Empowering Communities Through Collaboration
Community challenges require community solutions. The BFO Community Collaborations Program aims to fund up to $2 million from 2026-2030 supporting multi-sector partnerships that assess local needs, identify shared priorities, and build coordinated plans that improve health and wellness. Collaborations must align with at least one BFO pillar and be located within at least one county within the BFO service region.
Community Collaboration Grants
A three-year, funded program that supports communities in exploring a shared challenge through a facilitated process, bringing partners together to build understanding and create a clear, actionable implementation plan.
Program Goals
Through our 6-3-9 Strategic Plan, BFO will fund at least six collaborations, with at least three implementation plans underway by 2029. Each collaboration will engage partners from different sectors, such as nonprofits, healthcare, local governments, education, and business, to address systemic barriers to health and wellness.
Funding & Term
Total Award: Up to $250,000 per collaboration
Duration: 3 years
Structure:
- Year 1: $50,000 facilitation or early implementation
- Year 2: Up to $125,000 implementation
- Year 3: Up to $75,000 implementation
BFO serves as a strategic partner providing oversight and support throughout the process.
What We’re Looking For
Successful collaborations will:
- Include stakeholders from across the community representing various sectors.
- Demonstrate community engagement with data-driven planning leading to an implementation plan.
- Aim to shift systems by changing policies, practices, or community conditions.
- Commit to shared metrics and transparent evaluation.
- Leverage multiple funding sources.
Current Community Collaborations
Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools - Dubois County Digital Wellness
Timeline: 2026-2029
Overview:
The goal of this collaboration is to improve the overall health and well-being of children and families in Dubois County by fostering a community-wide culture of balanced and healthy digital use. The long-term change sought is a measurable reduction in risk factors associated with excessive screen use, including anxiety, sleep disruption, and attention challenges, alongside increased protective factors such as emotional regulation, healthy routines, and positive social connection. Children will be better equipped to focus, engage, and thrive both academically and socially, while families will feel more confident and consistent in supporting healthy habits.
Lead Contact:
Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools
Dr. Tracy Lorey, Superintendent
tlorey@gjcs.k12.in.us
Team OC - Orange County Bridge to Stability Housing Collaborative
Timeline: 2026-2029
Overview:
The goal of the Orange County Bridge to Stability Housing Collaborative is to create a community where every individual and family has access to safe, stable housing as a foundation for long-term health and well-being. This collaboration seeks to reduce housing instability and prevent homelessness by fostering a coordinated, community-wide approach that addresses the root causes of vulnerability. Through this effort, BFO and its partners aim to see improved physical and mental health outcomes, increased economic stability, and stronger family units across Orange County.
Lead Contact:
Team OC
Priscilla Woodrum, Executive Director
pwoodrum.teamocmentors@gmail.com
Wellness Council of Indiana - Healthy Community Action Plan
Timeline: 2025-2028
Overview:
BFO's first Community Collaboration builds upon an initial $25,000 investment in 2025 supporting a facilitation phase and will fund up to $200,000 through 2028 to advance implementation, enabling local coalitions to turn shared data and collective strategy into meaningful, measurable community impact.
During the first year of the partnership, more than 30 cross-sector stakeholders participated in the Indiana Healthy Communities process to assess local needs, identify shared priorities and develop the action plan. Perry County earned its Indiana Healthy Community designation in January 2026 and was recognized statewide at the Indiana Wellness Summit on September 2.
To advance these priorities, the coalition’s Year 2 implementation strategies include:
Housing and Homelessness Needs Assessment: Examine housing instability, homelessness, affordability, service gaps and barriers to help Perry County better understand and respond to residents’ housing needs.
Transportation Pilot Program: Develop and test a small-scale transportation solution that helps residents access employment, healthcare, food, education and other essential services.
Community Coordinator: Establish a part-time, grant-funded position to support coalition activities, coordinate implementation of the action plan, maintain partner communication and help residents navigate available community resources.
Community Resource Assessment and Service Mapping: Identify existing resources, service gaps and opportunities to strengthen connections between Perry County residents and the organizations available to support them.
The Wellness Council of Indiana will continue to provide meeting facilitation, project management, partner engagement, technical assistance, evaluation and grant reporting, while Perry County partners provide local leadership and guide implementation. Sustainability planning will remain a priority throughout the partnership to help the work continue beyond the grant period.
Lead Contact:
Wellness Council of Indiana, Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Chelsie Jaramillo, Senior Manager
cjaramillo@indianachamber.com
2026 Timeline
| Phase | Dates 2026 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of Intent LOI Deadline | Feb 27 | Submit a brief application describing your idea, partners, and impact area. |
| Application by Invitation Only | Mar 9-Apr 2 | Detailed application and proposed workplan due. |
| Presentations | Apr 21-May 1 | Finalists meet with committee to present proposals. |
| Award Notification | June 2026 | Agreement and fund distribution. |
Eligibility
To apply, applicants/projects must:
- Serve residents located within at least one Indiana county in the BFO service region.
- Align with at least one BFO grant pillar.
- Operate as a nonprofit, governmental entity, or school.
- Not compete with services offered by Deaconess Memorial Medical Center.
Next Steps
- Review our Grant Priority Pillars and Social Determinants of Health SDOH Framework.
- Download and complete BFO's Letter of Intent LOI form.
- Email the completed LOI form to: info@beingforothers.org
- If invited, complete the Full Application via our grant portal.
- Finalists present a project overview in person.
- Applications are reviewed by the BFO Grants Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.