February 2026: A Century of Health-Related Grantmaking, Q&A with IU Health Ball Hospital, and more
A Note on 100 Years
As we begin Ball Brothers Foundation’s 100th year, I’m reminded what a rare milestone this is. Founded in 1926, BBF is one of the oldest family foundations in Indiana—and among the longest-standing in the nation. For a century, we have remained focused on East Central Indiana, building enduring relationships and providing steady, place-based support. That long view continues to shape how we approach our work today.
Throughout 2026, we’ll mark this milestone by sharing more of our history and by highlighting the partners who help define our community. You'll see the first of these features in this month's newsletter.
As we enter our second century, we remain rooted here—and committed to the future of Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and Indiana.
-Jud Fisher, President & CEO
Shaping Healthcare Close to Home
Building on nearly a century of support for healthcare and education, Ball Brothers Foundation is supporting efforts to make East Central Indiana known as a center of excellence for training the next generation of healthcare workers.
A growing network of hospitals, schools, and community organizations across East Central Indiana are teaming up to give students hands-on training, mentorship, and early career pathways into healthcare.
Supported in part by Optimus Primary funding from Ball Brothers Foundation, learn more about how these programs are opening doors for students and supporting healthier communities.
NewsLink Indiana highlights Maplewood Guest House—a historic Ball family home that provides housing for visiting IU School of Medicine students and immersive learning experiences for Ball State University students. The story also explores how a broader collaboration through Optimus Primary is helping Muncie become one of the top destinations in the state for future physicians.
Q&A with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
Kreigh Cook, COO of IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, shares his journey of returning to East Central Indiana and leading a hospital that has been part of the community for generations. In our latest Q&A, he reflects on building strong teams, mentoring future healthcare leaders, and tackling local workforce challenges—all while staying connected to the people and values that shaped him.
Read on to hear his perspective on leadership, community, and preparing for what comes next.
The story of Ball Memorial Hospital stretches back almost a century, to a time when Muncie was growing quickly and needs expanded beyond what Muncie's "Home Hospital" was able to support.
In 1926, funds from Edmund Ball’s estate helped establish Ball Brothers Foundation, and support for the new hospital was among our earliest grants. Learn more here.
Photo credits: Delaware County Historical Society & Minnetrista Heritage Collection
On the Air: What's Ahead for Grantmaking in 2026
BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher recently joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today to share what’s shaping the foundation’s work in the year ahead—including a projected $9 million in grants, one of the largest payouts in our history.
The conversation touches on continued grantmaking across arts, education, health, human services, and the environment, as well as news related to our support for outdoor learning and youth sports/recreation.
Connecting with Our Community
Follow the foundation's recent visits around Muncie:
A Meaningful Milestone: BBF received a Longevity Award from the Greater Muncie Chamber, honoring a century of community partnership. President & CEO Jud Fisher accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.
In the Classroom: Program Officer Dan Wolfert visited a BSU grant writing course to share insights on how foundations approach funding decisions. The class celebrated BBF's 100th with a sweet treat to show he puts the "fun" in funding.
Taking Shape: The team stopped by Ball State's new Performing Arts Center to see construction progress. The foundation helped spark early momentum for the project with a $2.5 million grant in 2024.
A Morning Art Visit: BBF joined Minnetrista's CEO for a gallery walk through current exhibits, including Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley. We're proud to support the meaningful cultural experiences Minnetrista brings to our community.
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