Non-Profit

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University graduate and community engagement professional Suzanne Clem has been named executive director of the 8twelve Coalition, a resident-led neighborhood revitalization alliance in South Muncie. Clem, whose work spans 20 years in fundraising, marketing, health care, and executive leadership, assumed her new role on July 1. She replaces interim executive director Patrick Smith, who stepped in more than a year ago during a transition period for the organization. Originally, the 8twelve Coalition emerged as an initiative of Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity to become a more intentional partner in revitalizing whole neighborhoods, expanding its…

 Every Dollar Donated in July and August Will Be Matched 1:1 to Help Fight Hunger Across East Central Indiana By C.S. Hendershot— MUNCIE, IN—Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana is excited to announce its Summer Match, a special fundraising campaign running throughout July and August. Thanks to the generous support of the Pacers Foundation, every dollar donated during the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every gift made to help neighbors facing food insecurity. As families navigate increased expenses during the summer months and children lose access to school meal programs, the need for food…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — 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. In 2026, Ball Brothers Foundation is marking its 100th anniversary, and the Fisher Governance Award is one of several ways the…

By Doug Zaleski— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame has two major events coming up this summer that have deadlines approaching in order to participate. The 28th annual DCAHOF golf outing, the main fundraiser during the year for the non-profit organization, will be July 24 at Crestview Golf Club. The next day, July 25, the 46th dinner and induction ceremony will welcome 11 new members to its hall of fame. “The golf outing serves as one of the main fundraisers for our organization,” DCAHOF vice president Kaye Harrell said. “Part of the proceeds from this golf outing…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Resists and the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County will co-host a community education meeting on the development of data centers in Delaware County on Monday, June 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie, 4800 W Bradford Drive, Muncie. The event is free and open to the public. The meeting will feature a presentation by Bryce Gustafson, an organizer from Citizens Action Coalition. The event will walk attendees through the facts on data centers: the economic promises developers and officials often make to communities, the environmental and infrastructure…

MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Katherine White received the 2026 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize her dedicated service to Animal Rescue Fund “ARF.” ARF nominated Kathy White in recognition of her exceptional leadership and service to the Muncie community. Katherine “Kathy” White’s nearly three decades of leadership at Animal Rescue Fund of Muncie (ARF) reflects a deep and enduring commitment to both organizational excellence and community impact. “I can honestly say that next to me, I don’t know anyone who has more empathy and respect for dogs and cats than Kathy,” wrote…

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…