Programs & services
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Bloomington Green Home Improvement Program (BGHIP)
The Bloomington Green Home Improvement Program (BGHIP) is a lending program to provide financing for homeowners to complete eligible energy efficiency, solar, and/ or geothermal upgrades to their homes.
Parks Recreation Scholarship
Bloomington Parks Foundation seeks and receives contributions from individuals, social groups, clubs, businesses, and service organizations to assist in providing scholarships for youth enabling them opportunities to participate in recreation programs.
Need is the primary criterion upon which scholarships are considered. Accepted participants are expected to pay their portion of the program fee at the time of registration. No full scholarships will be awarded. Scholarships are not guaranteed.
Parks Pools Fee Waiver
Any family with a child 17 years and younger, who live within Bloomington City limits, and feels that a fee for a Bloomington Parks and Recreation pool admission would be discriminatory due to financial hardship, may request a waiver of fees for their children.
Computer Surplus
The City of Bloomington replaces one-fifth to one-fourth of computer equipment each year to keep up with new technology. This equipment is donated to 501C3 Non-For-Profit organizations.
Solar, Energy Efficiency, and Lighting Program (SEEL) Eligibility Form
The SEEL program provides grant funding and technical assistance for nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses to improve building efficiency and install solar.
Air Conditioning (AC) Distribution Program
Residents who live within Bloomington city limits, meet the low-income criteria and have a medical condition which increases their risk of a heat-related illness are eligible to receive one free window air conditioning unit with free installation.
BUEA Business Enhancement Scholarship
This scholarship helps cover costs for economic development classes, business workshops, professional organization membership dues, or conference registration fees.
BUEA Resident Economic Independence Scholarship
For residents who have lived in the BUEA Zone for at least 12 months. Up to $750/semester for 2 semesters.
BUEA Business Accessibility Modification Grant
The Accessibility Modification Grant provides grant-based assistance for businesses to make their small businesses ADA-accessible and promote inclusive practices for people with disabilities. This grant aims to improve the BUEZ's social and physical environment through accessibility modifications in the Enterprise Zone. This grant intends to help business owners complete ADA modifications that do not meet the requirements due to grandfathered plans. Businesses can use the funding to update their ADA-accessible areas, entrances, signage, low shelves, restroom accessibility, & parking space.
A total of $25,000 will be awarded in the 2024 fiscal year. Max award amount will be at the discretion of the BUEA board. However, staff recommends a $5000 max award per Applicant.
BUEA Minor Repair Grant Program
Help property and business owners within the BUEZ address essential maintenance and repairs with funding of up to $1,000.
BUEA Business Safety and Security Grant
This grant aims to improve the Enterprise Zone's overall safety and security. The Safety & Security Grant is for small business owners who want to improve the general security of their businesses in the Enterprise Zone.
A total of $25,000 will be awarded in the 2024 fiscal year. The maximum award amount will be at the discretion of the BUEA board. However, staff recommends a $ 5,000 max award per Applicant.
Small Business Safety & Cleanliness Grant
The Small Business Safety & Cleanliness Grant supports Bloomington businesses in making physical improvements that enhance their commercial properties' safety, cleanliness, and overall appearance. Funding may be used for projects that deter crime, prevent vandalism, improve sanitation, upgrade the exterior through professional cleaning services, and improve safety for employees and patrons.
Water Assistance Program
City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) customers may be eligible for assistance with water bills. Customers must be at least 2 months past due on their water bill and meet income guidelines. The income guidelines for eligibility increased as of August 2024. Whereas you might not have been eligible before, please apply to check your status.
2025 Bloomington Digital Opportunity Grant
o address the challenges of the digital divide identified by ITS' 2020 digital survey, the City has established a digital grants fund to support local nonprofits in their efforts to bridge the digital divide. ITS anticipates inventive proposals that build capacity in the community to address digital opportunity challenges.
Sustainable Neighborhood Grants
Applicants can request up to a maximum of $1,000 for a Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funding is depleted. Funds can be used for an ongoing long-term project or one-time investment. A few examples of projects that may qualify for a Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant are listed below:
- Build a community garden to share locally-grown food
- Install a rain garden to reduce storm water runoff
- Plant a native pollinator garden or native trees
- Install a neighborhood organic waste collection box for composting
- Update the energy efficiency of neighborhood assets
- Install solar for communal neighborhood buildings
- Purchase electric-powered lawn equipment for neighborhood upkeep
- Buy a group TerraCycling box
- Host an educational campaign with local experts on a sustainable topic, such as a home weatherization DIY, vehicle maintenance, or native landscaping
- Other; applicants can propose any sustainability-related project idea