New Canoe and Kayak Launches Planned in City of Muncie
Over the next several years, five new launches are scheduled to be constructed along the White River in Muncie, allowing for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing from the city’s east to west gateways.
The addition of these launches comes on the heels of five decades of work by individuals and organizations to improve the water quality in the White River, one of East Central Indiana’s most important natural assets. As the health of the river has improved, so too has interest in related outdoor recreation.
White River and Ag Mini-Documentaries to Premiere at Minnetrista
Two new mini-documentaries featuring stunning footage of the White River and surrounding agricultural lands in the watershed will premiere on Thursday, August 17 at Minnetrista. Presented in conjunction with Indiana Humanities and The Nature Conservancy, the evening will feature six short films about Indiana’s waterways. The films tell stories from across the state of Hoosiers and their diverse relationships with water.
Grantee Spotlight: White River Canoe Race, Downstream Connections
Over the past several years, Ball Brothers Foundation has dedicated funding to promoting and telling the story of local waterways through the foundation’s Project Blueways initiative.
Following are a few highlights of this work:
100+ Community Members Attend Waterways Film Tour and Premiere
Over 100 community members from across East Central Indiana joined Ball Brothers Foundation, Indiana Humanities, and The Nature Conservancy for a screening of documentaries on December 6, 2022 at Muncie Civic Theatre.
How we can all help preserve the White River, and why it matters
A perspective piece by Jud Fisher
Everything starts somewhere. For the White River, it’s in a farmer’s field in Randolph County just south of Winchester. The river winds its way through farms, woodlands, industrial sites, small towns, and even big cities, eventually feeding into other rivers that take the waters to the Mississippi River.
Ball Brothers Foundation awards more than $2.4 million in first round of 2022 grants
Ball Brothers Foundation announced funding to 33 projects in its first round of grants for 2022, totaling over $2.4 million. The grants included approximately $220,000 in funding for projects related to the foundation’s Project Blueways initiative, which supports efforts related to local soil and water quality, watershed planning, and water recreation.
Jud Fisher Remarks at Kitselman Trailhead Convening
On October 13, 2020, Ball Brothers Foundation partnered with the Cardinal Greenway to host a convening at the new Kitselman Trailhead on the city of Muncie’s eastside.
“Project Blueways” to Support Local Rivers, Watersheds
As a place-based family foundation that was established in 1926 in Muncie, Indiana, Ball Brothers Foundation has a long history of supporting efforts related to the White River. In 2020, we are building on this interest by dedicating additional funding to projects involving the White River, the Mississinewa River, and surrounding watersheds in East Central Indiana. We are calling this effort “Project Blueways.”
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.
Over $80,000 in Grants Awarded to Local Nonprofits
Ball Brothers Foundation, one of the state’s oldest and largest private foundations, awarded over $80,000 during the late spring and summer to support a variety of efforts aimed at improving Muncie, Delaware County, and the surrounding region. The grants were made as part of the foundation’s Rapid Grant program which allows the foundation to respond quickly to community needs.
Ball Brothers Foundation Recognizes Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District with $10,000 Fisher Governance Award
Ball Brothers Foundation has selected Ron Orebaugh, board chairman of Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District (DCSWCD), as the 2016 winner of the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award. The award was presented at the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s dinner on October 27.
Ball Brothers Foundation Funding Provides Boost for Local Trails
Local trails recently received a funding boost through grants from Ball Brothers Foundation. A grant of $225,000 will support the construction of the second phase of a multi-use trail on the southeast side of Prairie Creek Reservoir.