2020 Year in Review
Reflecting back on 2020
2020 was a momentous year—for Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and the rest of the world. Marked largely by unprecedented events and hardship, the year forced us all to rethink the way we do things. In the end, despite all the challenges, we saw something beautiful: communities working together in ways they had never done before, people far and wide demonstrating humanity in its truest form.
With the year now drawing to a close, we're taking this time to reflect on highlights from within East Central Indiana, all while keeping a hopeful eye on the year to come.
Future of Work programs continue to grow
The year kicked off with a pivotal moment for Future of Work: Madjax hosted Muncie’s inaugural VEX Robotics tournament, welcoming student teams from across East Central Indiana to practice hands-on STEM principles in the unique competition. Future of Work is a collaborative initiative that works to leverage community assets to solve 21st century workforce needs.
BBF launches new site and welcomes exciting staff & board changes
February saw several exciting announcements for the Ball Brothers Foundation team, including the addition of Dr. Jeff Bird to its board, the promotion of Jenna Wachtmann to vice president of the foundation, and the launch of a new website.
Nearly $600,000 awarded in COVID-19 emergency relief grants
With COVID-19 reaching Indiana in March, businesses and organizations all over the state were hit hard with sharp economic downturns and high demands for personal protective equipment and other health resources. Ball Brothers Foundation was quick to respond, awarding numerous grants to support the community’s pressing needs. Throughout 2020, BBF awarded nearly $600,000 in COVID-19 emergency relief grants.
Stefanie Onieal named 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award winner
In May, Stefanie Onieal, a second grade teacher at Burris Laboratory School, was honored with Ball Brothers Foundation’s annual Excellence in Teaching Award. This year’s two other finalists were Drew Shermeta, a social studies teacher at Muncie Central High School, and Roza Selvey, a computer science teacher at Southside Middle School. All three teachers received grant funding to be used in their classroom and for professional development.
Fellows Program celebrates 15 years
This year marked the 15th anniversary of Ball Brothers Foundation’s Fellows Program, which provides East Central Indiana nonprofit/community leaders with an opportunity to sharpen their nonprofit management and leadership skills. This year’s Fellows were Julie Borgmann, executive director of Red-tail Land Conservancy, and Chad Zaucha, president/CEO of the YMCA of Muncie.
Innovation Plan sparks "new sense of optimism" for Muncie Community Schools
Two years ago, Muncie Community Schools made headlines when it partnered with Ball State University to establish a new model of leadership for the corporation. This year, the district began the first year of its Academic Innovation Plan, a state-mandated plan that was officially released this summer. Ball Brothers Foundation made grants to help bring many pieces of this plan to fruition, including a curriculum audit, professional development opportunities for teachers, and more. According to BSU president Geoffrey S. Mearns, the Innovation Plan has “sparked a new sense of optimism for what is possible in Muncie Community Schools.”
BBF's Rich Spisak honored with Spirit of Muncie Award
In July, Rich Spisak, senior program officer at Ball Brothers Foundation, was honored with the Al Rent Spirit of Muncie award at the Chamber of Commerce’s “Chamber Champions” luncheon. The award is given annually to a Chamber of Commerce volunteer who is a role model, a respected leader, and a valued community volunteer.
Optimus Primary efforts support local physician training and retention
As especially evidenced by 2020, there is a growing demand for medical professionals in Muncie and East Central Indiana. Optimus Primary, a long-term initiative supported by a number of healthcare entities in Muncie, was created in 2016 to boost local physician training programs and retention. Optimus Primary programs continue to thrive; this year, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded more than $160,000 in funding toward Optimus Primary efforts.
BBF Rapid Grant boosts Census awareness and participation
Understanding that the Census directly impacts funding toward Muncie and Delaware County’s roads, schools, childcare programs, and healthcare programs, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded a Rapid Grant to The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County to support 2020 Census awareness efforts. The funding helped provide localized messaging to encourage participation from all Muncie/Delaware County residents.
Project Blueways to support river conservation and sustainability
This year, Ball Brothers Foundation launched Project Blueways, a new grantmaking initiative that focuses grant dollars on efforts that support the White River, the Mississinewa River, and other surrounding watersheds.
Ron Fauquher named recipient of 2020 Fisher Governance Award
In October, Ball Brothers Foundation presented its annual Fisher Governance Award to Ron Fauquher, who serves on the board for Innovation Connector. Over the past 17 years, Ron’s leadership has established the organization and, in turn, Muncie as a distinguished location for start-up and small business support.
Guest speakers offer insight at BBF's fall board meeting
During Ball Brothers Foundation’s fall board meeting, held virtually this year, guest speakers Chad Priest, CEO of the American Red Cross-Indiana Region, and Mitch Isaacs, executive director of Shafer Leadership Academy, shared thoughtful reflections on COVID-19, how nonprofits are adapting to changing circumstances, and how private foundations like BBF can make a difference.
Kitselman Trailhead pedestrian bridge now open
In November, the new Kitselman Trailhead pedestrian bridge opened, connecting White River Greenway and Cardinal Greenway on Muncie’s east side. The next phase of the project will begin soon and will fundamentally transform this gateway into Muncie.
Grants support vaccine distribution planning
In late December, Ball Brothers Foundation announced two new COVID pandemic grants, including to the IU Health Foundation to support local hospital employees and a grant to Open Door to assist with vaccine distribution planning. “The promise and potential of COVID vaccines provides a glimmer of hope as 2020 draws to a close. … We know that logistics at the local level—‘The Last Mile’—will be particularly critical,” reflected BBF’s Jud Fisher. “We want to do our part to ensure that Delaware County and the surrounding region have advanced funding to plan and prepare for the largest vaccination campaign in our lifetime
