January 2026: Celebrating 100 Years, Youth Sports, Wes-Del Graduation Pathways, and more
Celebrating 100 Years
This year, Ball Brothers Foundation marks 100 years of grantmaking in Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and across the state. While the Ball brothers and their families could not have predicted the many changes, challenges, and opportunities that would shape our community over the past century, their commitment to improving the quality of life in the city and region that meant so much to them continues to guide the foundation’s work today.
As we reflect on this milestone, we are grateful to the many grantees, community leaders, and friends who have partnered with us over the years. We look forward to honoring this shared history and celebrating together through special events and moments throughout the year.
BBF Brings Youth Sports Leaders Together
Youth sports play an important role in building healthy, connected communities—supporting youth development, strengthening families, and creating spaces for connection and belonging. Reflecting this belief and our long-standing commitment to improving quality of life across Delaware County, Ball Brothers Foundation recently convened youth sports and recreation leaders from across the county to better understand what’s working, where gaps exist, and how stronger coordination could improve access and opportunities for families.
Check out what we learned from attendees and guest speakers from the Muncie Sports Commission and Ball State University Athletics.
Learn more about the challenges and opportunities shared by nearly 40 attendees including representatives from local leagues, school athletic directors, nonprofits, city officials, and others.
Grantee Spotlight: Wes-Del Community Schools Graduation Pathways
Wes-Del Community Schools-serving a student population of 850 students in Delaware County-is proving that size doesn’t limit opportunity. As the state of Indiana updates graduation requirements to include more work-based learning, Wes-Del is taking the lead by offering technical career pathways in fields like cybersecurity and STEM.
Students are earning industry certifications, managing live IT networks, and designing and prototyping projects with 3D printers. The result is that local students are building career skills long before graduation and building important connections with local businesses. Check out how BBF's support is helping here.
2026 Grant Process Improvements
As a reminder, for organizations interested in applying for Round 1 funding, Preliminary Applications are due by Sunday, February 15.
We have made several changes this year to our grant application process, including adding a new certification page to eliminate the need to send out contracts for signatures in most cases. Find more information on the 2026 grant application changes here.
First Stops of the Year
A few highlights from recent visits, conversations, and time spent around Muncie:
A Hands-On Hub: The foundation spent time with MadJax Muncie leaders reflecting on a decade of work that has transformed a formerly abandoned industrial site into a downtown hub for makers and students now equipped with 3D printers, a welding area, laser cutters, and much more.
A Change of Scenery: Our team gathered at the David Owsley Museum of Art for a staff meeting and gallery walk. The visit offered a chance to revisit favorite works, including pieces donated by members of the Ball family.
On the Air: BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher stopped by WMUN to talk about White River updates and continued BBF support for cybersecurity. Listeners also got a playful teaser of centennial celebrations, including the now much-discussed idea of a 1920s-style moustache for our President & CEO.
Restoring the White River: BBF staff shared a highlight video from time spent along the White River helping release juvenile mussels as part of ongoing river restoration efforts led by the Muncie Sanitary District's Bureau of Water Quality.
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