Finding Monroe County Organizations

Beginning March 2025, the Library is decommissioning the Community Organizations Database. Library patrons can still find information about local organizations and services using a variety of tools tailored to their subjects of interest.

The databases suggested here are tailored to both individuals and nonprofit organizations looking for information about opportunities to volunteer, donate, and receive services. 

 

Nonprofits and Social Sector

Guidestar

Candid, a nonprofit organization that helps develop other nonprofits, created Guidestar to help users find nonprofits information. Individuals can use it to decide where to give a donation or volunteer. GuideStar is the best place to discover what nonprofits work on, where and how they do their work, and their operational details.

Users can filter down using criteria such as geography, subject area, population served, and many others.

Guidestar’s nonprofit profiles give you access to the information you need to assess nonprofits, such as: program information, contact names, and financials.

Check out the video to learn more about searching.

Patrons can use Guidestar while inside the Downtown Library or at one of the branches. See the Grants & Nonprofits eLibrary page for more information.

 

Bloomington Volunteer Network

The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network is the area’s largest volunteer resource center, providing area nonprofits and individuals a free platform to find volunteers and service opportunities.

To get started, visit BVN and click on "Volunteer now."

Organizations can create an account in order to post events, trainings, and other opportunities. Individuals can create an account in order to keep track of their service opportunities of interest.

Here is an example search with instructions: Say you are interested in volunteering at a food pantry. You want to see a list of all the opportunities that are wheelchair accessible. 

1. Click on "Opportunities" in the left-hand side bar. It will take you to an interface where you can begin searching.
2. Click into the "Search Keyword" box and type "food pantry."
3. Below the "Search Keyword" box is a drop-down menu that says "Select a filter." Click on the filter that says "Wheelchair Accessible," which will reveal another drop-down box. In this box, choose "Is Wheelchair Accessible."
4. Click the blue "Search" button to produce the results list.

This screenshot illustrates the above instructions.

 The Bloomington Volunteer Network is accessible anywhere without a library card.

 

Resources and Services

Helping Bloomington Monroe

Helping Bloomington Monroe is your go-to resource to connect with everything from food and housing to medical care. Find free or reduced-cost community resources near you.

Need help finding resources? Contact Helping Bloomington Monroe at (812) 349-3430 between 8 AM–5 PM from Monday–Friday, contact the Library during open hours, or call 2-1-1 at any time.

Here is an example search with instructions: Say you are looking for programs to help pay for monthly utility bills. You are looking for programs that serve veterans in your area with your monthly income.

To get started, visit Helping Bloomington Monroe, type in your zip code, and click "Search."

1. Hover over the "Money" tab and click on the link that says "help pay for utilities." 

   

2. Sort by "closest" in the upper right hand corner. Click on the tab that says "Income Eligibility," enter your details, and click "filter search." 

   

3. Click on the tab that says "Personal Filters," check the box that says "veterans," and click "filter search." 

   

4. The results page should yield programs including the Military Family Relief Fund from the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs, and the Energy Assistance Program from the South Central Community Action Program (SCAAP).

Helping Bloomington Monroe is accessible anywhere without a library card.

 

Indiana Disability Resource FINDER

FINDER gives people living with disabilities 24/7 access to a comprehensive range of community resources designed to improve their quality of life.

Service providers, community advocates and medical professionals regularly contribute to FINDER, keeping the information current, relevant, and practical. Participation is voluntary, and new information is added regularly.

FINDER supports the right for people of all abilities to freely choose how they wish to live their lives to the fullest. It does not rate or endorse programs, services or organizations. It is up to each individual to decide if a resource fits their unique needs.

To get started, visit FINDER and click on "Start your journey."

Check out the video to learn more about searching and creating an account.

FINDER is accessible anywhere without a library card.

Need help with any of the resources described in this post? Ask a librarian.