Ball Brothers grants strengthen, enrich community assets

Muncie, Ind.—Projects to revitalize Muncie’s downtown neighborhoods and expand Delaware County’s recreation opportunities received $550,000 in support recently as Ball Brothers Foundation announced its Cycle II grant allocations. Seventeen nonprofit organizations—15 operating in Delaware County—shared in awards totaling $3.6 million. This brings BBF’s 2013 investment in area initiatives to $6.3 million.

“We’re convinced that a key to economic growth in East Central Indiana is to make our communities more attractive to families,” said Jud Fisher, president and chief operating officer of the foundation. “Physical upgrades to Muncie’s core plus new and sustained outdoor amenities can give us an edge when we compete for business and industry. Companies today are very aware of their employees’ expectations outside of the workplace.”

With this in mind, the foundation is collaborating with three partner organizations to address needs in the inner city:

A $75,000 grant to Greater Muncie, IN Habitat for Humanity will help strengthen and equip construction teams as they build new homes and rehabilitate existing properties that will serve several families.