BBF Guests on WMUN’s “Taking Flight: Chapter 2” with Dr. Jeff Bird
Ball Brothers Foundation’s staff were the first guests on Dr. Jeff Bird’s new WMUN radio show, “Taking Flight: Chapter 2.” The show—which originally aired on June 12—featured a wide-ranging conversation about the foundation’s work, history, and approach to philanthropy. The program began with President & CEO Jud Fisher sharing an introduction to BBF and personal reflections on the foundation’s work, followed by additional conversations that brought in staff perspectives across the 100 year-old grantmaking foundation.
Ball Brothers Foundation Hosts Tour Highlighting Healthcare Workforce Development Pipeline
More than 30 individuals gathered on June 11 for Ball Brothers Foundation's Optimus Primary Field Trip, a full-day exploration of the partnerships, facilities, and educational pathways helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in East Central Indiana.
2026 Fisher Governance Award nomination deadline approaching
Delaware County nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate a board member for the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award before the deadline on August 15.
The award, given annually by Ball Brothers Foundation since 2011, recognizes the important role board members play in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational leadership to help nonprofits achieve their mission. The award recipient will receive a $10,000 grant for their organization.
Grantee Spotlight: Muncie Community Schools Transformation
Over the past decade, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has undergone one of the most significant periods of transformation in the district’s history. What began with difficult, but necessary decisions around consolidation and financial stabilization have evolved into an unprecedented collaboration that is positioning the district as a national model.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses outdoor learning, Muncie Community Schools, and BBF 100th celebration
BBF’s President & CEO Jud Fisher joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today earlier this month to talk about programs and initiatives supported by Ball Brothers Foundation. Jud shared about recent grants supporting outdoor learning programs in the county, continued investment in the future of Muncie Community schools, and a recap of the foundation’s 100th celebration at Minnetrista in May.
May 2026: Over $1.8M awarded in grants, 100th celebration highlights, Boulevard history, and more
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.
Outdoor Learning Grants Among $1.8M Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation in Centennial Year
Ball Brothers Foundation, one of Indiana’s oldest and largest family foundations, has awarded more than $1.8 million in its spring round of grants as the organization marks its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026. A major focus of this funding round supports outdoor learning and nature-based play initiatives across East Central Indiana.
Jim Fisher and Jud Fisher’s remarks at “Garden Party of the Century”
In remarks from the front porch of the E.B. & Bertha C. Ball Center, BBF Board Chair Jim Fisher and BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher reflected on the meaning of the moment and the enduring importance of partnership in philanthropy.
A Century of Philanthropy Celebrated Along Minnetrista Boulevard
As Ball Brothers Foundation marks its 100th year of grantmaking, the foundation celebrated May 14 with its “Garden Party of the Century,” an evening gathering held along Muncie’s historic Minnetrista Boulevard. The event brought together a small group of grantees, community leaders, peer funders, and board members to reflect on a century of philanthropy and partnership in East Central Indiana.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses Excellence in Teaching Award, Shafer Leadership Academy, and BBF’s 100 years
BBF’s President & CEO Jud Fisher joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today earlier this month to talk about programs and initiatives supported by Ball Brothers Foundation. Jud shared about Muncie Central High School teacher Katherine Hughes—the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, the impactful work on the Shafer Leadership Academy, and plans to celebrate 100 years of the foundation.
White River Boulevard and Minnetrista Boulevard: A Gathering Place by the Water
Minnetrista Boulevard’s history goes back long before Muncie was founded, stretching back thousands of years.
Archaeological evidence suggests Native Americans lived along the north bend of the White River, between present-day Wheeling and Walnut streets, for thousands of years.
Jud Fisher’s Remarks at 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Ceremony
First and foremost, congratulations to Katherine Hughes as the recipient of Ball Brothers Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award. Ball Brothers Foundation is a 100-year-old private family foundation that provides grant funding and leadership in the state of Indiana, mostly targeted in Muncie and Delaware County. This teaching award is given annually in recognition of the values and spirit that were paramount to our foundation’s founders regarding education and student achievement.
Ball Brothers Foundation Names Muncie Community Schools Teacher Katherine Hughes 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient
In Katherine Hughes’ classroom at Muncie Central High School, history moves and unfolds outside of a textbook.
On any given day, students might analyze symbolism in a modern Olympic ceremony, take on the roles of peasants, clergy, and nobles during the French Revolution, or debate and make decisions that mirror the tensions of the time they are studying. The lessons stick because students get to experience the materials for themselves, and the content intentionally supports their interests.
April 2026: Shafer Leadership Spotlight, Ball Corp HQ history, Ivy Tech, and more
Strong leadership shapes everything organizations do. For nearly 20 years, Shafer Leadership Academy has helped individuals across East Central Indiana build the skills to lead, communicate, and navigate change.
With long-standing support from Ball Brothers Foundation, the academy has grown from an early pilot initiative into a thriving organization serving thousands each year across East Central Indiana and beyond. Learn how this work is building a pipeline of leaders.
Grantee Spotlight: Shafer Leadership Academy Strengthening How Organizations Grow People
Organizations of all types face a challenge that rarely shows up on a balance sheet: building strong leadership.
They need people who can not only do the job, but also communicate clearly, navigate conflict, motivate others, and guide organizations through change.
Ball Corporation Headquarters and Ivy Tech: Marking the 50 Year History of a Downtown Landmark
Fifty years ago, in April 1976, Ball Corporation formally dedicated its new international headquarters at 345 South High Street in downtown Muncie.
Five decades later, the building remains a defining feature of the city’s landscape—its history reflecting the evolution of Muncie itself, from education to industry to workforce development.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses Fellows Program, aerospace STEM education, Fisher Building history
BBF’s President & CEO Jud Fisher joined Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today earlier this month to talk about programs and initiatives supported by Ball Brothers Foundation. Jud shared updates on the BBF Fellows Program, aerospace STEM education at Burris Laboratory by NearSpace Education, and the Ball family history of Ivy Tech Fisher Building.
Grantee Spotlight: Ivy Tech Muncie Building Programs That Keep Pace with the Workforce
Walk into almost any hospital, manufacturing floor, or tech office in East Central Indiana, and chances are you’ll find someone who got their start at Ivy Tech Community College.
March 2026: BBF welcomes 2026 Fellows, Q&A with Cardinal Greenways about construction plans, and more
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.
Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes 2026 Fellows in Program’s 21st Year
In its 100th year, Ball Brothers Foundation is continuing a long-standing tradition of learning alongside the community it serves. The foundation is pleased to welcome two new Fellows for 2026: Jena Ashby, Relationship and Resource Director at Nonprofit Support Network, and Kenyonta (Ken) Hudson, Executive Director of Whitely Community Council.