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Monroe County approves $163,950 in Sofia Travis grants, removes $1,800 award to 7 Oaks
Summary
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved 43 nonprofit contracts under the 2025 Sofia Travis community-service grants totaling $163,950, then amended the list to remove a $1,800 award to 7 Oaks, producing an amended total of $162,150.
Monroe County commissioners on Nov. 13 approved contracts distributing Sofia Travis community-service grant funds to local nonprofits and amended the award list to exclude a $1,800 grant to 7 Oaks.
Miss Turner King, who presented the list to the board, said the council had earlier approved a $174,000 distribution and the contracts before the commissioners today total $163,950 after three agencies’ awards were deferred to December because they would also receive memorial donations. “The funds are being awarded to 43 nonprofit organizations that have projects related to one of the eight categories within the Sofia Travis ordinance,” Turner King said, listing categories such as food and nutrition security, shelter and health, and youth enrichment.
Recipients include Bloomington Meals on Wheels ($5,445 for Monroe County expansion), Hoosier Hills Food Bank ($6,400 for fall and holiday food purchasing), Pantry 279 ($13,800 for increased food-assistance demand) and Tandem Community Birth Center ($9,640). Several smaller awards were made for counseling, transportation, emergency assistance and food programs.
Board Chair (unspecified) moved to amend the award list to remove 7 Oaks’ $1,800 allocation, citing concerns about the applicant’s prior legal action and conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic. “...one that saw fit to sue us during COVID. And they did not work well with county health during that crisis,” the chair said. Turnover on the committee and the application materials were discussed in public comment; a committee member said the $1,800 was split in the application between an emergency food program and AP testing for seniors.
Commissioner Jones thanked the committee for its work; Commissioner Madera said the need in the community was “particularly acute” this year. The board approved the amended grant list by voice vote (3-0).
The county will notify recipients and distribute signed contracts; three deferred contracts tied to donations will return in December. The county clerk’s office and council staff will coordinate execution with awardees.
