Non-Profit

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—Here’s a statistic to consider: Today, 47 percent of Delaware County households live in poverty or are struggling to make ends meet. These are hard working families, some working two or three jobs yet barely able to meet their basic household budget and are just one crisis away from sliding into poverty. United Way of Delaware County is using Thursday, Dec. 13 – this year’s Day of Giving – to raise $47,000 to draw attention to the 47 percent and break the cycle of generational poverty. Look for coasters with QR codes at restaurants throughout Delaware…

By: Diane Watters, Assistant Director, E. B. and Bertha C. Ball Center— Muncie, IN—Each year, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center hosts a Holiday Open House as a part of Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. During this 2-day event, guests can tour all three floors of the beautifully decorated Ball family home, listen to musicians, and see local artisans at no cost. This is just one event that the center hosts to preserve the Ball family history and to recognize their contributions to our community. If you were unable to come November 30th or December 1st this year, below is a quick rundown…

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, Indiana—For elementary education major Hannah George teaching took on a higher meaning when a year ago she participated in a Ball State University immersive learning class that would introduce the Muncie native to a community she didn’t know existed and a cause that broadened her passion. “I was amazed. I am from Muncie. I grew up hearing about the Whitely community but from the moment I stepped foot into the program, my eyes were opened about what’s going on in my own backyard,” she said. George was one of just 20 elementary education majors selected last…

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has received a grant of $1 million as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s seventh phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative. With GIFT VII, Lilly Endowment is making up to $125 million available to help Indiana community foundations strengthen the towns, cities and counties they serve. The Community Foundation can use this matching fund grant to further build financial assets and support charitable activities. Lilly Endowment will provide $2 for every $1 contributed to the Foundation’s unrestricted funds during the matching period,…

By: Chrystal Pearson— Muncie, IN—At its annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon, Muncie’s Women in Business Unlimited (WIBU) presented three ATHENA Leadership Awards and one WIBU Lifetime Achievement Award. Ruth Chin was awarded the 2018 WIBU Lifetime Achievement Award. The WIBU Lifetime Achievement Award honors a woman who has dedicated her life to be a leader and role model and is selected by the WIBU Board of Directors. In addition to a framed certificate, WIBU will award a scholarship in Chin’s name to a full-time, non-traditional female student enrolled in a local college/university. The ATHENA Leadership Awards are nationally-recognized awards which WIBU has been pleased to…

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, Indiana—A year ago, Kimberly Murphy was working part-time with AmeriCorp and taking accounting classes at Ivy Tech. The mother of two adult children and a middle-schooler wanted a better life. Today, Murphy works part-time at Huffer Memorial Children’s Center and is a full-time student at Ball State University working toward her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in financial planning, and is this much closer to the life she wants, one with higher earning potential and a role model for her youngest daughter Krystal. It all started with services from United Way funded programs…

By: Chris Flook— Muncie, Indiana — The Delaware County Historical Society and Community Enhancement Projects have launched a Hurley C. Goodall bust fundraiser program to help offset the costs of the life-sized bronze statue of Mr. Goodall. The renowned Hoosier artist Bill Wolfe is currently sculpting the statue. By purchasing a bust of Mr. Goodall, supporters will commemorate his legacy, while backing the project at the same time. The busts are replicas of the full statue. Busts come in two sizes, a large bust (9”x5”x5”) made of hydrostone and a small bust (5”x3”x3”) available in either hydrostone or iron. Only…

By: Jud Fisher— Muncie, Indiana—Ball Brothers Foundation has invited four local organizations to apply for funding in 2019 to address current and anticipated community workforce development needs. The “Future of Work” funding opportunity comes as local manufacturers, K-12 school representatives, and higher education institutions have been seeking opportunities to better collaborate. “It is no secret that all across Indiana—and the country—major shifts are taking place related to workforce needs,” shared BBF President and COO, Jud Fisher.  “We know that by 2025, there could be over one million job openings in Indiana due to retirements and new job creation. But we…

By: Mark Foerster— Muncie, IN—For over 60 years, the Muncie Kiwanis Club has been selling Christmas Trees by the North Walnut Street Fieldhouse.  This year they’re doing it again!  Starting the day after Thanksgiving until December 17th, come by the north lot of the North Walnut Street Fieldhouse to purchase a Christmas Tree for home or work.  The Muncie Kiwanis Club will be selling many different types of trees including Frasier Fir, Scotch Pine and White Pine.  If  you’re looking for a holiday wreath, Kiwanis will be selling those, too. New this year, Kiwanis will also be offering gourmet nuts…