Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members
As Ball Brothers Foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, it is proud to announce the appointment of two esteemed community leaders, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to its Board of Directors.
Grantee Spotlight: Supporting Public Education in Muncie
Over the past decade, Ball Brothers Foundation has dramatically increased its support for public schools in the heart of Muncie’s Central City: Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses funding for cybersecurity and healthcare
Jud Fisher from Ball Brothers Foundation talks about recent Cybersecurity efforts, as well as a recent funding initiative in the healthcare sector.
January 2024: Grantee Spotlight: Q&A on cybercrime, 2024 grant reminders, and more
In our latest Q&A, we feature Delaware County Prosecutor Eric M. Hoffman who provides insight on the prevalence of cybercrime in East Central Indiana, his office's role in expediting digital evidence processing, collaboration with other agencies, and plans for future growth.
Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Delaware County Prosecutor on cybercrime in East Central Indiana
Cybercrime is a growing problem across the world and right here at home. Local businesses, nonprofits, and school districts have all been victims of cyberattacks. Individuals often fall victim to scams, and digital devices are often used in crimes of all kinds. Ball Brothers Foundation provided early funding for fighting local cybercrime through an initiative the foundation launched in 2020 called “Project Sybertooth.”
December 2023: Our Year in Review, ten tips for grant applications, funding deadlines, and more
On behalf of the entire BBF team, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
Many of our staff members will be out of the office from December 25-January 1. If you'd like to reach a member of our team, feel free to send an email and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Ten Tips for Applying for a Ball Brothers Foundation Grant
Ball Brothers Foundation values transparency, clear communication, and a shared commitment to community impact. In this article, we present ten essential tips to help you craft a successful grant application. Whether you are applying for a Rapid Grant ($5,000 or less) of one of our General Grants, check out our insights below.
2023 Year in Review
In 2023, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded 174 grants to organizations in Muncie, Delaware County, and Indiana. These grants totaled $8.8 million, the second-highest payout in the foundation's history.
Throughout the year, we were busy with site visits, convening grantees, and more. Take a look back at just a few of the highlights in our "Year in Review."
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses recent grants
Jud Fisher, president and CEO of the Ball Brothers Foundation, talks about recently approved grants totaling $5 million, to be donated to several projects throughout East Central Indiana.
November 2023: Program Officer Search, Announcing 2023 Fall Grants, and More
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:
Funding for Expansion of Trails in East Central Indiana Part of $5 Million Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation approved 36 grants totaling $5 million in its second and final round of grants for 2023. The grants remain aligned with the foundation’s dedication to place-based grantmaking. Two significant grants have been awarded to advance vital trail projects that are set to transform East Central Indiana (ECI) and foster regional connectivity—Cardinal Greenways and Healthy Communities of Henry County.
Hiring: Program Officer
Ball Brothers Foundation—one of Indiana’s oldest and largest family foundations—is growing its staff with the addition of a Program Officer. The Program Officer 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.
October 2023: Grantee Q&A, regional planning, tour with DNR, and more
Get to know Trevor Friedeberg, President/CEO of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, in our latest grantee Q&A.Trevor is helping to lead East Central Indiana’s pursuit of up to $75 million in state funding through the READI program. The program is designed to infuse regions with funding that will help to attract and retain talent.
BBF Awards Grants for Regional Planning Efforts
Like many Midwestern communities, Muncie and East Central Indiana have been greatly impacted by changing economic forces over the past several decades. From glass manufacturing to the automotive industry, our city and region have long been home to generations of creative, hard-working innovators. We are a city and a region of “makers.” And while changes in the global economy have undoubtedly impacted this area, significant efforts are underway to plan for the region’s bright future.
BBF Hosts Tour for Indiana Department of Natural Resources
This fall, BBF staff hosted Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner and Deputy Director Chris Smith for a day long tour of key projects in Muncie and East Central Indiana that have received foundation and DNR support.
2022 Annual Report
Supporting Our Community
OUR COMMITMENT TO PLACE-BASED GRANTMAKING
When the Ball brothers chose to move their glass manufacturing business to Muncie, they made the lasting decision to invest in their new community. For nearly a century, Ball Brothers Foundation has been a witness to the powerful impact that philanthropy can have. In that time, we realized the importance of our continued commitment to serving our own community with place-based grantmaking.
Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with East Central Indiana Regional Partnership President/CEO
Meet Trevor Friedeberg, President/CEO of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership. Trevor is helping to lead East Central Indiana’s pursuit of up to $75 million in state funding through the READI program. The program is designed to infuse regions with funding that will help to attract and retain talent.
September 2023: New kayak and canoe launches planned, team member news, annual trip with Fellows, and more
Over the next several years, five new canoe and kayak 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.
Leading National Philanthropy Network Welcomes Jenna Wachtmann to Board of Directors
This summer, Exponent Philanthropy, the nation's leading network in philanthropy, announced the addition of three new individuals to its board of directors, including Ball Brothers Foundation’s Jenna Wachtmann.
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.