Bloomington, Indiana Launches 100,000 Volunteer Hours Challenge
The City of Bloomington, Indiana launched a challenge to log 100,000 volunteer hours in 2026. The Volunteer Network connects residents with local nonprofits.
CommunityGNGV Editorial Team4 min readLast reviewed September 28, 2026
In 2026, the City of Bloomington, Indiana is launching something tangible and lasting: a challenge for residents to collectively log 100,000 hours of volunteer service throughout the year.
The Bloomington Volunteer Network, a city-run platform, invites residents across the city and surrounding Monroe County to create free accounts and begin logging volunteer hours with their favorite local nonprofits and community groups. The platform makes it easy to discover volunteer opportunities, track hours, and see the community's collective progress toward the 100,000-hour goal.
Local nonprofits have enthusiastically signed on to the initiative, ranging from food banks and homeless shelters to environmental organizations, tutoring programs, and animal rescue groups. The diversity of participating organizations means there are opportunities for volunteers of every age, ability, and interest.
City officials emphasize that the challenge is not just about reaching a number but about building a culture of volunteerism that outlasts 2026. Research consistently shows that volunteering strengthens communities, improves mental and physical health for volunteers, and creates social bonds that make neighborhoods safer and more resilient.
