MUNCIE—Ball Brothers Foundation (BBF), marking its 90th anniversary in November, has awarded more than $2.2 million in grants to 21 organizations primarily located in Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. With a nod to history, the grants support programs and projects that reflect the interests and priorities of BBF’s founders.
“The dollars have escalated but the focus is the same,” says Jud Fisher, BBF president and chief operating officer. “As an example, one of the Foundation’s earliest grants in the late-1920s was for $25,000 and benefited Muncie’s public schools association. Ninety years later we’re investing more than $900,000 in education initiatives that range from early childhood development to afterschool tutoring to vocational training to an adult leadership series. Our board, which includes third and fourth generation Ball family members, wants to keep pace with changes in the community while being mindful of our founders’ priorities.”
Nine education-related grants awarded by BBF in May will impact children, youth, and families in Muncie and surrounding communities.
- Burris Laboratory School, Continuous Improvement and Innovation Support: $250,000
- Delaware County BY5 Early Childhood Initiative, Operating Support: $50,000
- GT Kids’ Daycare & Preschool, Outdoor Play Environment: $20,000
- Ivy Tech, Fisher Building Landscaping and Auditorium Improvements: $50,000
- Muncie Community Schools, Continuous Improvement and Innovation Support: $350,000
- Motivate Our Minds, Program Support and Technology Upgrades: $30,000
- Roy C. Buley Center, AIM Summer Project: $80,000
- Roy C. Buley Center, EDGE After-School: $30,000
- Shafer Leadership Academy, Capacity Support: $40,000
Continuing the Foundation’s ongoing support for health, wellness, and the environment grant recipients include the James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Association ($100,000) for diabetes research and the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District ($50,000) for watershed projects.
Three grants are designed to strengthen the venues and programs of local arts and culture organizations.
- Cornerstone Center for the Arts, Upgrades and Operating Support: $200,000
- Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Together in Music Outreach: $50,000
- Music for All, 2016 Summer Symposium: $30,000
Other grants will support efforts to improve the quality of life in the city and county.
- Ball State University, The Meth Project—A Community-Wide Education Initiative: $10,000
- City of Muncie Fire Department, Turn-Out Gear: $19,371
- Delaware County Emergency Medical Service, Chemical Identification System: $83,600
- Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity, 2017 Housing Program: $100,000
- Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Revitalization in Thomas Park-Avondale/South Central: $50,000
- Sustainable Muncie Corporation, GearBox: Muncie: $250,000
Organizations that address human service needs within Delaware County and surrounding counties also received Ball Brothers Foundation support.
- Indiana Youth Institute, Organizational Effectiveness Grants: $62,000
- United Way of Delaware County, 2016 Campaign Matching Funds: $100,000
- Youth Opportunity Center, Behavioral Health Services, Facilities and Infrastructure, Employee Recruitment and Retention: $250,000
The deadline for organizations interested in applying for general grant funding during BBF’s second and final grant-making round of the year is July 15. Detailed information about all BBF funding opportunities is available on the Foundation’s website at http://www.ballfdn.org/.
With assets exceeding $160 million, Ball Brothers Foundation annually awards approximately 100 grants. The Muncie-based foundation is led by members of its founding family and gives priority to projects and programs that enhance life in BBF’s home city, county and state.
Ball Brothers Foundation
