About Us
For over four decades, Bloomington has been a city that shows up for itself. The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network (CBVN) exists to make that easier, connecting residents of all ages and backgrounds to meaningful volunteer opportunities in Bloomington and helping local organizations find the people they need to do their best work.
Make a connection to your community. It has always been that simple.
Our Story
CBVN was founded in 1980 under Mayor Frank McCloskey, making Bloomington the second city in the United States after New York City to establish a municipal government division dedicated to volunteerism. That commitment has defined this organization ever since.
Elizabeth "Bet" Savich became the first public face of the network, building its community partnerships and volunteer coordinator training programs from the ground up, entirely before the internet existed. Her work gave CBVN its identity and its roots in this community. Lucy Schaich, who served as Coordinator from 2000 to 2022, brought the organization into the digital age, pioneering the online platform that allows volunteers to discover opportunities and organizations to post them without ever picking up the phone. Michelle Moss carried that legacy forward as Coordinator from 2022 to 2025.
Today, CBVN continues to build on what they started, strengthening the connection between residents and the city they call home.
Volunteer Opportunities in Bloomington: What We Do
CBVN is the central connection point between Bloomington residents and the local organizations that need them. Through our free platform, residents can browse volunteer opportunities across dozens of causes, connect directly with more than 300 local nonprofits, and log their hours toward community-wide goals like the Be the Change Challenge.
Throughout the year, CBVN brings the community together through signature programs including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 40 Days of Peace (January–February), the Be More Awards (April), and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Fair (September).
The Be More Awards
The Be More Awards honors and applauds our community volunteers' outstanding but often unrecognized efforts. Held each April, this is Bloomington's premier volunteer recognition event, celebrating individuals and groups across eight award categories who give their time to make this city stronger.
Each Be More Award recipient's nonprofit organization receives a $1,000 cash award, provided by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County in honor of their outstanding service. The Be More Awards are made possible in partnership with the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, IU Credit Union, United Way of South Central Indiana, and WTIU Public Television.
Get Connected
Every hour given makes this city stronger. Create a free account to start exploring volunteer opportunities in Bloomington today.
