Keep 'Bloom Magazine' Alive

For the past 14 years, we have been publishing Bloom, a free, bimonthly cultural and lifestyle magazine serving Bloomington, Indiana, and surrounding communities.

We have four missions: to support local businesses, local charities, local arts, and diversity. As such, we are an integral part of the fabric of this community.

Like so many small businesses (4 employees), we are facing huge challenges in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope to be able to continue producing the magazine and our website, magbloom.com, but we need your help.

 
The Situation

·      Our June/July issue came out on June 4. We distributed copies to all of the open businesses on our regular routes, though in small quantities, and mailed thousands of issues to homes across the region..

·      In addition to our staff, Bloom provides work for approximately 40 freelance writers, photographers, illustrators, and designers.

·      Having received a PPP loan, we are able to keep the staff on at least until the end of July. 

·      We are cutting expenses wherever we can.

·      We are currently working on a special August/September issue which will be mailed in early August. 


The Problem

·      Totaling all expenses, it costs in excess of $100,000 to produce each bimonthly edition.

·      Almost all of the bills (rent, payroll, manuscripts and photography, accounting, utilities, supplies, IT, etc.) are paid prior to printing of the magazine. The revenue that we then receive from ad sales pays for the next issue.

·      As advertising revenue has plummeted in the pandemic, we have only been able to make ends meet because of the PPP (which has now run out) and this GoFundMe.


Your Contribution

·      Hopefully, will enable us to continue publishing every two months until we are on the other side of this crisis.

·      Will ensure we have the funds to re-open in the event that we are forced to cease publication at some point during the pandemic.

Without community support, we will be forced to close the magazine.

Those who donate $50 or more will receive a copy of the Bloom book “The Killer Who Fell from the Sky,” a collection of incredible true stories about the events and people of Bloomington, Indiana, and just beyond. Proceeds to the Shalom Community Center.

Always free of charge, Bloom has provided a window into all the things that make Bloomington special for the last 14 years. With the support of the community during this difficult time, we hope to continue celebrating life in Bloomington for many years to come. Thank you.

 #SmallBusinessRelief