Spring 2020: Kitselman Trailhead opening, Excellence in Teaching Award winner announced, and more
A lot has happened in 2020. Here's a recap of what you may have missed.
As we wrap up the first half of 2020, we're reflecting on all that we have been through as a community and as a foundation. Of course, a prominent focus of this year has been battling the many effects of COVID-19.
Since Ball Brothers Foundation began in 1926, our mission has been to be dedicated "to the pursuit of improving the quality of life in Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and Indiana through philanthropy and leadership." To this end, our board approved a number of emergency grants—totaling more than $300,000—to support various virus response efforts in our community. These grants have come in the form of emergency rapid grants to front-line workers, first responders, and social service organizations; funding to local hospitals; and a special funding award to support local higher education COVID-19 efforts. We will continue this type of emergency funding throughout the year as needed.
But looking beyond COVID-19, there is so much more that has happened this year. The rest of our Spring newsletter is focused on the many positive stories from 2020.
New Kitselman Trailhead bridge slated to open this summer
As part of a 20+ year vision to promote trail connectivity and to revitalize the eastern gateway into Muncie, a new pedestrian bridge will connect the Cardinal Greenway and White River Greenway. With new decking recently installed on the bridge, the Kitselman Trailhead is expected to open to the public by the end of this summer.
The bridge is a multi-million dollar project supported by additional local funders and significant state and federal funding. Ball Brothers Foundation's funding for the project has totaled over $1.2 million.
The bridge is located on the east side of Muncie off State Rd 32 and Bunch Blvd, near the John Craddock Wetland Nature Preserve.
Stefanie Onieal named winner of this year's Excellence in Teaching Award
This year's Excellence in Teaching Award recipient is Stefanie Onieal, a 2nd grade teacher from Burris Laboratory School. Stefanie's award includes a $15,000 grant that will benefit both Burris Laboratory School and her classroom. She will also receive $2,500 to pursue professional development opportunities of her choosing. Learn more about Stefanie's unique approach to teaching here.
Finalists for this year's award were Drew Shermeta, a social studies teacher from Muncie Central High School, and Roza Selvey, a computer science teacher from Southside Middle School in Muncie. Drew and Roza will each receive a $1,000 grant for their classroom and $500 for professional development.
Nominations for the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award will open in September. Learn more about the award here.
Nominations for 2020 Fisher Governance Award now open
Nonprofit organizations based in Delaware County can nominate candidates for the annual John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award. The award honors the efforts of a single board member whose strategic planning and oversight skills have contributed to the achievement of their organization’s mission, financial stability, and general effectiveness. The Fisher Governance Award includes a $10,000 grant to the organization the board member represents.
Nominations must be submitted by 4 p.m. August 15. To learn more about how to nominate someone, visit our website.
Jud Fisher presents the Fisher Governance Award to James Rosema, 2019 recipient of the award. James was recognized for his exceptional service to the Muncie Mission Ministries Board of Directors.
Thinking of applying for funding?
Our final “Preliminary Application” deadline for the year is July 15. If you plan to apply for a General Grant, please contact us to set up a Zoom meeting or phone call. This will allow us to provide feedback and help guide you through our application process.
We know that many organizations are facing challenges, and we want to provide the best guidance we can, as we anticipate that this will be a very competitive funding round. To schedule a meeting, please email us at info@ballfdn.org.
Dr. Jeff Bird joins our board
In our February board meeting, Dr. Jeff Bird, president of IU Health East Central Region, was appointed to our Board of Directors as one of four non-Ball family voting members—a role that provides a critical local perspective of the Muncie community to our foundation.
Dr. Bird, who was born and raised in Muncie, has an impressive portfolio of community involvement, including co-chair of Next Muncie, chair of Delaware Advancement Corporation, and president of the Ball State University Cardinal Varsity Club Board of Directors. He is an engaged citizen and a vocal advocate for improving the quality of life in Muncie, and we are excited to have him serving our board.
Jenna Wachtmann promoted to VP
Jenna Wachtmann, who joined our organization in 2014 as a program officer, has been named vice president, a newly created position that expands on her current role.
As vice president, Jenna will support the president and COO role in strategy development, communications, and day-to-day management of operations. She will be visionary in looking for new grantmaking opportunities in alignment with community needs and the board’s funding interests. In addition to these new responsibilities, she will continue to work with grantees and partners within the community.
Ball Brothers Foundation launches new website
Earlier this year, we launched a new website, featuring a revamped user experience and highlighting grantees and our grantmaking initiatives. Our web address remains ballfdn.org.
With an emphasis on engaging visuals, the site effectively conveys what the foundation does and the impact our grants have on Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana and Indiana.
