November 2025: Announcing our 2025 Fisher Governance Award Winner, New Grant Awards, and more
Fisher Governance Award Presented to Tony Pierce, Delaware County Futbol Club
Congratulations to Tony Pierce, board president of Delaware County Futbol Club, on being named the 2025 Fisher Governance Award recipient. From his early days of coaching on the sidelines to his leadership today of the club’s rapidly growing recreation and travel soccer programs, Tony’s dedication and vision have helped more kids get in the game.
Under Tony's oversight, the club has strengthened its finances, built a more engaged board, and expanded opportunities for local youth—reflecting exactly what the Fisher Governance Award celebrates.
“Strong board leadership is essential to the success of any nonprofit,” shared Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. “Tony’s dedication to his board, his players, and this community captures exactly what the Fisher Governance Award is meant to honor. It’s especially meaningful that this year’s award recognizes a leader in youth sports—our first Fisher Governance Award honoree from a sports-focused organization—reflecting how athletics can bring people together and help young people grow.”
$5 Million Awarded in Round 2 Grants
Among Ball Brothers Foundation’s latest round of grants, $200,000 in funding focuses on growing local healthcare talent—creating new opportunities for students, training programs, and future professionals right here in East Central Indiana.
Highlights include:
IU School of Medicine–Muncie to expand physician training as well as mentorship programs for Ball State University students aspiring to become physicians
IU Health Foundation for introducing high school students to healthcare careers
Ivy Tech Community College to launch programs for high school students to become pharmacy technicians and sterile processing technicians
These healthcare-focused grants are part of Optimus Primary, an initiative to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce pipeline.
Other grants awarded will strengthen organizations working in arts/culture, environment, education, human services, and public society benefit.
BBF Board Tours Local Neighborhoods
This fall, Ball Brothers Foundation’s board of directors toured the Thomas Park/Avondale and Industry neighborhoods alongside the team at Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity as part of our board meeting. BBF has long supported Habitat, ecoRehab, Ross Community Center, Urban Light CDC, the 8twelve Coalition, Brothers2Brothers, and other partners working together across Muncie’s southside.
We’re grateful to the neighbors who shared their stories with us during our tour—and to the many organizations working side-by-side with residents to strengthen neighborhood pride, build and rehab homes, grow small businesses, and shape the next chapter.
On the Air: Updates Shared on WMUN
Ball Brothers Foundation President & CEO Jud Fisher recently joined Steve Lindell on WMUN's Delaware County Today to reflect on recent projects and share what’s ahead for the community, including:
Montessori Pre-K and outdoor learning, giving students hands-on experiences
Revitalization of the Old West End, with new housing and community partnerships
Camp Crosley upgrades, including a remodeled dining hall for campers and local groups
The foundation’s 100th anniversary, and plans to celebrate with the community
Jud’s segment begins at the 23:52 minute mark of the episode.
Around BBF: November Adventures
November was full of learning, building, and exploring. Here's what our team was up to:
Hammer Time! Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator Susan Brumley participated in Muncie Habitat for Humanity's Women Build, joining community partners to help construct homes and live out BBF's commitment to strengthening neighborhoods.
Learning on the Go: Program Officer Dan Wolfert completed Ball State Univerity's Indiana Community Development Course, joining leaders from across the state to explore strategies to build thriving communities.
Welcome Tour: The BBF team welcomed Chris Butler, the new President & CEO of the YMCA of Muncie, taking him on a driving tour of the city to share insights on Muncie's history, ongoing projects, and scenic spaces.
Walk & Talk: Our staff celebrated National Hiking Day by taking our weekly staff meeting on the road-or trail, to be exact. We took in the views along the White River Greenway and Minnetrista Boulevard.
Stay up to date with the latest on our socials!