ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

A Legacy of Giving

Since its inception in 1926, Ball Brothers Foundation has remained committed to the belief that philanthropy holds greater power than mere charity. This conviction is deeply rooted in the values of the Ball brothers, who sought to enhance the quality of life in the Indiana community they chose to call home. Today, we continue to honor their legacy as one of the oldest private foundations in Indiana still led by members of its founding family.

Produced by Ball State University Department of Telecommunications

The foundation’s original mission has remained unchanged:

“Ball Brothers Foundation is dedicated to the stewardship legacy of the Ball brothers and to the pursuit of improving the quality of life in Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and Indiana through philanthropy and leadership.”
— Our mission

In our pursuit to make meaningful and lasting change, we seek to support organizations that strengthen their effectiveness, present innovative approaches to addressing community needs, and spearhead new projects, programs, or initiatives. By investing in these endeavors, we strive to create empowered, vibrant, and thriving communities for all.

Ball Brothers Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to stewarding the legacy of the Ball brothers and making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Through our continued dedication to philanthropy and leadership, we aim to build a brighter and more equitable future for the communities we call home.

Five Brothers. One Mission.

Ball Brothers
Timeline & Testimonials

George A. Ball

1862-1955

Handled financial affairs for Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company.

William C. Ball

1852-1921

Worked in sales for Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company.

Frank C. Ball

1857-1943

Served as President for Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company.

Lucius L. Ball

1850-1932

A company stockholder and worked in the medical profession.

Edmund B. Ball

1855-1925

Served as Vice President and directed daily operations for Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company.

Foundation Milestones

  1. Frank C. And Edmund B. Ball purchase the Wooden Jacket Can Company of Buffalo, New York. William, Lucius, and George soon join them in Buffalo.
  2. The brothers, who began producing glass canning jars around 1884, establish Ball Brothers Manufacturing Company to make cans, bottles, and jars.
  3. Ball Brothers Manufacturing Company officially moves its glass manufacturing facility to Muncie, Indiana, to make use of the natural gas boom in the area.
  4. Ball brothers provide financial gifts to assist in securing buildings for the Muncie YWCA and YMCA.
  5. Ball brothers purchase and donate the Indiana Normal Institute to the state. The campus reopened in 1918 as Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division, now known as Ball State University.
  6. Ball Brothers Foundation is established by an estate gift of $3.3 million from Edmund B. Ball with Frank C. Ball serving as president.
  7. Ball Brothers Foundation grants exceed $1 million.
  8. Ball Brothers Foundation grant advances Ball Memorial Hospital project.
  9. George A. Ball assumes presidency of Ball Brothers Foundation.
  10. Ball Brothers Foundation grant helps Indiana establish Shades State Park in Montgomery, Parke, and Fountain counties.
  11. Edmund F. Ball begins 44-year presidency of Ball Brothers Foundation.
  12. Doug Bakken becomes executive director of Ball Brothers Foundation.
  13. Ball Brothers Foundation grant supports establishment of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County.
  14. Edmund F. Ball unveils plans for Minnetrista, a cultural center at the site of the Ball Brothers’ Muncie homes. The state-of-the-art facility opened in 1988.
  15. Cardinal Greenway–now Indiana’s longest span of recreational trails–opens. Ball Brothers Foundation was the largest single donor of the project.
  16. Foundation assets top $100 million; John W. Fisher assumes the presidency.
  17. Chairman Frank E. Ball leads Ball Brothers Foundation; Jud Fisher is president and COO.
  18. Ball Brothers Foundation grants exceed $6 million.
  19. James A. Fisher becomes Ball Brothers Foundation Chairman.
  20. Ball Brothers Foundation makes a $1 million grant to support the historic partnership between Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University to help transform the public school district, modeling a new school turnaround strategy.
  21. The foundation reacts quickly with emergency/crisis grants, awarding nearly $600,000 to COVID-19 response needs.
  22. Ball Brothers Foundation awards a record payout of $10 million.
  23. BBF's board approves its "Second Century Strategic Plan," reaffirming the foundation's commitment to remaining a family foundation dedicated to grantmaking in Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana.