Our Commitment: Muncie, Indiana and Place-Based Grantmaking
A perspective piece by Jud Fisher
Change doesn’t happen overnight.
Change takes time and determination from an entire community. This belief is alive and well in Muncie.
Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Minnetrista President & CEO
In January of this year, Minnestrista Museum and Gardens welcomed Brian Statz as its new President & CEO. Ball Brothers Foundation sat down with him for a Q&A to learn more about his initial feelings about Muncie and what he finds exciting about his work with Minnestrista so far.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses strategic plan, commitment to Muncie and more
Jud Fisher, BBF’s President & CEO, sat down this week to talk with Steve Lindell of WMUN about Ball Brothers Foundation’s new strategic plan, the Ball family’s continued commitment to Muncie, and several key projects that the foundation is helping to support.
March 2023: Second Century Strategic Plan, Grantee Spotlight: Emergency Management & Local High Tech Crime Lab, 2023 Fellows, and more
BBF Announces New Strategic Plan
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.
Ball Brothers Foundation announces Second Century Strategic Plan
Ball Brothers Foundation, one of Indiana’s oldest and largest private family foundations, is preparing to celebrate its 100th year of grantmaking and leadership in 2026. In anticipation, the foundation’s Board of Directors has adopted a new strategic plan.
Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes 2023 Fellows to Strengthen Nonprofit Leadership in East Central Indiana
Ball Brothers Foundation is pleased to welcome two new Fellows for 2023: Nate Howard (Executive Director of Muncie Land Bank) and Trevor Friedeberg (President & CEO of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership).
Grantee Spotlight: Ball Brothers Foundation Board Tours Local High Tech Crime Lab
Following Ball Brothers Foundation’s February board meeting, members of the foundation’s board of directors and staff toured the new High Tech Crimes Unit housed within the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.
The High-Tech Crimes Unit is one of only 10 units in the state of Indiana.
Grantee Spotlight: Supporting Emergency Management
Over the past decade, Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded over 60 “Emergency Management” grants totaling $1.1 million. This initiative was originally designed to support community preparedness, professional development for public safety personnel, and specialized equipment allowing Muncie & Delaware County to stand out as a leader in safety and preparedness.
Judging Panel for Teaching Award Comprised of Veteran Teachers, School Administrators, and Other Experts
Ball Brothers Foundation will honor Delaware County teachers in 2023 through the Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award. This marks the eleventh year that the award will recognize local teachers who bring innovation, enthusiasm, and 21st century skills to their classrooms.
February 2023: Welcoming Susan Brumley, Grantee Spotlights: Muncie Children’s Museum & Ivy Tech, and more
The foundation is pleased to welcome Susan Brumley as the new Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator beginning March 1. Brumley brings with her 20 years of experience in customer service and management.
Susan Brumley joins Ball Brothers Foundation as Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator
Ball Brothers Foundation is pleased to welcome Susan Brumley as its new Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator. Formerly the retail manager for the Orchard Shop at Minnetrista, Brumley brings with her 20 years of experience in customer service and management.
Grantee Spotlight: Ivy Tech Launches Sonography Training Program, Cementing Muncie as a Community of Opportunity for Healthcare Workers
In the height of the COVID pandemic, Ivy Tech Community College jumped at the chance to respond to a need identified by IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital: the need for sonography technicians. Sonography technicians play a critical role in helping to identify blood clots, heart disease, and more.
Grantee Spotlight: Local Support Helps Spark Muncie Children's Museum's Capital Campaign Success, Raising Over $2.6 Million to Date
Several years ago, Ball Brothers Foundation made the initial gift that helped to kick off the Muncie Children’s Museum’s “More to Explore” capital campaign. The gift—totaling $150,000—supported exhibit planning/fabrication and also supported growth of the Museum’s staff to increase fundraising capacity.
December 2022: Our year in review, JUMP Program, funding deadlines, and more
As 2022 draws to a close, we're reflecting on a busy year filled with site visits to see grantees' work in action, the launch of transformational projects, and deep reflection about where we have been and where we are going.
Retirement Tribute to Betty Brewer
In honor of Betty Brewer’s seventeen years as President & CEO of Minnetrista, BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher gave these remarks during Betty’s retirement reception on December 15, 2022.
2022 Year in Review
As 2022 draws to a close, we couldn't help but notice how this community has transformed. This year, our county and community has been greatly impacted as a result of the combined efforts of countless residents and organizations. Muncie will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and we look forward to our community's bright future.
JUMP Program receives $60,000 grant to further bolster community partnership
This fall, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded a $60,000 grant to help officially launch the Judicial Users Manufacturing Partnership (JUMP) program in Delaware County.
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.
November 2022: $5 Million Awarded in Grants, Michigan Trip, and More
School Counseling, Outdoor Learning Awarded Funding as Part of $5 Million in New Grants
This fall, our board approved over $5 million in new grants, including support to boost school counseling and outdoor learning.
School Counseling and Outdoor Learning Programs Awarded Funding as Part of $5 Million in Grants Awarded this Fall
Ball Brothers Foundation approved over $5 million in funding for 39 projects during its second round of grantmaking in 2022. The grants included funding to support efforts that further bolster school counseling programs and expand outdoor learning throughout schools in the heart of Muncie.