Ball Brothers Foundation Celebrates 100th Anniversary in 2026, Announces Updated Grantmaking Focus Areas

Ball Brothers Foundation is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, placing it among the state—and the nation’s—oldest grantmaking foundations. 

The foundation was formed in 1926 to continue the philanthropic legacy of the five Ball brothers and their families, who established Ball Brothers Manufacturing Company in Muncie to produce cans, bottles, and jars. Created to exist in perpetuity, Ball Brothers Foundation has supported countless initiatives over the past 100 years that have strengthened Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and the state of Indiana. 

Ball Brothers Foundation will mark its centennial throughout 2026, according to President and CEO Jud Fisher. 

“As we recognize this milestone, the foundation remains committed to the guiding principle that has shaped its work for a century—strengthening communities through thoughtful, steady, place-based philanthropy that endures,” Fisher said. “We are honored to carry on this legacy and to partner with so many grantees and community leaders. Their work—and our shared commitment—helps make Muncie, Delaware County, and communities across East Central Indiana stronger and more vibrant places to live, work, and raise a family. As we look to our second century, we do so with deep gratitude for the past and great optimism for the future.” 

That steady approach has enabled the foundation to make grants during times of profound challenge, including the Great Depression and the COVID-19 pandemic, while also supporting long-term initiatives that strengthen communities over generations. 

Throughout its history, the foundation has prioritized grantmaking in Muncie and Delaware County, while also making an impact across East Central Indiana and the Hoosier state. As Ball Brothers Foundation enters its second century, it will continue to honor its donors’ intent while responding to the evolving needs of the communities it serves. 

As part of its “Second Century Strategic Plan,” the foundation’s board recently reviewed and clarified its funding framework. While the foundation’s core priorities remain unchanged, an updated structure simplifies language and better reflects the full scope of the foundation’s grantmaking. 

Ball Brothers Foundation’s six focus areas are: 

• Arts & Culture 

• Community Vitality 

• Education 

• Environment 

• Health & Public Safety 

• Human Services 

Two focus areas have been renamed for clarity. 

The foundation’s long-standing focus on Health is now called Health & Public Safety, reflecting the close connection between community well-being and safety. Ball Brothers Foundation’s commitment to healthcare dates to 1929, when it helped establish Ball Memorial Hospital—today known as IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital—and that legacy continues today.  

In addition to supporting healthcare training, delivery, and community wellness, the foundation supports emergency management and emergency responder organizations. As digital threats continue to evolve, it also supports cybersecurity workforce development and infrastructure that protect the people and essential systems communities rely on every day. 

The focus area formerly known as Public/Society Benefit will now be called Community Vitality, a name that more clearly reflects the foundation’s belief that strong communities are intentionally built and sustained. This grantmaking includes downtown revitalization, neighborhood redevelopment and blight elimination, leadership, entrepreneurship, vibrant public spaces that add character and a sense of place, and community-based sports and recreation. This grantmaking is designed to strengthen local economies, cultivate civic pride, and help Muncie and East Central Indiana thrive as places people are proud to call home. 

For more information about Ball Brothers Foundation and its work, visit www.ballfdn.org. 

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About Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. Annually, the foundation pays out more than $8 million in grants to support arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services, and public/society benefit. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state.