Bloomington Honors Volunteers With $1,000 Grants

Bloomington wants to celebrate the people who give their time to make the community stronger, and they're putting real money behind it.

The City of Bloomington is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Be More Awards, which honor volunteers making a lasting impact in Bloomington and Monroe County. Here's the best part: each award winner gets to direct a $1,000 grant to the nonprofit organization they serve, thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County.

The awards ceremony will take place on April 28, 2026, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Community members have until March 31 to submit their nominations through the Bloomington Volunteer Network website.

Meanwhile, opportunities to get involved are popping up across the city. The Magnificent 7 Road Race Series needs 8 to 10 volunteers for their kickoff 5K on April 4. Volunteers will monitor the course, ensure runner safety at crossings, and hand out water during the three-hour event at Karst Farm Park.

New Hope for Families is looking for volunteers to help maintain their Early Learning Center and administrative spaces. The role involves cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, and tidying up during weekday evening shifts from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.

The Ripple Effect

When Bloomington recognizes volunteers with cash grants for their organizations, they're acknowledging a simple truth: one person's dedication creates waves of positive change. These awards don't just celebrate individual kindness. They fuel the nonprofits that depend on volunteers to serve families, seniors, and community members who need support most.

Area 10 Agency on Aging is also accepting donations from their wish list, including voice amplification technology and exercise tools to support seniors and people with disabilities. The Bloomington Volunteer Network maintains a year-round Community Wish List where residents can see what local organizations need most.

Nominations for outstanding volunteers are open now, giving Bloomington residents three months to recognize the helpers who often work behind the scenes.