Ball Brothers Foundation Adds Three New Directors and Receives Large Donation

$5 million gift from John W. Fisher and other additions strengthen the private family foundation’s commitment to building community

Muncie, Indiana – Today the Ball Brothers Foundation announced the election of three new members to its board of directors as a result of its recent annual meeting. Stephanie Duckmann, Jud Fisher, and Scott Shockley were the newest additions to the Foundation’s governance structure. Fisher was also elevated to president at the meeting. The Foundation acknowledged that it had received a $5 million gift from the late John W. Fisher.

Charles F. Ball was elected to the Foundation’s Associate Director Program. Associate Directors are family members interested in the organization’s mission. The Foundation has eleven full time board members and five Associate Directors.

“We’re pleased with our new directors. We spent a great deal of effort researching the right match for Ball Brothers, and Stephanie, Jud and Scott are ideal people to bring on our board at this time,” said Frank E. Ball. Frank Ball, chairman and chief executive officer, succeeded John W. Fisher upon Fisher’s death in 2009.

“The tempo of supporting the community will continue at a high level with our recent changes. Family is important, and Charles Ball’s election to the Associate Director Program reinforces our commitment to family involvement,” said Jud Fisher. “Scott is our brand new non-family director, and he brings with him experience, insight, thoughtfulness, contacts, and knowledge of Muncie and beyond.”

The Foundation’s receipt of $5 million was a boost to Ball Brothers’ ability to make grants in its target areas. “You cannot say enough about what John Fisher has done for the community he cared so much about. This gift will help us begin to climb back from the tremendous losses we suffered in the economic decline over the last two years. We miss John’s presence, but his foresight and generosity will continue to assist the Foundation far into the future,” said Frank Ball.

Fisher stated that the gift marks the continuity of the family’s dedication to the community. “This is huge. The gift replaces only a fraction of our recent losses, but it allows us to start the process of building our assets again and stand strong in grantmaking to our targeted nonprofits. My grandfather’s bequest is a powerful tool in carrying on the tradition of helping our community in good times and bad,” said Fisher. Fisher went on to say that the Foundation will continue to stick with its long-term strategic philanthropic vision. “We are trying to support education, quality of life, and economic development as best we can. It’s exciting to work with many other organizations and individuals in partnerships to make a better tomorrow.”

Fisher also noted the retirement from the Foundation’s board of Doug Bakken and Bill Skinner. “They were game changers for us. Their board service saw ideas develop into actions that have given Ball Brothers a full head of steam for the future,” Fisher said. “They will be missed.”

Ball Brothers Foundation was founded in 1926 to promote and carry out philanthropic efforts in the state of Indiana. The Foundation concentrates on East Central Indiana, with particular focus on Delaware County. The Foundation offices are located in downtown Muncie, Indiana. For further information regarding guidelines, deadlines, directors, associate directors, and staff please go to http://www.ballfdn.org/