Grantee Spotlight: Muncie Community Schools Transformation
Over the past decade, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has undergone one of the most significant periods of transformation in the district’s history. What began with difficult, but necessary decisions around consolidation and financial stabilization have evolved into an unprecedented collaboration that is positioning the district as a national model.
May 2026: Over $1.8M awarded in grants, 100th celebration highlights, Boulevard history, and more
The foundation recently awarded more than $1.8 million in its first round of grants supporting organizations and initiatives in Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. This funding round placed a major focus on outdoor learning, helping schools and nonprofits create spaces where children can explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences.
Outdoor Learning Grants Among $1.8M Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation in Centennial Year
Ball Brothers Foundation, one of Indiana’s oldest and largest family foundations, has awarded more than $1.8 million in its spring round of grants as the organization marks its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026. A major focus of this funding round supports outdoor learning and nature-based play initiatives across East Central Indiana.
Jim Fisher and Jud Fisher’s remarks at “Garden Party of the Century”
In remarks from the front porch of the E.B. & Bertha C. Ball Center, BBF Board Chair Jim Fisher and BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher reflected on the meaning of the moment and the enduring importance of partnership in philanthropy.
A Century of Philanthropy Celebrated Along Minnetrista Boulevard
As Ball Brothers Foundation marks its 100th year of grantmaking, the foundation celebrated May 14 with its “Garden Party of the Century,” an evening gathering held along Muncie’s historic Minnetrista Boulevard. The event brought together a small group of grantees, community leaders, peer funders, and board members to reflect on a century of philanthropy and partnership in East Central Indiana.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses Excellence in Teaching Award, Shafer Leadership Academy, and BBF’s 100 years
BBF’s President & CEO Jud Fisher joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today earlier this month to talk about programs and initiatives supported by Ball Brothers Foundation. Jud shared about Muncie Central High School teacher Katherine Hughes—the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, the impactful work on the Shafer Leadership Academy, and plans to celebrate 100 years of the foundation.
White River Boulevard and Minnetrista Boulevard: A Gathering Place by the Water
Minnetrista Boulevard’s history goes back long before Muncie was founded, stretching back thousands of years.
Archaeological evidence suggests Native Americans lived along the north bend of the White River, between present-day Wheeling and Walnut streets, for thousands of years.
Jud Fisher’s Remarks at 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Ceremony
First and foremost, congratulations to Katherine Hughes as the recipient of Ball Brothers Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award. Ball Brothers Foundation is a 100-year-old private family foundation that provides grant funding and leadership in the state of Indiana, mostly targeted in Muncie and Delaware County. This teaching award is given annually in recognition of the values and spirit that were paramount to our foundation’s founders regarding education and student achievement.
Ball Brothers Foundation Names Muncie Community Schools Teacher Katherine Hughes 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient
In Katherine Hughes’ classroom at Muncie Central High School, history moves and unfolds outside of a textbook.
On any given day, students might analyze symbolism in a modern Olympic ceremony, take on the roles of peasants, clergy, and nobles during the French Revolution, or debate and make decisions that mirror the tensions of the time they are studying. The lessons stick because students get to experience the materials for themselves, and the content intentionally supports their interests.
April 2026: Shafer Leadership Spotlight, Ball Corp HQ history, Ivy Tech, and more
Strong leadership shapes everything organizations do. For nearly 20 years, Shafer Leadership Academy has helped individuals across East Central Indiana build the skills to lead, communicate, and navigate change.
With long-standing support from Ball Brothers Foundation, the academy has grown from an early pilot initiative into a thriving organization serving thousands each year across East Central Indiana and beyond. Learn how this work is building a pipeline of leaders.
Grantee Spotlight: Shafer Leadership Academy Strengthening How Organizations Grow People
Organizations of all types face a challenge that rarely shows up on a balance sheet: building strong leadership.
They need people who can not only do the job, but also communicate clearly, navigate conflict, motivate others, and guide organizations through change.
BBF 100: Historical Ties to Ivy Tech Muncie
As a private foundation, Ball Brothers Foundation has maintained a long-standing partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, supporting programs aligned with workforce development and higher education. Over the years, this has included funding for the startup of new academic programs designed to meet regional workforce needs.
Ball Corporation Headquarters and Ivy Tech: Marking the 50 Year History of a Downtown Landmark
Fifty years ago, in April 1976, Ball Corporation formally dedicated its new international headquarters at 345 South High Street in downtown Muncie.
Five decades later, the building remains a defining feature of the city’s landscape—its history reflecting the evolution of Muncie itself, from education to industry to workforce development.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses Fellows Program, aerospace STEM education, Fisher Building history
BBF’s President & CEO Jud Fisher joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today earlier this month to talk about programs and initiatives supported by Ball Brothers Foundation. Jud shared updates on the BBF Fellows Program, aerospace STEM education at Burris Laboratory by NearSpace Education, and the Ball family history of Ivy Tech Fisher Building.
Grantee Spotlight: Ivy Tech Muncie Building Programs That Keep Pace with the Workforce
Walk into almost any hospital, manufacturing floor, or tech office in East Central Indiana, and chances are you’ll find someone who got their start at Ivy Tech Community College.
March 2026: BBF welcomes 2026 Fellows, Q&A with Cardinal Greenways about construction plans, and more
Ball Brothers Foundation is pleased to welcome Jena Ashby of Nonprofit Support Network and Ken Hudson of Whitely Community Council as our 2026 Fellows.
Over the next several months, they’ll join BBF's team in conversations around leadership, philanthropy, and the role foundations play in supporting our community. Get to know Ken and Jena and learn more about the Fellows program.
Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes 2026 Fellows in Program’s 21st Year
In its 100th year, Ball Brothers Foundation is continuing a long-standing tradition of learning alongside the community it serves. The foundation is pleased to welcome two new Fellows for 2026: Jena Ashby, Relationship and Resource Director at Nonprofit Support Network, and Kenyonta (Ken) Hudson, Executive Director of Whitely Community Council.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses MadJax, nonprofit leadership training, and Excellence in Teaching
BBF’s President & CEO Jud Fisher joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today earlier this month to talk about what’s ahead for Ball Brothers Foundation. In 2026, BBF is projected to award nearly $9.6 million in grants—one of the largest totals in our history.
BBF 100: Historical Ties to Cardinal Greenways
Cardinal Greenways began in the early 1990s as a community-led effort to transform an abandoned railroad corridor into a regional trail connecting East Central Indiana. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1993, Cardinal Greenways purchased miles of former rail line and began building what would become Indiana’s longest rail-trail, with the first trail segment opening from Prairie Creek Reservoir to the Wysor Street Depot Muncie in the late 1990s.
Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Cardinal Greenways
For more than three decades, Cardinal Greenways has connected communities across East Central Indiana. Stretching across five counties and weaving through cities, towns, and rural landscapes, Cardinal Greenways is Indiana’s longest rail-trail—and a defining regional asset. In this Q&A, Angie Pool, CEO of Cardinal Greenways, shares updates on major projects underway and on the horizon.