IYI & BBF: More Than Two Decades of Strengthening Youth-Serving Nonprofits
For more than 20 years, Ball Brothers Foundation has partnered with Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) to help youth-serving nonprofit organizations build their organizational capacity and increase their long-term effectiveness.
Now in its twenty-fourth year, the “East Central Indiana Consulting Grant” provides selected organizations with customized consulting services designed to strengthen leadership, governance, fundraising, strategic planning, communications, and other aspects of organizational capacity. This opportunity reflects Ball Brothers Foundation's long-standing belief that strong organizations are better equipped to serve children, families, and communities.
"Sometimes the most valuable support isn't funding for a new program—it's helping an organization become stronger for the long term," said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. "This partnership allows nonprofit leaders to step back from the demands of daily operations and work alongside experienced consultants to address challenges and pursue opportunities that will have lasting impact."
Through funding provided by Ball Brothers Foundation, organizations are selected by IYI to receive individualized consulting along with professional development opportunities. Since the partnership began, numerous youth-serving organizations throughout East Central Indiana have strengthened their operations, with many reporting lasting improvements in leadership, board engagement, fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness.
In 2026, funding from Ball Brothers Foundation will allow up to four organizations in East Central Indiana to participate. While priority is given to youth-serving organizations in Delaware County, nonprofits from surrounding counties are often selected to participate. Organizations are not required to have an exclusive youth-focused mission. Nonprofits with a significant youth program or service component are encouraged to apply.
Organizations interested in learning more about the current consulting opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application can visit Indiana Youth Institute's Consulting Grant page. Applications will open on July 24th with a due date of August 23, 2026.
Photos: Minnetrista Heritage Collection
A Centennial Connection: Virginia Ball and Indiana Youth Institute
As Ball Brothers Foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, the partnership with Indiana Youth Institute also reflects a meaningful connection to the Ball family.
Virginia Beall Ball, who served on the Ball Brothers Foundation Board of Directors from 2001-2003 and was widely recognized for her civic leadership throughout Indiana, believed deeply in investing in organizations that serve young people. Her commitment to education, leadership, and community service extended to numerous organizations across the state, including Indiana Youth Institute, where the Virginia Beall Ball Knowledge Center was established in her honor.
Virginia's philanthropic interests were remarkably broad. She served on the Indiana Humanities Council and the Ball State University Foundation board, helped restore historic property at New Harmony, established the Edmund and Virginia Ball Wetlands Nature Preserve near Camp Crosley, served as a trustee at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and co-founded the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation. Following the death of her husband, she also commissioned Catalyst—the iconic sculpture that has become a focal centerpiece of Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.
The consulting partnership between Ball Brothers Foundation and Indiana Youth Institute, launched in 2002, reflects the same philosophy that guided Virginia Ball's civic leadership: investing not only in programs, but also in the organizations and people whose leadership creates lasting community impact.
As Ball Brothers Foundation enters its second century of grantmaking, that commitment continues—helping nonprofit organizations develop the leadership, governance, and organizational strength needed to serve future generations.
Recent IYI Projects Supported via Ball Brothers Foundation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie — Succession Planning
Ross Community Center — Strategic Planning
YMCA of Muncie — Advisory Board Development
YWCA Central Indiana — Youth Program Evaluation & Program Development