Non-Profit

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN—Monday, January 20, 2025, marks the 40th celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Across the nation, communities will come together to honor Dr. King’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy. As we reflect on his profound impact, we are reminded of the power we hold to create change by following his example. This year’s theme for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is: “WHAT IS NEEDED: POWER, LOVE AND JUSTICE” In the words of Dr. King, “Power properly understood is nothing but the ability to achieve purpose. It is the strength required to…

Grants support out-of-school programs, Ball family legacies, and more. By Kelsey Harrington—  MUNCIE, IN— George and Frances Ball Foundation is celebrating a year of collaboration, impactful investments, and continued development of the Cradle to Career Muncie Initiative alongside 70+ community partners. Earlier this month, the Foundation announced its fourth quarter competitive grant awards, which rounded out a total of $5 million in awards to nonprofits in Muncie and Delaware County in 2024. To support the continued operation and strategy implementation of the various components of Cradle to Career Muncie, the Foundation makes a variety of grants throughout the year. This…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $3,769,621 in grants and scholarships in 2024, strengthening its mission to enhance the quality of life for Delaware County residents. Most grants were awarded through permanently endowed funds, ensuring a greater Muncie and Delaware County today, tomorrow, and always. Community Grants Program Local nonprofit organizations received $1,581,311 through the competitive Community Grants Program. Community Grants are awarded to address the broad needs in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. This year, the Foundation reviewed 77 grant applications totaling over $2 million. Each…

By JP Hall— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. Each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout 2024 during this gathering. This article marks the second in a series of updates from our dedicated task force leaders, showcasing the impact of MAP’s…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation and Angie Pool, CEO, Cardinal Greenways— MUNCIE, IN—Leaders and partners from East Central Indiana gathered last month in Grant County to discuss the next phases of a Cardinal Greenway extension project. Representatives from Cardinal Greenways, Taylor University, Ball Brothers Foundation, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, and FlatLand Resources participated in the meeting, which included a tour of Taylor University and key sites in Gas City. The tour offered an opportunity to assess current progress and explore future steps toward “closing the gap” in the Cardinal Greenway’s 62-mile paved rail-trail. The rail-trail is currently…

By Kylene Swackhamer— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Report to the Community on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout 2024. This article marks the first in a series of updates from our dedicated task force leaders, showcasing the impact…

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN – Shawnee Heights Baptist Church has announced the closure of its doors after years of serving the Muncie community. As part of its final act of service, the church has generously donated $50,000 to the YWCA Central Indiana to further its efforts in providing essential support and services to unhoused women and children throughout the region. The donation comes as the church’s congregation reflects on its mission to serve those in need and its commitment to empowering vulnerable populations. Through this gift, Shawnee Heights Baptist Church aims to support the YWCA’s continued programming, which includes…

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—The strength of a community lies in its ability to listen, learn, and act together. At Heart of Indiana United Way, alongside our Community Foundation partners, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with community members to hear their hopes, challenges, and visions for the future. These conversations underscore the value of public knowledge and input in guiding decisions that impact local families, businesses, and organizations. When decision-making bodies, such as city councils and county governments, prioritize listening to the voices of the community, they create opportunities for transformative change. Public input offers invaluable insight into the…

By Bob Scott— MUNCIE, IN—A fourth quarter grant from Indiana Michigan Power and the AEP Foundation blessed Muncie Mission with a new vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries. The panel delivery van will support the Mission’s efforts to rescue food donations from local restaurants, food producers, and distribution centers, as well as move clothing, furniture and household items among ministry locations. “This gift is truly a blessing, especially now during the busy holiday season,” said Bob Scott, VP of Development at Muncie Mission. “We’ve already used the van to pick up donations from canned food drives, winter clothing collections, and Christmas…