Frequently Asked Questions

What type of foundation is Ball Brothers Foundation?

Ball Brothers Foundation, established in 1926, is an independent, private family-controlled philanthropic organization with no affiliation with Ball Corporation, Ball Memorial Hospital, or Ball State University.

Does the Foundation provide funds to grant seekers outside of Indiana?

Ball Brothers Foundation is restricted by its charter to grants to nonprofit institutions and organizations within Indiana.

Is there a monetary range for grant requests?

Grants usually range from $5,000 - $100,000. Some specific grant programs have limits as specified in a description of the program.

If a university or school receives a grant in education, must it wait a certain time to apply for a grant in health, human services, public society benefit, etc.?

No, but the availability of the next grant will be weighted in part by the prior amount given to the organization as a whole and the final report of the prior funded project.

May we apply for a grant during a leadership transition?

Yes.

Does the Foundation award grants for projects lasting more than one year?

It depends on the project, but very limited sustained funding is available.

May our organization request a list of Board of Directors from the Foundation?

Yes, this information is listed on our website www.ballfdn.org/index/board.asp and in our annual report.

Can an individual apply for a grant?

No. Ball Brothers Foundation only funds not-for-profit entities (all proposals must be accompanied by an IRS not-for-profit determination letter).

Can a grant be used to pay for personnel to conduct the project or program?

The grant can be used to pay for personnel not regularly employed by the agency to conduct the program/project. This would include consultants, graduate assistants, contracted service providers, etc.

How much detail is required in the budget sheet?

The budget should be specific enough to explain what is being requested. For example a statement asking for funds for equipment is not enough. What equipment is being specifically requested? If you are requesting funds for a conference, what elements within the conference are you seeking specifically? Oftentimes, the grants committee will make recommendations to partially fund a request. The more specific the budget, the easier it is to make a decision.

If we are not funded the first time, can we apply again?

Yes, we encourage organizations to apply again. We try to include some feedback to applicants who are not funded and encourage them to call the Foundation for ways to either make the proposal stronger or for other suggestions.

Does a report have to be filed with the Foundation once the project/program is completed?

Yes, once the project is completed, a final report must be filed within 30 days of completion. A format for reporting is included in the Application Materials for each type of grant area.

How can I find other foundations that offer support to individuals or other programs?

Visit http://www.indianagrantmakers.org/ (Indiana Grantmakers Alliance) or http://www.fdncenter.org/ (Foundation Center).