ALL NEWS
Located on the southeast side of Muncie, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) stands on over 1,000 acres of land and is home to the largest model aviation field in the world. Having moved to Muncie in the 1990s, the AMA’s international headquarters and museum are now home to dozens of events each year from model aviation flying days that draw hobbyists from across the country to rocket launches, kite festivals, drone competitions, remote control helicopter events, and more.
For many years, BBF has supported disaster response efforts across the state following major tornadoes and other natural disasters. Through our Emergency Management grantmaking initiative, the foundation has also worked to provide specialized training and equipment to local agencies to prepare for large scale disasters.
On March 14, the response needs hit close to home with a tornado impacting both Delaware and Randolph counties.
President and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, Jud Fisher, reflects on the foundation’s past decade of support for K-12 public schools in the heart of Muncie. With $5M+ in total funding awarded to Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School since 2014, Fisher explains the foundation’s support for the “margins of excellence.” Fisher also describes the foundation’s history of engagement with MCS during the district’s ups-and-downs.
Transforming Communities Through Sustainable Development and Construction Trades Training
In the heart of Muncie, there's an organization powerfully reshaping the landscape—and the workforce—one house at a time and one life at a time. ecoREHAB, a nonprofit headquartered in Muncie’s Old West End, is on a mission to help revitalize the community's neighborhoods through sustainable design, rehabilitation, and education.
Last month, officials from the miliary, law enforcement, and local universities gathered in Muncie to discuss cybercrime, cybersecurity, and the future of workforce training for growing cyber needs.
As the foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, we are excited to announce the appointment of two community members, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to our Board of Directors.
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.
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 from Ball Brothers Foundation talks about recent Cybersecurity efforts, as well as a recent funding initiative in the healthcare sector.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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, 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ball Brothers Foundation presented its annual Fisher Governance Award to Ryan Hunter, board president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie. Hunter was recognized with the award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on October 26.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last week, Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a lunch for alumni of the foundation’s Fellows Program. The Fellows program began in 2005 with the intention of providing local nonprofit leaders with a 9-month opportunity to read books and articles about nonprofit leadership and governance, to engage with BBF staff in dialogue about nonprofit work and foundation operations, and to promote foundation transparency. Two local nonprofit leaders are selected each year to participate in the program.
Throughout this year, Ball Brothers Foundation has been working to ramp up communications with our stakeholders: grantees, community and regional leaders, extended Ball family members, and others.
A key part of our new strategic plan calls for us to serve as a vocal advocate for Muncie and East Central Indiana. This month's e-newsletter highlights several grants that make our community shine
For the past eight years, local healthcare providers and colleges/universities have been working together to build East Central Indiana’s reputation as a statewide leader in medical education. The region’s medical school, largest hospitals, rural clinics, urban neighborhood centers, nursing schools, and others are reimagining healthcare training in ways that have the potential to change the future of healthcare delivery.