Grantee Spotlight: Local Support Helps Spark Muncie Children's Museum's Capital Campaign Success, Raising Over $2.6 Million to Date
Several years ago, Ball Brothers Foundation made the initial gift that helped to kick off the Muncie Children’s Museum’s “More to Explore” capital campaign. The gift—totaling $150,000—supported exhibit planning/fabrication and also supported growth of the Museum’s staff to increase fundraising capacity.
December 2022: Our year in review, JUMP Program, funding deadlines, and more
As 2022 draws to a close, we're reflecting on a busy year filled with site visits to see grantees' work in action, the launch of transformational projects, and deep reflection about where we have been and where we are going.
Retirement Tribute to Betty Brewer
In honor of Betty Brewer’s seventeen years as President & CEO of Minnetrista, BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher gave these remarks during Betty’s retirement reception on December 15, 2022.
2022 Year in Review
As 2022 draws to a close, we couldn't help but notice how this community has transformed. This year, our county and community has been greatly impacted as a result of the combined efforts of countless residents and organizations. Muncie will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and we look forward to our community's bright future.
JUMP Program receives $60,000 grant to further bolster community partnership
This fall, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded a $60,000 grant to help officially launch the Judicial Users Manufacturing Partnership (JUMP) program in Delaware County.
100+ Community Members Attend Waterways Film Tour and Premiere
Over 100 community members from across East Central Indiana joined Ball Brothers Foundation, Indiana Humanities, and The Nature Conservancy for a screening of documentaries on December 6, 2022 at Muncie Civic Theatre.
November 2022: $5 Million Awarded in Grants, Michigan Trip, and More
School Counseling, Outdoor Learning Awarded Funding as Part of $5 Million in New Grants
This fall, our board approved over $5 million in new grants, including support to boost school counseling and outdoor learning.
School Counseling and Outdoor Learning Programs Awarded Funding as Part of $5 Million in Grants Awarded this Fall
Ball Brothers Foundation approved over $5 million in funding for 39 projects during its second round of grantmaking in 2022. The grants included funding to support efforts that further bolster school counseling programs and expand outdoor learning throughout schools in the heart of Muncie.
Ball Brothers Foundation Explores Intersection of Outdoor Recreation and Education at Northern Michigan Summit
This fall, Ball Brothers Foundation took a group of eleven grantees on a special trip to Leland, Michigan where the foundation hosted a “Northern Michigan Summit.” For several days, the group explored the intersection of outdoor recreation and education, specifically the value of outdoor learning in the lives of children and young adults.
Ball Brothers Foundation Hosts Muncie Premiere of the Inspiring Story of Carl Erskine
In mid-October, Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a special documentary screening at Muncie Civic Theatre. The board, Associate Directors, and staff were joined by several hundred community members for the premiere of the new documentary, “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story.”
Hiring: Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator
Ball Brothers Foundation—a private family foundation in Muncie, Indiana—is seeking an Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator.
Cardinal Greenways’ Marta Moody recognized with 2022 Fisher Governance Award
Ball Brothers Foundation presented its annual Fisher Governance Award this year to Marta Moody, board president of Cardinal Greenways. Moody was recognized with the award at the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s 128th Annual Meeting Celebration on October 27.
2021 Annual Report
TRANSFORMATIONS
In 2021, we celebrated 95 years of grantmaking in this community. When reaching a milestone like that, it’s hard not to look back on how far we’ve come—not just as a foundation, but also as a city. And as we reflected on Muncie over the years, we couldn’t help but notice how this community has transformed.
September 2022: Staff Transition + River Tour
A few weeks ago, BBF staff teamed up with The Nature Conservancy to host a rafting trip on the White River through the heart of Muncie. We were joined by Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour as well as several other members of Next Muncie, along with friends from Red-tail Land Conservancy, the Bureau of Water Quality, and Muncie Community Schools.
Announcement: BBF Staff Transition
This fall, BBF is preparing to say goodbye to Executive Assistant & Communications Coordinator, Michelle Stephenson.
August 2022: A Local Perspective on the Childcare Crisis
While many local and state grant programs provide support to childcare providers at Levels 3 & 4 on the “Paths to QUALITY” rating scale, BBF has awarded special funding for the past two years for childcare programs at Levels 0-2.
We took a long, hard look at the early childhood education crisis locally. Here’s how you can help.
A perspective piece by Jud Fisher
300.
That’s the astonishing number of children on waitlists at just a handful of childcare centers in Muncie, Indiana.
BBF Hosts Gathering of Fellows Program Alumni
This summer, as gatherings and networking opportunities ramp back up, BBF hosted a lunch for alumni of BBF’s Fellows Program. The Fellows program started 18 years ago to provide local nonprofit leaders with a 9-month opportunity to read books and articles about nonprofit leadership and governance, to engage with BBF staff in dialogue about nonprofit work and foundation operations, and to promote foundation transparency.
How we can all help preserve the White River, and why it matters
A perspective piece by Jud Fisher
Everything starts somewhere. For the White River, it’s in a farmer’s field in Randolph County just south of Winchester. The river winds its way through farms, woodlands, industrial sites, small towns, and even big cities, eventually feeding into other rivers that take the waters to the Mississippi River.
June 2022: Round 1 Grantees Announced
Our board met last month and approved over $2.4 million in funding in our first round of general grants for 2022. Take a look at some of this round's highlights: