Non-Profit

By Chris Flook— MUNCIE, IN—The Delaware County Historical Society is excited to announce the hiring of a new executive director, Karen Vincent. A one year grant to fund the position was generously provided by the Ball Brothers Foundation this spring. Vincent is a respected leader in local history. She spent 31 years as the director of collections at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens. A long-time supporter of the DCHS, Vincent served on the society’s board of directors for almost a decade, including two years as president and one year as co-president. She’s currently the Indiana Historical Society’s official county historian for…

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana Black Expo Muncie Chapter will “Celebrate Culture, Heritage, and Community” and honor contributors to African American culture, progress and achievement in Muncie-Delaware County on Thursday, July 18, 2024 during its 29th Annual Corporate Luncheon. This year’s theme is Educate. Empower. Elevate. Mayor Dan Ridenour will provide opening remarks and luncheon keynote, Muncie native, Dr. Mia Johnson, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Anderson, will highlight the power of education and community. Community awards will be presented to local individuals and organizations for their work in the African American community and beyond.  The luncheon, which takes place…

By Carly Acree King— MUNCIE, IN—Nonprofit Support Network is accepting proposals for breakout sessions for its second annual Nonprofit Summit on Wednesday, October 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm at Horizon Convention Center. The summit will highlight the impact of collaboration through educational sessions, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities for nonprofit professionals across the sector. “Our region is home to an incredible nonprofit sector, filled with dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to make a difference,” shared Carly Acree King, Relationship and Resource Director of Nonprofit Support Network. “They deserve access to educational opportunities and professional development that will further…

By Kelley V. Phillips, Assistant Director— MUNCIE, IN—Red-tail Land Conservancy is excited to announce the installation of new interpretive signs at Muncie’s popular urban nature preserve Dutro-Ernst Woods. These signs are designed to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the natural features and habitats of the preserve. The beautifully illustrated signs provide information about the interdependence of local plants, animals, and habitats within the nature preserve. Visitors can now learn about birds, mammals, insects, trees, and more and the important role the forest, prairie, and pollinator garden play at Dutro-Ernst Woods. “We are thrilled to offer these new educational resources…

By Robby Tompkins, Director of Resource Development— MUNCIE, IN—The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie, in partnership with Muncie Community Schools and the George and Frances Ball Foundation, has established a new site at Southside Middle School to provide access to exceptional after-school programming for more students and families on the south side of Muncie. This new Southside Middle School Site will play a pivotal role in helping teens reach their full potential and to envision a bright future. This site will provide a safe and supportive environment, offer enriching academic support programs, and foster strong relationships with peers and…

By Doug Zaleski— MUNCIE, IN— The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame has elected 13 new members who will be honored in July in its 2024 class. Ty’Ronda Benning, Ben Botts, Zachary Ervin, Rob Fisher, Hayley (Hall) Garard, Jeremy Hazelbaker, Kasin (Spay) Hoke, Kimberly Kuzma, Taylor Morey, Christopher Overholt, George Taylor, Logan Young and Megan (Allen) Zelasko will be inducted July 20 at the Ball State Alumni Center. Tom Childs will be honored at the banquet as this year’s James Lightbody Award of Excellence recipient. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., the banquet is at 6 p.m. and induction…

By Jud Fisher—  MUNCIE, IN—Ball Brothers Foundation, one of Indiana’s oldest and largest family foundations, awarded 33 grants totaling over $4 million in its first funding round of the year. Among the grants are funding for several organizations with long historical ties to the Ball family that are undertaking transformative capital projects: Ball State University, Camp Crosley (YMCA of Muncie), and the YWCA Central Indiana. A $2,500,000 grant awarded to the Ball State University Foundation will support the construction of a new Performing Arts Center adjacent to campus in the area known as the Village. This state-of-the-art facility will offer…

By Jason Haney— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie, Indiana -based ecoREHAB of Muncie has proudly been selected as part of the 2024 Lowe’s Hometowns program, a five-year, $100 million commitment to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide. Since launching in 2022, the signature grant program has renovated 149 community centers, affordable housing facilities, shelters and food pantries; refurbished 15 first responder and veteran/military family facilities; and built and improved 54 community gardens, parks and playgrounds – among many other impactful projects. As one of 100 community projects in 2024 that make up this year’s grant recipients, the Lowe’s Hometowns grant will benefit ecoREHAB’s…