By Jud Fisher—
MUNCIE, IN— Ball Brothers Foundation is pleased to announce that Dan Wolfert will join the Foundation’s team as a new Program Officer. His role with the foundation begins June 3.
“We are excited to welcome Dan to the Ball Brothers Foundation team,” said Jud Fisher, the foundation’s president and chief executive officer. “Dan’s hiring concluded a national search of highly qualified candidates. We were impressed by his understanding of the area in which we operate, his local connections, and his community volunteer work.”
Wolfert, currently vice president of development and marketing at Hillcroft Services, Inc., a local non-profit organization supporting people with disabilities, has also worked in the for-profit sector, with experience as a project manager for Ontario Systems, LLC. Wolfert also spent several years as the athletic director at Yorktown High School.
Wolfert received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stonehill College where he played baseball and is enshrined in the college’s athletic hall of fame. Wolfert attained his master of sports administration and facility management from Ohio University, as well as a certificate in fundraising management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
In his new role, Wolfert will work closely with grant applicants, providing guidance to assist organizations in applying for funding support. Wolfert will further strengthen the foundation’s relationship with current grantees, assist with exploring opportunities to expand grantmaking in alignment with initiatives and special projects, facilitate connections for grantees with additional partners and resources, and support the foundation’s overall grantmaking work.
“Joining Ball Brothers Foundation is a thrilling opportunity for me to be part of an organization that empowers our community through philanthropy and leadership. I am deeply inspired by the legacy of the Ball family and committed to preserving it while driving positive change,” stated Wolfert. “My personal mission aligns perfectly with the foundation’s vision, and I am eager to leverage this role to make an even greater impact in the community I hold dear.”
The addition of Wolfert comes as the foundation continues to implement its “Second Century Strategic Plan,” a comprehensive roadmap for the foundation’s next five years. The plan, developed with input from nearly 100 grantees, community leaders, and peer foundations across Indiana, reaffirms Ball Brothers Foundation’s dedication to place-based and relationship-centered grantmaking.
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest private family foundations. Wolfert joins a team of five other staff members.
About Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. In 2023, the foundation paid out $8.8 million in grants to support place-based initiatives related to arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services, and public affairs. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state.
