Grant Awards Support Local Efforts to Address Meth Issues

MUNCIE—Ball Brothers Foundation has issued grants totaling $10,000 to protect the health and safety of local law enforcement officers who come into contact with hazardous drug manufacturing materials. As meth lab seizures are at an all-time high in Delaware County, BBF funding will provide officers from the Muncie Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department with personal protective equipment.

A number of officers from the Muncie Police Department will be outfitted with new respirator masks through a $5,000 Ball Brothers Foundation Rapid Grant. The masks protect officers from noxious chemicals and deadly compounds which can be associated with the methamphetamine manufacturing process. The masks also provide for improved radio communication between officers. A $5,000 Rapid Grant to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department will allow the Department to purchase a limited number of specialized uniforms that protect officers from heat, puncture, and chemicals.

“Ball Brothers Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As our community faces challenges related to illegal drug usage—including meth manufacturing—we are stepping up to support those on the front lines,” said Jud Fisher, president and chief operating officer of Ball Brothers Foundation. “Our law enforcement officers are in harm’s way every day, and limiting officers’ exposure to noxious chemicals is one small way we can support their efforts. Meth is devastating for individuals and families, and it is devastating for communities. Our community has an opportunity to take a stand against meth, and we know there is much more that needs to be done.”

In an effort to raise community awareness about meth issues and document the community’s response to these challenges, another $5,000 Rapid Grant has been awarded to Ball State University. Students and faculty from the Department of Telecommunications, Unified Media, and other departments will work together during the spring semester to develop an action plan for “The Meth Project,” a communications effort encompassing public health, public safety, and economic development perspectives.

Other grants of $5,000 or less made during the second half of the year include: Alliance for Strategic Growth, WorkOne Staff Training, $5,000; Ball State University, Indiana Public Radio Program Support, $5,000; Ball State University, SportsLink—ICE Basketball League Season II, $5,000; Ball State University, The Chase Charlie Races: A Community Health Event, $2,500; Boys & Girls Club of Muncie, ICE Basketball League, $5,000; Cancer Services of East Central Indiana, Emergency Technology Assistance, $5,000; City of Muncie, BikeMuncie Mobile Bicycle Advocacy Station, $3,500; City of Muncie, White River Canal District Planning, $5,000; Delaware Advancement Corporation, 2016 FAFSA Workshops, $5,000; Delaware Advancement Corporation, Regional Cities Initiative Planning, $5,000; Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District, Prairie Creek Mountain Bike Trails—Trail Improvement, $5,000; Eastbrook Community Schools, Movement and Kinesthetic Learning in Classrooms, $2,500; Full Circle Arts Co-Op, Muncie Music Fest 2015, $2,500; Gateway Association, Classroom Upgrades, $5,000; Historic Preservation & Rehabilitation Commission, ScoutMuncie Survey, $4,400; Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, “Meat” the Need 2015-2016, $2,500; Industry Development and Neighborhood Association, Blaine Southeast Playground, $5,000; Masterworks Chorale, Middletown Cantata, $2,500; Ross Community Center, ICE Basketball League, $5,000; Roy C. Buley, ICE Basketball League, $5,000; Shafer Leadership Academy, Collective Impact Consulting, $3,600; Shafer Leadership Academy, Nonprofit Leaders’ Retreat, $1,200; Smart Living Project, 2015 Living Lightly Fair, $1,500; Unity Center, Eat-Play-Grow Early Childhood Initiative, $3,000; Whitely Community Council, Operations Support, $2,400; YMCA Muncie, ICE Basketball League, $5,000; Youth Symphony Orchestras of East Central Indiana, Save the Instruments Project, $2,500.

Details about all Ball Brothers Foundation funding opportunities are available on the foundation’s website at www.ballfdn.org.
With assets totaling approximately $160 million, Ball Brothers Foundation annually makes grants in support of arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services and public affairs. The Muncie-based family foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in BBF’s home city, county and state.