April 2024: On the Road, 10 Tips, Q&A with IU School of Medicine-Muncie, and more
This month, we've been on the road here in our hometown (and beyond) to see what's "springing up."
March 2024: Grantee Spotlight: ecoREHAB, Day in the Life, 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.
February 2024: Announcing new board members, Grantee Spotlight: support for Muncie's Central City schools, grant deadlines, and more
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.
January 2024: Grantee Spotlight: Q&A on cybercrime, 2024 grant reminders, and more
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.
December 2023: Our Year in Review, ten tips for grant applications, funding deadlines, and more
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.
November 2023: Program Officer Search, Announcing 2023 Fall Grants, and More
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:
October 2023: Grantee Q&A, regional planning, tour with DNR, and more
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.
September 2023: New kayak and canoe launches planned, team member news, annual trip with Fellows, and more
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.
August 2023: Survey Reminder, Back to School, Mini-Documentaries, Muncie Land Bank, and more
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
July 2023: Survey, White River Report Card, Canoe Race, and more
As we strive to continuously improve our communication and outreach efforts, we'd love for you to take a 2 minute survey. Your anonymous feedback is instrumental in helping us understand your preferences and content interests to ensure that our newsletters are valuable and engaging.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 2023: Welcoming Susan Brumley, Grantee Spotlights: Muncie Children’s Museum & Ivy Tech, and more
The foundation is pleased to welcome Susan Brumley as the new Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator beginning March 1. Brumley brings with her 20 years of experience in customer service and management.
December 2022: Our year in review, JUMP Program, funding deadlines, and more
As 2022 draws to a close, we're reflecting on a busy year filled with site visits to see grantees' work in action, the launch of transformational projects, and deep reflection about where we have been and where we are going.
November 2022: $5 Million Awarded in Grants, Michigan Trip, and More
School Counseling, Outdoor Learning Awarded Funding as Part of $5 Million in New Grants
This fall, our board approved over $5 million in new grants, including support to boost school counseling and outdoor learning.
September 2022: Staff Transition + River Tour
A few weeks ago, BBF staff teamed up with The Nature Conservancy to host a rafting trip on the White River through the heart of Muncie. We were joined by Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour as well as several other members of Next Muncie, along with friends from Red-tail Land Conservancy, the Bureau of Water Quality, and Muncie Community Schools.
August 2022: A Local Perspective on the Childcare Crisis
While many local and state grant programs provide support to childcare providers at Levels 3 & 4 on the “Paths to QUALITY” rating scale, BBF has awarded special funding for the past two years for childcare programs at Levels 0-2.
June 2022: Round 1 Grantees Announced
Our board met last month and approved over $2.4 million in funding in our first round of general grants for 2022. Take a look at some of this round's highlights: