Non-Profit

By Emma Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Long before a child walks into a kindergarten classroom, someone helped prepare them for that moment. Someone taught them how to share, solve problems, follow routines, communicate their needs, and build confidence outside the walls of their home. Someone noticed when they were struggling, celebrated when they succeeded, and helped lay the foundation for future learning. For thousands of children across Delaware County that someone was an early childhood educator. Today, Indiana is considering changes to childcare licensing regulations that would lower qualification requirements for childcare leaders and educators while reducing professional standards that have long…

By Mindy Kemper, Co-Founder, Delaware County Special Needs Prom— MUNCIE, IN—The 2026 Delaware County Special Needs Prom transformed the Horizon Convention Center into a celebration of joy, inclusion, and community Saturday, May 16, as nearly 1,200 attendees came together for one of the region’s most impactful annual events. The evening welcomed individuals with special needs, families, caregivers, volunteers, educators, advocates, and community supporters from throughout East Central Indiana for a prom experience designed to ensure every guest felt celebrated, valued, and included. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with music, dancing, formal wear, entertainment, and countless moments of connection and celebration. Before…

By Red-tail Conservancy— MUNCIE, IN—The Red-tail Land Conservancy Board of Directors has hired Nick Werner to serve as the organization’s executive director. Werner replaces Julie Borgmann who retired this spring after 8 years of service. He has a personal passion for the outdoors and conservation and professional experience in marketing strategy, communications and fundraising. A search committee worked for several months to identify a leader who reflects Red-tail Land Conservancy’s mission, values and future aspirations. “We are confident in Nick’s leadership and excited about his ability to build on the success and growth our organization has experienced in recent years,”…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie-Delaware County Coalition of Women is seeking nominations of local women to honor during the annual Women’s Equality Day Program. The coalition invites nominations of women who have made a significant contribution in the arts, education, religion, business, politics, environment, and social or community service by improving the quality of life in Delaware County. Other categories also will be considered. Nominees must live and work in Delaware County. A letter of nomination of 250 words or fewer describing the nominee’s contributions should be submitted by July 8 to: womensequalitydaymuncie@gmail.com or by mail to ATTN: Women’s…

Community to also celebrate MuncieArts’ 15th Birthday By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts), in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and MadJax Maker Force, is excited to announce the revitalization of the “Designed by the Public” installations at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building Plaza and MadJax Maker Force. A public celebration of the revitalized “Designed by the Public” installation will take place on Thursday, June 18. Community members are invited to visit the Ivy Tech John and Janice Fisher Building Plaza (345 S. High Street, Muncie) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and enjoy…

By Trent Dowling, Former Board Chair and Current Building Committee Chair,  The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County— MUNCIE, IN—When people think about arts and culture investments, they often picture murals, galleries, performances, or public events. Those things matter deeply to a thriving community like Muncie, but creativity also lives in something quieter: the spaces where community life unfolds every day. Architecture shapes how we experience a place. Buildings influence whether downtowns feel vibrant or forgotten, welcoming or disconnected. Historic structures, especially, carry the story of a community forward. They remind us of where we have been while offering…

By Mandy Tucker and Dottie Kreps, Soup Kitchen of Muncie Board members— MUNCIE, IN — The Soup Kitchen of Muncie (SKM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Emily B. Hayes as its new Executive Director. A mission-driven nonprofit leader with extensive experience in food access, community partnerships, sustainability, and program management, Dr. Hayes brings a deep commitment to advancing dignity, equity, and food security throughout the Muncie community. Dr. Hayes joins The Soup Kitchen with a strong background in nonprofit operations and food systems leadership. Most recently, she served as Program Coordinator for the Muncie Food Hub Partnership,…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — 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. More than $150,000 in grants will help schools and nonprofit organizations expand outdoor classrooms, nature play areas, environmental education opportunities, staff training, and hands-on outdoor programming for children and families. The funding builds on more than a decade…