By Jud Fisher—
MUNCIE, IN – Ball Brothers Foundation is excited to welcome two new Fellows for 2024: Brian Statz, President & CEO of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, and Carly Acree King, Relationship and Resource Director at Nonprofit Support Network (NSN).
For the past nineteen years, the Fellows Program has connected two nonprofit leaders in East Central Indiana with the foundation to encourage open, two-way dialogue. The program gives Fellows the opportunity to learn about foundation operations and share their own perspectives on nonprofit and community issues. Fellows meet monthly with foundation staff from April through December to engage in meaningful discussions to help strengthen their leadership while also providing valuable feedback from a grantee’s perspective.
Below, Brian and Carly share their experience and the insights they have gained so far.
Brian Statz, President & CEO, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
Before joining Minnetrista, Brian spent 15 years at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as VP of Operations and General Counsel, and previously worked as a lawyer in Indianapolis. Brian’s passion for museums and their role in enriching community experiences led him to Minnetrista, where he has been focused on expanding offerings that connect others to Muncie and East Central Indiana.
Reflecting on his first year at Minnetrista, Brian says, “Muncie has a rich culture and deep history that I’m still exploring. It’s a fascinating place, and I’m thrilled to be here.” Through the Fellows Program, Brian has gained valuable insights into how foundations operate and what funders look for, helping him align Minnetrista’s goals with broader community needs. The program’s materials, discussions, and site visits have provided concrete examples for Brian. “Seeing successful business practices and understanding what funders value has been instrumental as our organization starts shaping its plans for the future,” he notes.
“This experience has been both enlightening and surprising, giving me knowledge directly relevant to the success of my organization through real-world examples shared by others. It’s helping me become a better leader and giving me the confidence to ensure Minnetrista remains relevant and engaging for our community.”—Brian Statz
Brian has valued the program’s support for personal development, including the introduction of an executive coach. “Having a coach has been incredibly beneficial. It’s a voice I didn’t have before, offering objective advice that allows me to see different perspectives,” he shares. Brian appreciates the program’s emphasis on applying concepts to reality and the foundation’s investment in its community’s nonprofit leaders.
Carly Acree King, Relationship and Resource Director, Nonprofit Support Network
Carly, a lifelong Muncie resident, has dedicated 17 years to nonprofit work. Prior to working at NSN, Carly served as a Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, the organization that helped launch NSN two years ago. Carly’s deep-rooted passion for community service and her background in various nonprofit roles have shaped her approach to leadership in her current position.
“I feel a deep sense of pride knowing that the years of dedication I’ve invested in our community are being recognized. The support of the Fellows Program is incredibly validating, affirming my ability to be a strong leader and drive positive change.”—Carly Acree King
Carly joined the Fellows Program with a desire to explore her curiosity about foundation work. She values the chance to learn about Ball Brothers Foundation’s grantmaking philosophies and connect with other foundations, asking detailed questions to deepen her understanding. This has been instrumental in helping her navigate and grow a newly established organization. She shares, “It was an honor to be invited. The opportunity to learn about Ball Brothers Foundation’s approach and to have candid conversations about their grantmaking has been incredibly valuable.”
She finds the program’s approach to supporting nonprofit leaders particularly impactful. “The foundation’s genuine interest in learning from and supporting us has been inspiring,” she details. Carly has also begun to apply insights from the program to her work at NSN, particularly in evaluating and refining partnerships to ensure they align with the organization’s mission.
Want to get to know the Fellows of 2024 and their organizations a little more? Read Brian and Carly’s Grantee Spotlight stories.
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.
