November 2023: Program Officer Search, Announcing 2023 Fall Grants, and More
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Funding for Expansion of Trails Part of $5 Million Awarded
This fall, our board approved 36 grants totaling $5 million in funding in our second and final round of grants for 2023. The grants are closely aligned with the foundation’s commitment to place-based grantmaking. Read about some of the grantees and their initiatives:
Cardinal Greenways
A $100,000 grant has been awarded to Cardinal Greenways, supporting efforts to expand trail miles into surrounding counties and to bridge gaps in the partially finished “Great American Rail Trail”—a continuous trail from the east to west coasts of the United States.
BBF funding will help Cardinal Greenways attract additional dollars from other funders to begin work on a 1+ mile section of trail in the Upland area of Grant County. Previous BBF funding to Taylor University has already established a trailhead/canoe launch at one end of the envisioned trail.
“Ball Brothers Foundation and Cardinal Greenways have a rich history, dating back to the trail system’s establishment 30 years ago. We are thrilled to continue this collaboration, knowing that trails play a significant role in enhancing the well-being of our communities.” - Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation.
Healthy Communities of Henry County
Healthy Communities of Henry County also received a $35,000 grant, aiding in the completion of a 2.6-mile section of the Wilbur Wright Trail in the Mooreland area of northern Henry County.
The Wilbur Wright Trail stretches from the Henry County YMCA to the Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area. The proposed trail development will further expand this network with plans to eventually connect to the Cardinal Greenway.
These impactful grants, alongside many other grants supporting arts/culture, public/society benefit, health, education, environment, and human services, contribute to improving quality of life in urban and rural areas across East Central Indiana.
Program Officer Search Open
In 2024, our team will be growing with the addition of a new Program Officer.
This individual will play a key role in advancing the foundation’s “place-based grantmaking” strategy, managing relationships with grantees and potential applicants across Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Monday, December 11, 2023.
Learn more about our recently awarded grants and other news from BBF here.
Applying for funding in 2024?
The new year is approaching quickly. If your organization is planning to apply by the February 15 Preliminary Application deadline, we'd like to chat with you about your request and provide guidance as you begin to prepare your proposal.
We're already scheduling meetings for December and January, so please reach out directly to Susan Brumley (Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator) to find a date/time to meet with our team.