BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington Common Council’s Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee is now accepting applications for the 2026 funding cycle. This year, the Committee will distribute $500,000 to support local agencies addressing urgent social service needs in the community.
Applications are available on the Jack Hopkins Committee webpage. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by 4 p.m.
The Jack Hopkins Social Services Fund, established in 1993, has allocated nearly $7 million to organizations providing essential services to Bloomington residents. The program reflects the Council’s long-standing commitment to ensure that funding reaches the people and organizations directly meeting the city’s most pressing needs.
“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.”
Katherine Ntiamoah, one of the three resident appointments to the committee, added, “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.”
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 for the City of Bloomington.
- Provide Long-Lasting Community Benefits – Proposals should focus on sustainable, impactful solutions rather than short-term assistance.
- Leverage Matching Funds or Other Fiscal Support – Agencies are encouraged to demonstrate financial leveraging through matching funds, partnerships, or in-kind contributions.
For a full list of funding criteria, agencies are encouraged to review the 2026 Program Eligibility Guidelines and Instructions.
Important Dates:
- Technical Assistance Meeting for Applicants: Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at 3 p.m.
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 4 p.m.
- Agency Presentations (if requested by the Committee): Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Committee Recommendations for Funding: Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Common Council Approval of Funding: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
