By: Jud Fisher—
Ball Brothers Foundation is accepting nominations through August 15 for its annual John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award which recognizes the important role that board members play in the governance of nonprofit organizations. The award honors the efforts of a single board member of a Delaware County nonprofit organization whose strategic planning and oversight skills have contributed to the organization’s mission, financial stability, and general effectiveness. Included in the honor is a $10,000 grant to the organization that the recognized board member represents.
This marks the fifth year of the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award. Previous award winners included Pat Botts representing Greater Muncie, IN Habitat for Humanity in 2014, Nancy Turner representing Muncie Public Library in 2013, Jeff Parsons representing Youth Opportunity Center in 2012, and Teresa Willman, representing Cardinal Greenway, Inc. in 2011. Award winners are selected based on nominations highlighting practical ways that the nominee board member has demonstrated exemplary leadership and characteristics of integrity, responsibility, and accountability. Nominees must have served on the organization’s board for a minimum of two years. Foundations are not eligible to nominate their board members for the award.
“The Fisher Governance Award provides Ball Brothers Foundation the opportunity to celebrate individuals in our community that go above and beyond as they commit their time, skill sets, and resources to nonprofit board service,” stated Jud Fisher, President and COO of Ball Brothers Foundation. “All across Delaware County, board members work—often behind the scenes—to help their nonprofit organizations address pressing needs, marshal new resources, and proactively plan for the future. This award helps Ball Brothers Foundation reiterate its belief in the importance of high quality board members and effective governance.”
The Governance Award honors the memory of Delaware County philanthropists John W. and Janice B. Fisher. Mr. Fisher (1915-2009) exhibited strong and compassionate leadership, serving for a decade as president and chairman of Ball Brothers Foundation among his many community commitments. His wife, Janice Fisher (1916-2010), was daughter of the industrialist-philanthropist Edmund Burke Ball whose estate initially helped to establish the Ball Brothers Foundation. Janice shared her husband’s love for the Muncie community and was a strong advocate for a number of issues.
Nominations are due by 4 pm on Saturday, August 15. Submission details and a link to the on-line nomination form are available at http://www.ballfdn.org. The winner will be announced at the Muncie-Delaware Chamber of Commerce Dinner on October 29, 2015.
Ball Brothers Foundation
With assets exceeding $165 million, Ball Brothers Foundation annually makes grants in support of arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services and public affairs. The Muncie-based family foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in BBF’s home city, county and state.
