhere. Notably, capital improvements are only fundable when performed on property located inside the city limits. Funding requests must be proportional to the number of clients served. Proposals may include both one-time investments—such as capital projects or seed funding—and operational expenses, such as staff costs or service provision. However, operational funding requests must demonstrate sustainability, as future grant cycles may not offer repeat support. Ineligible expenses include paid time off, bonuses, events or celebrations, city department proposals, for-profit entities, or any costs incurred before the grant's formal approval. Programs involving religious activity must separate those elements from any Hopkins-funded services, and all services must be offered without religious conditions. Applications must align with identified needs as outlined in city-wide assessments like the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department’s Consolidated Plan and the Homelessness Response & Housing Investment Report. Applicants are also encouraged to leverage matching funds or in-kind support and to submit proposals that promise long-term community benefits. The Committee values projects that integrate collaboration among agencies and emphasizes innovation, equity, and measurable impact in both new and established programs. The application deadline is March 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. A technical assistance meeting will be held on February 26, 2026, to help agencies understand application requirements and priorities. Selected applicants may be invited to make presentations on April 29, 2026. Funding recommendations will be made on May 28, 2026, and final approval by the Bloomington Common Council is scheduled for June 10, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the new online CiviForm platform, which streamlines the process and removes the requirement for inaccessible documentation. All applicants are subject to the City’s funding agreement terms, including compliance with the Living Wage Ordinance and participation in the federal E-Verify program. Funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis and must be spent and verified by December 2026 unless an extension is granted. Questions may be directed to the Bloomington Common Council Office via email at [email protected] or phone at 812-349-3409.

Be bold in your requests; Align with city priorities; Keep applications clear and concise; Attend TA meeting if new or previously unsuccessful.