May 2026: Over $1.8M awarded in grants, 100th celebration highlights, Boulevard history, and more
Outdoor Learning Among $1.8M Awarded in Spring Grants
The foundation recently awarded more than $1.8 million in its first round of grants supporting organizations and initiatives in Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. This funding round placed a major focus on outdoor learning, helping schools and nonprofits create spaces where children can explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences.
Muncie Community Schools: Expanding Camp Adventure's Montessori-inspired "Forest Academy" with gardens, natural swings, and outdoor spaces that encourage curiosity in young learners.
YMCA of Muncie: Growing 4-acre nature play area at Mitchell Early Childhood Center with expanded outdoor gathering spaces and experiences.
Daleville Community Schools: Improving access to the Outdoor Learning Lab with a new paved trail and features that support discovery.
Red-tail Land Conservancy: Creating new opportunities for children and students to explore nature, environmental science, and water quality.
Ball State University: Enhancing the Nature Lab with an augmented reality sandbox where children can shape landscapes and discover how water and ecosystems interact.
Interested in applying for our next round of grants? Please schedule a visit or call to discuss your funding idea by contacting Susan Brumley, Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator.
Marking 100 Years of Grantmaking
Ball Brothers Foundation recently celebrated a century of grantmaking and philanthropic leadership with its "Garden Party of the Century," welcoming a small group of grantees, community leaders, and board members to historic Minnetrista Boulevard.
Guests explored the original Ball family homes, enjoyed an evening inspired by the 1920s, and reflected on the partnerships that continue shaping the foundation’s work today.
Shaping a Community Along the White River
Long before Muncie was founded, the White River served as a place of connection and gathering. In the late 1800s, as members of the Ball family established roots in Muncie, they purchased land overlooking the riverbend and named the area Minnetrista—combining the Sioux word mni (water) with the English word tryst (meeting place). The name continues to resonate today.
By the early 1900s, that vision had expanded significantly. Edmund B. Ball worked alongside community leaders to imagine a connected river corridor that would improve both the city and quality of life for residents.
At the time, the White River faced growing challenges from pollution and industrial waste. Through land donations and community partnerships, the groundwork was laid for what would eventually become White River Boulevard—a system connecting parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces throughout Muncie.
Over the decades, a trail along the river would eventually connect the city from east to west adjacent to the roadway that also provides scenic overlooks.
Today, the White River Greenway, Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, Cardinal Greenways, and surrounding public spaces continue that legacy of serving as gathering places for walkers, runners, cyclists, and community members. More than a century later, the vision of creating places where people connect with one another and with the nature around them continues to shape East Central Indiana.
Minnetrista Center under construction in 1987 and Minnetrista Boulevard as it appears today. Special thanks to the Delaware County Historical Society and Minnetrista's Heritage Collection for the historic photos!
Delaware County Futbol Club's Tony Pierce was recognized with BBF's 2025 Fisher Governance Award. BBF is now accepting nominations for the 2026 award.
Fisher Governance Award Nominations Open
For over a decade, the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award has recognized outstanding nonprofit board members in Delaware County. Is there someone on your board who deserves to be celebrated? Nominations are due by Saturday, August 15.
ICYMI: 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award
Ball Brothers Foundation named Muncie Central High School teacher Katherine Hughes as recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing her ability to create engaging classroom experiences that connect students with history in meaningful ways.
The foundation also recognized finalists Brad Canada of Burris Laboratory School and Christine Barrett of Pleasant View Elementary School for their impact on student learning across Delaware County.
May in Motion
Enjoy some highlights of events and learning opportunities we experienced this month in our community:
STEM in Action: Program Officer Dan Wolfert visited Wes-Del's annual STEM Day. Elementary students explored stations led by high school students in engineering, robotics, VR, and computer science–growing programs that BBF's Project Sybertooth initiative is proud to support.
Art Reimagined: Vice President Jenna Wachtmann visited BSU's David Owsley Museum of Art during Art in Bloom. Floral arrangements brought artwork from the museum's collection to life alongside activities for visitors of all ages. BBF has been a long time supporter of DOMA and its programming.
Signs of the Season: Tulip season wrapped up at Minnetrista as thousands of bulbs transformed the 40-acre campus with color ahead of the annual Garden Fair.
Balloon Launch: BBF staff visited Muncie Central's football stadium to watch students launch a high-altitude balloon with BBF grantee Near Space Education.
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