Deadline approaching for 2023 Fisher Governance Award nominations
The deadline for nominations for the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award is quickly approaching. Delaware County non-profit organizations have until 4pm on Aug. 15 to nominate a board member for the award, which includes a $10,000 grant to the recipient’s organization.
Jud Fisher’s Remarks at 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award Reception
Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a reception on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 to honor recipients of the foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana’s Secretary of Education, was keynote speaker for the event. The following are Jud Fisher, President & CEO’s prepared remarks.
June 2023: Behind the Scenes, Jud Fisher's Radio Interview, Ball Venture Fund Recipients, and more
Catch Our Team Behind the Scenes...
As summer gets into full swing, our calendars are packed with grantee meetings, site visits, and more.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses grants, cybercrime, downtown and more
President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, Jud Fisher, was a guest on WMUN’s “Delaware County Today Radio Show” this week.
Funding for Transformational Projects in Downtown Muncie Share in $3 Million Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation approved 28 grants totaling $3 million in its first round of grants for 2023. The grants reflect the foundation’s long-standing commitment to place-based grantmaking. Two of the largest grants approved in this round were to boost facility capital projects in downtown Muncie—YMCA of Muncie and Muncie Civic Theatre.
Grantee Spotlight: Grants Awarded to Indiana Colleges for Innovative, Start-Up Projects
Five Indiana independent colleges are the winners of the 2023 Ball Venture Fund competitive grant program: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, University of Evansville, Valparaiso University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and University of Notre Dame.
May 2023: Dr. Katie Jenner Visits Local Schools, Commends Outstanding Area Educators
On May 23, Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a reception to honor local teachers recognized with the foundation's Excellence in Teaching Award. The reception celebrated 2023 award winner, Kira Zick, finalists, Rob Jones and Heather Rogers, as well as past award nominees. Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner was the guest speaker for the evening.
Indiana Sec. of Education Dr. Katie Jenner visits local schools in Delaware County, addresses Excellence in Teaching Award recipients
On May 23, Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a reception honoring the foundation’s 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award winner and finalists. Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner was a guest speaker for the evening.
In addition to attending the reception, Dr. Jenner spent the day with Ball Brothers Foundation staff, visiting several local schools
Grantee Spotlight: Baseball Field Build-Out & Neighborhood Revitalization Sparked by Ball Brothers Foundation Grants Continues a Decade Later
In the 1970s, the Garland E. Ross Recreational Center was a popular, bustling gathering place on the southside of Muncie. The city-run center was located in a proud working-class neighborhood where many residents were employed at the nearby Chevrolet plant and other local factories.
West View Elementary’s Kira Zick receives Ball Brothers Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award
Every child can learn. That is one of Kira Zick’s most strongly held beliefs. She knows there’s a way to reach every student, and in her third and fourth grade Spanish/English dual language classroom, she challenges herself to figure out how. She believes a positive environment is the best foundation for learning.
April 2023: A Perspective Piece on BBF's Commitment, Q&A with Minnetrista’s new President & CEO and more.
Change doesn't happen overnight.
At Ball Brothers Foundation, we are laser-focused on localized grantmaking. Our recently updated strategic plan reaffirms our long-standing commitment to Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana—the place where the Ball brothers lived, worked, and raised their families when they moved to Muncie over a century ago.
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.