Non-Profit

By Marisa Rose, Muncie and Delaware County BY5— Muncie, IN—The 8twelve Coalition, a local neighborhood revitalization group representing portions of Thomas Park/Avondale and South Central neighborhoods, has a new scholarship program available to assist adult learners (age 18+) obtain higher education. Adult learners living in Thomas Park/Avondale or South Central neighborhoods can request up to $500 to help fund a variety of educational expenses. Examples of educational expenses that could be covered under the scholarship are tuition assistance, childcare costs, book fees, transportation costs, and school supplies. Applications will be reviewed by the 8twelve Educational Action team. Applications will be…

By Heather Williams, MAP Task Force 2 Leader— Muncie, IN—COVID-19 hasn’t stopped Muncie’s neighborhood associations from supporting their residents. Improvement and advocacy work continued throughout 2020 and this year’s I.D.E.A. Conference will be a time to celebrate these efforts. Due to the pandemic, the 6th annual I.D.E.A. Conference will look a little different this year. Previously, I.D.E.A. has involved break-out sessions and moving participants between a variety of spaces for an interactive and informative day of learning, networking, and community building. This year, we are going to hear from the neighborhoods themselves in a series of brief seven minute presentations…

By Mary and Cornelius Dollison— Muncie, IN—Family reunification has been a hot topic across the country for the past several years. Learning about parents’ cases experiencing separation from their children has brought about all kinds of emotions from parents and kids alike. On foreign matters, we rely on the federal government to lead the way. However, immigration policies have become such a political issue that the process has become a nightmare for many immigrants. When you add in an international public health crisis this past year— many individuals and families have felt powerless to do anything. During these challenging times,…

 By Juli Metzger, Board Member, IYI— Muncie, IN—The fourth annual Delaware County State of the Child, presented by the Indiana Youth Institute, will focus this year on using data to advance equity. Sponsored by the United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counites and Ball State University, the virtual summit is set for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 12. Presentation of the 2021 Indiana KIDS COUNT Data Book, which covers issues like family stressors by race and ethnicity, and issues for working families, will focus this year on equity and inclusion data. The 90-minute workshop dissects the latest information…

By ECIRPD— Muncie, IN—No matter if it’s the first steps toward a $30-million plan to widen an interstate highway through two counties, or less than $2,000 to paint markings at a town railroad crossing, growth and improvements and economic development don’t just happen. They require coordinated efforts like those the staff of the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District tackles every day. Created to serve communities throughout East Central Indiana, the Regional Planning District is supported by municipal partners in Delaware, Blackford and Grant counties. The ECIRPD works with its partners in government to improve the quality of life in…

By Dr. Ruby Cain— Muncie, IN—UNITY in OUR Community Presents Love Fest: Celebrating our Firsts Join us in celebrating our community trailblazers who were the first in job position, community action, academic achievement, and more. If you know of a first, please share with us. Email a brief description and picture, if available to nyalugwemd@gmail.com. WHEN: Saturday February 27, 2021 TIME: 2 to 4 pm WHERE: Minnetrista (limited to 50 attendees) 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway, Muncie IN 47302 Masks, Social Distancing, and Temperature Screening enforced due to COVID-19. RSVP/Questions to Dr. Mabala Nyalugwe at 765-876-8055 (text or call)    

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN – The YMCA of Muncie is launching its annual fundraising campaign on February 24, via Zoom, to help ensure everyone in the community has access to vital community programs and resources – especially during these challenging times. Every year, the YMCA works to respond to the needs of the community and this year is no different. Since the country began seeing the effects of COVID-19, the Y mobilized to provide the essential services needed. Since March 2020, the Y has: provided meals to children and families in our community; provided child care to essential workers;…

By Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $597,500 to 14 non-profit organizations during the first Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2021. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, human services, economic development, education, and community betterment. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is a publicly supported philanthropic…

By Amy Logan— Muncie, IN—The annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie’s Great Futures Dinner is scheduled for April 22, 2021 at 6 p.m. This year, guests can attend the event from the comforts of their own home via a live stream on the Clubs’ Facebook page, website, and YouTube channel. The Great Future’s Dinner is one of the Clubs’ annual fundraisers. This year, the money raised will fund a 7-week summer camp program for the Club Kids. Guests can contribute to the fundraiser in a number of ways: Register for the event and auction Sponsor the event (limited opportunities…