March 2025: New Conservation Fund, New Board Member, Sagamore of the Wabash, and more
Clean water, healthy land, and thriving outdoor spaces need care and investment. That’s why BBF recently awarded a grant of $75,000 to support the launch of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County’s Environmental Impact Fund.
Designed to support conservation projects—like improving water quality and expanding recreation amenities—this fund ensures a lasting investment in the natural resources that make our community special for future generations to enjoy.
BBF Supports New Fund to Protect Delaware County’s Natural Resources
Clean water, healthy land, and thriving wildlife don’t just happen on their own—they require care, protection, and long-term investment. That’s why Ball Brothers Foundation recently awarded a grant of $75,000 to support the launch of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County’s Environmental Impact Fund. The Fund will expand The Community Foundation’s grantmaking resources for conservation with a broader focus on projects that protect the natural resources we all depend on.
Sagamore of the Wabash Awarded to Jud Fisher
Prior to leaving office in January, former Governor Eric Holcomb presented Jud Fisher, President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award – one of Indiana’s highest honors. Indiana governors give the award to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to life in the state.
Ball Brothers Foundation Marks 99th Year with New Board Appointment
As Ball Brothers Foundation enters its 99th year of grantmaking, it is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Fisher, a fourth-generation Ball family member, to the foundation’s board of directors. With a deep-rooted family legacy and passion for education, recreation, and community development, Chris will play a key role in carrying on the foundation’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy in Muncie and East Central Indiana.
February 2025: New EMT program coming to Muncie, Updates on canoe & kayak launches, and more
Exciting progress is happening along the White River and across our region. At a recent convening with BBF grantees and friends from Muncie, Delaware County, and nearby communities, local leaders shared updates on new canoe and kayak launches, a fresh White River branding campaign, dam removal efforts, and enhancements at Prairie Creek Reservoir.
Updates on Canoe/Kayak Launches, White River Branding, and More Shared at Convening
BBF grantees and friends from Muncie, Delaware County, and nearby communities convened on a brisk winter afternoon earlier this month to share updates and future plans related to the White River, the Mississinewa River, and surrounding watersheds. Ball Brothers Foundation convened partners as part of the foundation’s Project Blueways effort.
Grantee Spotlight: Ivy Tech Muncie to Launch EMT Program to Jumpstart Careers in Emergency Medicine
When many students think of a career in healthcare, they think of becoming a nurse or doctor. Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County’s new EMT/Basic Emergency Medical Studies Certificate program will introduce students to another critical role in the healthcare field—emergency medical technician. The demand for EMTs is growing in East Central Indiana, and Ivy Tech’s program, which launches Fall 2025, will help address this critical need while opening doors for students in Muncie to explore a rewarding profession.
January 2025: A Look Ahead with Jud Fisher, Q&A with Muncie Community Schools, 10 Tips for Your Grant Application, and more
The start of the new year is always exciting for Ball Brothers Foundation’s board and staff. This year marks our 99th year of grantmaking, and we are honored to be the stewards of this remarkable legacy. While a lot has changed over the century since the foundation was established, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to improving the quality of life in Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and Indiana.
Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Muncie Community Schools’ CEO & Update on the District’s Transformation
In 2018, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) and Ball State University embarked on a groundbreaking partnership, creating a national model for collaboration between a public university and a public school system. This innovative alliance began amidst significant challenges, as MCS faced financial crisis and declining enrollment. Since then, the district has made remarkable strides in reimagining its future with the support of Ball State, the local community, and dedicated funders like Ball Brothers Foundation.
December 2024: A Look Back at 2024, A Note of Gratitude, 2025 Grant Updates, and More
We can’t believe how quickly 2024 has flown by! This year was filled with exciting projects, inspiring partnerships, and moments that made a real difference in our community.
Take a look back with us at some of the highlights that made this year so special.
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."
Grant County Meeting Brings Partners Together to Discuss Next Steps for Cardinal Greenway Expansion
Leaders and partners from East Central Indiana gathered last month in Grant County to discuss the next phases of a Cardinal Greenway extension project. Representatives from Cardinal Greenways, Taylor University, Ball Brothers Foundation, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, and FlatLand Resources participated in the meeting, which included a tour of Taylor University and key sites in Gas City.
IU Health Congregational Care Network: Finding healing through connection
The Congregational Care Network provides compassionate care beyond the hospital walls with help from community partners.
The burden of emotional and spiritual strain can be overwhelming for individuals facing life transitions or caregiving challenged. The Congregational Care Network (CCN), a program offered through IU Health, is designed to bridge that gap by providing consistent emotional support to those in need.
November 2024: New Op-Ed, Healthcare Workforce Highlights, Health Commissioner Visit, and more
In our latest op-ed, BBF's Jud Fisher and Trevor Friedeberg (President & CEO of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership), detail how local community colleges, universities, the IU School of Medicine-Muncie, and hospitals are teaming up to train healthcare professionals who are choosing to stay here and serve our communities.
East Central Indiana Emerging as Hub for Training Indiana’s Healthcare Workforce
Joint Op-Ed By: Jud Fisher and Trevor Friedeberg
It’s no secret that East Central Indiana faces notable challenges as it works to reinvent itself. Like many other rust belt regions across the Midwest, we are tackling issues including population decline, workforce development gaps, and housing shortages.
Muncie Land Bank’s John West Recognized with 2024 Fisher Governance Award
Ball Brothers Foundation presented its annual Fisher Governance Award to John West, a founding board member of the Muncie Land Bank. The award was presented at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Dinner on November 12.
This award highlights Dr. West’s strong leadership as a board member and as former board chair, recognizing his strategic vision, financial oversight, and dedication to advancing the Muncie Land Bank’s mission to address property abandonment and the revitalization of local neighborhoods.
Building a Healthier Future Together: Optimus Primary’s Impact on Healthcare Workforce Development
Last month, representatives of local healthcare organizations, higher education institutions, K-12 education, and public health gathered at the E. B. and Bertha C. Ball Center to share updates on efforts to make Muncie one of the state’s premiere centers for medical education.
Since its inception in 2016, Optimus Primary—an initiative dedicated to advancing healthcare education and workforce development in the region—has united Muncie’s unique network of healthcare institutions with the shared goal of strengthening healthcare workforce training and retention in East Central Indiana.
October 2024: $5 Million Awarded in Fall Grants, Camp Crosley Retreat, and more
We're excited to announce our latest round of grants, totaling over $5 million to support 36 organizations across East Central Indiana. As part of this round, the foundation awarded $125,000 to United Day Care Center to help add new infant/toddler classrooms to support local families in need of affordable, quality childcare.
Childcare Building Expansion Among $5M in Grant Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation, a family foundation committed to place-based grantmaking in Indiana for nearly a century, has awarded over $5 million in its fall round of grants for 2024, supporting 36 organizations across East Central Indiana. Among the recipients is United Day Care Center, which was awarded $125,000 to add on to its existing facility on the east side of downtown Muncie.
Ball Brothers Foundation Pays Tribute to Outgoing Board Member, Will Bracken
While on a retreat to Camp Crosley in North Webster, Indiana in early October, Ball Brothers Foundation staff, officers, and directors of the board paused to pay tribute to board member, Will Bracken, for his exceptional dedication to the foundation.