2021 Annual Report

TRANSFORMATIONS

In 2021, we celebrated 95 years of grantmaking in this community. When reaching a milestone like that, it’s hard not to look back on how far we’ve come—not just as a foundation, but also as a city. And as we reflected on Muncie over the years, we couldn’t help but notice how this community has transformed.

Just like with growing or aging, it can be hard to notice large-scale change around you day in and day out. It’s not until you step back to see how far you’ve come that you realize how much has transformed. So this annual report, celebrating our 95th year, is just that: a step back to appreciate the major transformations that have taken place all around us—whether we realized it or not. Transformations like downtown Muncie, which was home to a handful of bars and offices a few years ago but now boasts a lively dining scene, shopping opportunities, a one-of-a-kind hospitality training institute and hotel, and new riverfront apartments. Or the White River, which long held a reputation of being dirty and polluted but is now clean and full of life. And the Muncie Civic Theatre, which was on the brink of closing just over 10 years ago but has had an amazing, touching comeback story.