2024 Year in Review
2024 was a year of growth, progress, and exciting opportunities for East Central Indiana. Ball Brothers Foundation awarded 150 grants to organizations in Muncie, Delaware County, and Indiana, totaling nearly $8.3 million.
Throughout the year, our team worked behind the scenes, witnessing real change driven by strong partnerships and creative approaches across the region, all making a difference in the community where we live and work. Take a moment to check out some of the highlights that made 2024 memorable in our "Year in Review."
January
Cybersecurity leaders convene in Muncie
We kicked off the year by hosting a convening in January of military, law enforcement, and higher education leaders interested in addressing growing demand for cybersecurity and workforce development. Joined by Major General R. Dale Lyles of the Indiana National Guard and his staff, the group discussed innovative training programs, collaborative opportunities, and strategies to combat cybercrime at local and regional levels.
February
BBF welcomes two new board members
In February, we announced Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr. as BBF’s newest board members. BBF’s board includes both Ball family members and community members who bring additional perspectives as they live, work, and raise family in the communities where our grants are made.
Board visits West View Elementary
During our February board meeting, our board of directors and staff made a special stop at West View Elementary while visiting Muncie. We were able to see the dual language/Spanish immersion program in action—a program BBF helped kickstart with early seed funding years ago.
March
ecoREHAB building homes, skills, and hope
In March, we highlighted ecoREHAB, a Muncie nonprofit revitalizing neighborhoods through sustainable housing and training the next generation of skilled trades professionals. With initiatives like the Skilled Trades Program (STEP) and the acquisition of “The Yard” as its new headquarters, ecoREHAB is transforming lives in our community.
April
A Total Eclipse
On April 8, Muncie experienced a breathtaking total solar eclipse. We were proud to support emergency management planning efforts and to participate in celebrations across our community, thanks to the work of countless organizers, as we all witnessed this special moment.
AMA brings STEAM education into Muncie classrooms
Building on the excitement from the eclipse, we also highlighted Muncie’s Academy of Model Aeronautics’ efforts to introduce flight kits to local K-8 students, providing accessible, hands-on exposure to aviation, engineering, and STEAM education. This initiative, supported by a grant from Ball Brothers Foundation, sparks curiosity and creativity. Over 400 kits were distributed in partnership with local organizations including Minnetrista, Madjax, and more.
May
Fire & EMT Teacher received Ball Brothers Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award
Chris Horner, a dedicated Fire Science and EMT instructor at the Muncie Area Career Center, was awarded this year’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Known for his hands-on approach and real-world simulations, Horner prepares students for careers in emergency services. This marked the first time that a career and technical education instructor received BBF’s Excellence in Teaching Award, and we couldn’t be prouder to draw great attention to this important work.
Indiana colleges awarded Ball Venture Fund grants for innovative projects
Five independent Indiana colleges kicked off exciting new projects with the help of the 2024 Ball Venture Fund. A total of $100,000 in seed funding was awarded to bring creative ideas to life, including teaching sustainable energy through electric go-karts, supporting first-generation students with a special ‘First-Gen Den,’ introducing a fresh take on grading in chemistry, launching a new esports arena, and offering a student consulting program that provides real-world business experience.
BBF’s Board Visits White River Education Center
BBF’s board meets three times each year, and our 2024 May board meeting was one to remember. We kicked off with a dinner at 7Rock Brew in Muncie’s McKinley neighborhood which is becoming a hub of growth with new housing, office spaces, and community hotspots including the upcoming YMCA. While we originally planned to kayak the White River, Mother Nature had other plans. Instead, our board visited the Bureau of Water Quality’s Mussel Propagation and Education Center to see first-hand how BBF’s Project Blueways funding is improving water quality and changing perceptions about the White River. We also visited the David Owsley Museum of Art on BSU’s campus, a place near and dear to many members of the Ball family.
June
Capital projects share $4M awarded in first round of grants
In June, BBF announced funding awards of over $4 million for 31 organizations, fueling major capital projects that are set to enhance Muncie’s downtown and surrounding areas. Notable projects included Ball State University’s new Performing Arts Center, renovations at Camp Crosley, and support for YWCA Central Indiana, grantees which all have long historical ties to the Ball family.
Dan Wolfert joins the team
Dan Wolfert joined the foundation as our newest Program Officer in June. Dan works closely with grant applicants, strengthens relationships with our grantees, and helps advance the foundation’s mission-driven initiatives.
July
Cybersecurity Summit draws participants from around the state
In July, East Central Indiana took bold steps to continue safeguarding our communities against cybercrime. Nearly 100 leaders convened in Muncie for the "Building the Cybersecurity Workforce Talent Pipeline" Summit hosted by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in partnership with Ball Brothers Foundation. The Summit focused on addressing the growing threat of cybercrime and strategies to spark student interest in cybersecurity careers.
August
Construction underway for new YMCA of Muncie facility
In August, we highlighted progress toward a new state-of-the-art YMCA on the campus of Muncie Central High School which will bring new wellness spaces and community connections to the heart of our city. BBF has been a significant supporter of the project set to open in 2025.
Inside EGTI’s life changing programs
This summer, we also caught up with Erskine Green Training Institute to learn how their transformative programs are breaking barriers and empowering individuals like Rony Warner to live fulfilling, independent lives. Since 2013, BBF has helped support The Arc of Indiana Foundation’s mission in opening the nation’s first-of-a-kind teaching hotel and training institute, helping over 300 students with disabilities.
September
Reflecting on why we’re optimistic about ECI
In September, BBF’s Jud Fisher shared an inside look at the exciting changes happening in our region. From our region’s successful READI 2.0 application to making big moves in cybersecurity education and outdoor recreation, the region made some amazing progress in 2024.
2024 Fellows share their experience & BBF hosts annual luncheon
This fall, BBF highlighted our 2024 Fellows, Carly Acree King and Brian Statz. We also hosted our annual Fellows Alumni Luncheon, bringing together current and past Fellows to reconnect, share insights, and form community partnerships. This year’s event featured a thought-provoking discussion on the best personal or professional advice attendees have received.
October
A retreat to remember at Camp Crosley
In October, the foundation’s board and staff gathered for a retreat at Camp Crosley, a long-time grantee and cherished place for the Ball family. Highlights included deep discussions on grantmaking, quality time around the campfire, and a visit from Indiana’s First Lady, Janet Holcomb, who helped break ground for the camp’s new Lakeside Cabins.
Childcare expansion part of $5M in round two grants
This fall, BBF was excited to announce over $5 million in grants across East Central Indiana, with United Day Care Center receiving $125,000 to expand its facility in Muncie. The grant will fund three new classrooms, allowing the center to serve 28 more infants and toddlers, helping to expand capacity to meet the growing need for quality and affordable early childhood education in the region.
November
John West Recognized with 2024 Fisher Governance Award
John West, a founding board member of the Muncie Land Bank, was awarded the 2024 Fisher Governance Award by Ball Brothers Foundation at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting & Dinner. Recognized for his strategic planning, collaboration, and hands-on involvement, Dr. West has helped establish the Muncie Land Bank as a model for addressing property abandonment in Indiana.
70+ leaders from across the region attend Healthcare Workforce Pipeline Summit
ECI is reimagining its identity and becoming a hub for healthcare workforce development, with local universities and hospitals leading the way. Recent events, such as the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership’s “Healthcare Workforce Pipeline Summit” held in Muncie in November, are helping connect students, healthcare leaders, and educators to tackle healthcare shortages and retain skilled workers in our local communities.
Connecting with foundations from across the country at Exponent Philanthropy conference
In November, BBF staff attended the Exponent Philanthropy national conference in Austin, Texas, alongside other small-staffed foundations, including the George and Frances Ball Foundation. At the event, we had the incredible opportunity to lead a session on communications, learn from our peers, and explore Austin’s public art and trail systems.
December
Sneak peek at the new downtown YMCA
In December, we swapped our office attire for hard hats and safety vests to tour the construction site of the new YMCA in downtown Muncie. We got an exciting glimpse of what’s in store when the doors open in spring 2025, including two pools, basketball courts, multipurpose rooms, a walking track, and a state-of-the-art workout area with a view of Muncie Central High School’s new football field.
Visting Grant County for future trail planning
We closed out the year sharing great news about a recent visit to Grant County where we—along with other partners—checked out the site of a planned trail expansion that will be the first step toward “closing the gap” in the Cardinal Greenway’s 62-mile paved rail-trail. Taylor University is playing an integral role in kickstarting efforts to close the gap, with preliminary plans to develop nearly two miles of Cardinal Greenway trail on the University’s property west of campus. This effort is part of several trail projects included in Taylor’s Main Street Mile Initiative, which is supported by funding from the Lilly Endowment College and Community Collaboration grant.
