Giving Back & Doing Good
Ivy Tech Endowment [PERPETUAL]
In 2014 MCAA created the endowment MCAA Ivy Arts for Youth Scholarship Fund. This helps pay for class & camp fees of children from Monroe & surrounding counties who could not otherwise participate in Ivy Tech's Ivy Arts for Kids. This is a perpetual endowment.
Mr Rogers Sweater Drive [1990's - 2004]
Partnering with WFIU/WFIU, the MCAA sponsored and created a local Mr. Rogers’ Sweater Collection Drive to provide lightly used winter clothing for families in need. MCAA collected in May and August move outs. Then sorted, bagged and stored. In October winter clothing was distributed by the Bloomington Boys and Girls Club and Bloomington Housing Authority to benefit more than 110 families.
Property managers' and tenants' cooperation worked really well on this type of reuse/recycle project. As tenants brought in or asked about food, we added containers and took unopened food to the food bank.
Second Chance Furniture Collection [2025]
For 3 days in May, June & July 2025, MCAA partnered with Associate Member Two Men & A Truck - Bloomington, to pilot a furniture donation project. MCAA member Property Management companies hosted an onsite collection day for furniture donations. Two Men & A Truck graciously donated their truck and labor to make this reuse & recycle program a dream come true! ​​
In September, Two Men & A Truck along with MCAA hosted the Second Chance Sale. Attendees paid what they could - there were no prices. Over $1300 was raised at this inaugural sale. Two Men & A Truck and MCAA each donated the proceeds to My Sister's Closet and The Rise @ MiddleWay House. The very few items left after the sale were then taken to Brown County to be sold at the annual Brown County Humane Barn Sale.