Resources and Links

IU Bloomington Office of Service-Learning

The Office of Service-Learning works with faculty to integrate the Indiana University Bloomington academic community and surrounding communities through service-learning and community-based research activities.  Students may want to check out OSL’s information about service-learning classes and the service-learning leadership program, Advocates for Community Engagement (ACE).

City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

Looking for volunteer opportunities in the community? The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network is your one-stop source for community volunteer information in Bloomington and Monroe County. Browse the volunteer opportunities of over 90 community organizations online! Match your needs with available opportunities or search by date on the volunteer calendar. You can also set up a user profile online to create customized searches that match your interests, log your volunteer hours, email your friends and ask them to volunteer with you or save your volunteering preferences and receive emails when new postings match your interests.

Indiana Student Foundation Metz Grant

Funding for the Metz Grant Program comes from the Arthur R. Metz Philanthropic Opportunity Fund and is administered through the IUSF Scholarships and Service Committee. The Metz Grant Program will annually award $50,000 in grant money; $25,000 in the fall and $25,000 in the spring.

Metz Grants are available to IU student organizations that are registered through the Student Activities Office. Applicants must demonstrate a need for financial support for a philanthropic cause. If your organization is not registered through the SAO, you may apply for official recognition through the SAO website.

Non-Profit Alliance of Monroe County (NPA)
The Non-Profit Alliance is collaboration among some 400 non-profit organizations in and around Monroe County. Its mission is to enrich the local community by strengthening the nonprofit sector through communication, collaboration, professional development and outreach.  You can subscribe to their electronic newsletter by emailing npa@bloomington.in.us.

Monroe County Service Community Assessment of Needs (SCAN)
The Service Community Assessment of Needs [SCAN] report provides comprehensive, valid and reliable information about the human service needs and capacity of Monroe County.

United Way of Monroe County
Working with 26 certified member agencies and other partners, United Way ensures that Monroe County residents in need have access to sufficient food, housing, health care, and emergency services. United Way also invests in programs that help children and youth succeed, promote financial stability and independence, and strengthen and support families.

State

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
The IU Center on Philanthropy increases the understanding of philanthropy and improves its practice through programs in research, teaching, public service, and public affairs.

Community Service Mini-Grant Indiana Campus Compact

Is your student organization looking for funding for a local community service project?  ICC offers mini-grants for students for up to $1,000.  Students interested in applying will also need to apply for a 25% cash match of the amount requested from the IUSA Funding board (click on “Student Aid”).  For more information and guidance regarding the application and cash matching process, contact SAO Civic Engagement Coordinator Colleen Rose at rosec@indiana.edu.

Indiana Campus Compact
ICC, for which IU is a member, is a network of college campuses dedicated to advancing citizenship and service as critical components of higher education.  Check out their website for civic engagement opportunities, resources and grants for students and student organizations.

National

Americorps

AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. Full-time members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans.

Change.org

Change.org aims to transform social activism by serving as the central platform that connects like minded people, whatever their interests, and enables them to exchange information, share ideas, and collectively act to address the issues they care about.  We facilitate dialogue and collaboration by creating a social network around nonprofits, thereby allowing people to participate in ways never before possible - by posting ideas and suggestions, engaging in direct dialogue, and organizing communities of donors, volunteer events, and rallies.

Idealist On Campus
IdealistOnCampus.org is the online home of the Idealist On Campus program of Action Without Borders. It is a virtual meeting place for students, campus staff and administrators, alumni, and community members who are making the world a better place through service, activism, advocacy, political engagement, and socially responsible work.  Check out their resources for jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, and graduate school. 

Project Vote Smart
Provides citizens with information about the political system, issues, candidates, and elected officials. Their website includes information on how to register, as well as information on the presidential candidates and their positions on issues; congressional, gubernatorial, and state elections; and bills tracking.

Teach For America (TFA)

TFA recruits outstanding recent college graduates of all majors and career interests and working professionals to commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools. TFA also invests in the training and professional development necessary to ensure teacher success in our highest-poverty communities.

TRUE HERO—Rewarding Community Service

The TRUE HERO™ organization will award money for service project expenses to qualified high school, colleges and community organizations. The awards will be granted to those service projects receiving the most eligible votes from the general public during the current school year.

International

International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership
IPSL offers programs in 14 countries that unite academic study and volunteer service, giving students a fully integrated study abroad experience.

Peace Corps

More than 190,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.

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