March 2026: BBF welcomes 2026 Fellows, Q&A with Cardinal Greenways about construction plans, and more
BBF Welcomes 2026 Fellows
Ball Brothers Foundation is pleased to welcome Jena Ashby of Nonprofit Support Network and Ken Hudson of Whitely Community Council as our 2026 Fellows.
Over the next several months, they’ll join BBF's team in conversations around leadership, philanthropy, and the role foundations play in supporting our community. Get to know Ken and Jena and learn more about the Fellows program.
Also joining us for this year's Fellows program is Lindsey Cox, a new Program Officer at the George and Frances Ball Foundation. While BBF and the George and Frances Ball Foundation have separate boards, staff, and giving focus areas, we often share in learning opportunities together. Welcome, Lindsey!
Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Cardinal Greenways
Cardinal Greenways continues to grow and evolve as Indiana’s longest rail-trail, with major projects underway across the region.
Construction plans in 2026 includes progress toward closing the gap in Grant County, a new tunnel under 1-70 on the south end of the trail in Richmond, the elimination of a dangerous road crossing on Muncie’s eastside, and more.
Explore what’s ahead and learn how these projects will shape the trail for years to come in our latest Q&A with CEO Angie Pool.
Learn more here about recently completed and active construction projects along the trail.
From Rails to Trails: A Historical Look
Cardinal Greenways' roots date back over a century to the early 1900s when the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad line expanded to connect Cincinnati to Chicago. Built to serve railroad passengers, the Wysor Street Depot was one of the state's finest depots of the time though it fell into deep disrepair over the decades.
In the early 1990s, local leaders saw an opportunity to connect communities across East Central Indiana by converting the then-abandoned rail line to a trail. What followed was years of persistence—and today, more than 60 miles of trail, with more to come. A full renovation of the historic depot was undertaken, and it now serves as a Muncie landmark and the Cardinal Greenways' headquarters.
Ball Brothers Foundation has been proud to support Cardinal Greenways since the 1990s, facilitating early meetings with key stakeholders, providing matching dollars for construction, and supporting new projects over the decades.
Special thanks to Delaware County Historical Society for historic photos. See more in their online catalog.
Jud Fisher On the Air
BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher recently joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today to share what’s ahead for the foundation, including nearly $9.6 million in projected grantmaking in 2026.
He also highlighted momentum at MadJax, ongoing leadership trainings at Shafer Leadership Academy, and BBF's upcoming Excellence in Teaching Awards recognizing local public school educators.
ICYMI: 2025 Annual Report
Our 2025 Annual Report is now available, offering a look at the work, partnerships, and progress that shaped the past year.
Take a closer look at how the foundation continued to evolve as we approached our centennial.
Funding Focus Area Changes
As Ball Brothers Foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary, we have updated our grantmaking framework. While our core priorities remain the same, two focus areas have been renamed for clarity:
Health & Public Safety (formerly Health): Expands beyond health/wellness to include emergency services, responder support, and cybersecurity efforts that help protect communities.
Community Vitality (formerly Public/Society Benefit): Reflects efforts to strengthen local economies and neighborhoods through revitalization, leadership, public spaces, and community development.
Moments from March
A snapshot of the people, places, and conversations that shaped our work this month:
Supporting Conservation: BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher attended the Indiana Land Protection Alliance and DNR's Winter Reception, celebrating efforts to conserve the state's natural spaces.
Voices from the Field: During our February board meeting, we heard from local nonprofit leaders about stepping in and leading organizations. Representatives from MadJax, Shafer Leadership Academy, and Nonprofit Support Network shared their perspectives on the state of nonprofit leadership in Muncie.
Inspiring Future Philanthropists: Program Officer Dan Wolfert spent time with BBF grantee College Mentors for Kids at Ball State University, connecting with "little buddies" from local elementary schools and sharing how young people can give back to their community.
Saying Thank You: We said farewell to Jacquie Hanoman as she begins her next chapter after a decade of leadership at Ross Community Center. BBF is grateful for the impact she's made in the community.
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