March 2023: Second Century Strategic Plan, Grantee Spotlight: Emergency Management & Local High Tech Crime Lab, 2023 Fellows, and more
Did you know that you can receive our newsletters straight to your inbox? Newsletters are released monthly. Sign up here.
BBF Announces New Strategic Plan
Dear Grantees & Friends:
Over the course of the past year, many stakeholders have provided input to Ball Brothers Foundation about our grantmaking, leadership, communications, and impact. This feedback was collected as part of a robust strategic planning process undertaken by our staff and board of directors.
I’m pleased to share that last month, Ball Brothers Foundation’s board of directors approved our new strategic plan which will guide our foundation’s work from 2023-2027.
The timing of this new strategic plan is important: In 2026, BBF will celebrate its 100th anniversary of grantmaking and leadership. The new plan will ensure a strong, impactful conclusion to the foundation’s first century of grantmaking and set our strategic direction for the years ahead.
To each of you who provided feedback, please know that we are grateful for your time and thoughtful consideration of the questions that were asked.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Jud Fisher
President & CEO
Grantee Spotlight: Emergency Management
Through an initiative designed to support community preparedness, professional development for public safety personnel, and specialized equipment, Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded over 60 Emergency Management grants totaling $1.1 million since 2013.
During our February board meeting, BBF's board and staff had the chance to hear first-hand from a panel of local experts about how BBF funding has impacted emergency responders over the past decade.
In the coming months, BBF plans to further refine our grantmaking strategies related to emergency management and public safety. Stay tuned for more details.
Grantee Spotlight: Funding Helps Combat Cybercrime
Members of the foundation’s board of directors and staff recently toured the new High Tech Crime Unit housed within the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office. As one of only 10 High-Tech Crime units in the state of Indiana, the unit serves as a central repository for law enforcement agencies across the region to send digital devices for forensic analysis.
Since 2020, BBF has been providing local funding to fight cybercrime through an initiative called Project Sybertooth. Initial BBF funding helped the Delaware County Prosecutor's Office successfully compete with counties from across the state to house the new High Tech Crime Unit. Funding from BBF has also allowed other local law enforcement agencies to purchase specialized cybercrime equipment, obtain software licenses, build infrastructure for cybercrime internship opportunities, and receive specialized training.
“Ball Brothers Foundation is proud to help put Muncie on the map as a community that takes public safety seriously.” – Jud Fisher, CEO & President
Welcoming 2023 Fellows
The foundation is pleased to welcome our two new Fellows for 2023: Trevor Friedeberg, President & CEO of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership and Nate Howard, Executive Director of Muncie Land Bank.
Meeting monthly with the foundation and staff members, the goals of the Fellows Program include helping leaders to better understand how foundations operate, gain nonprofit management skills, and develop new leadership skills.
Excellence in Teaching Award Judging Panel Announced
For the eleventh year, the foundation will again be honoring Delaware County teachers who bring innovation, enthusiasm, and 21st century skills to their classroom through our Excellence in Teaching Award.
A panel of judges comprised of veteran teachers, school administrators, and other experts will review nominations from public school districts across Delaware County and select the top three candidates who will move on to the final stages of the process. Winning teacher and award finalists will be announced in May.