Non-Profit

Listening to Our Community: A Lesson in Using Public Knowledge

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—The strength of a community lies in its ability to listen, learn, and act together. At Heart of Indiana United Way, alongside our Community Foundation partners, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with community members to hear their hopes, challenges, and visions for the future. These conversations underscore the value of public knowledge and input in guiding decisions that impact local families, businesses, and organizations. When decision-making bodies, such as city councils and county governments, prioritize…

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American Electric Power Grant Provides New Vehicle for Muncie Mission

By Bob Scott— MUNCIE, IN—A fourth quarter grant from Indiana Michigan Power and the AEP Foundation blessed Muncie Mission with a new vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries. The panel delivery van will support the Mission’s efforts to rescue food donations from local restaurants, food producers, and distribution centers, as well as move clothing, furniture and household items among ministry locations. “This gift is truly a blessing, especially now during the busy holiday season,” said Bob Scott, VP of Development at…


The Soup Kitchen of Muncie Welcomes New Executive Director

By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN — The Soup Kitchen of Muncie is proud to announce the appointment of Kristina Houk as its new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Houk brings a wealth of experience in kitchen management, community outreach, marketing, and relationship building, as well as a deep commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the Muncie community. Houk succeeds Loretta Parsons, who retired after 13 years as Executive Director and 20 overall years of remarkable service to the…


Scholarship Applications are Now Available

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Delaware County high school seniors and current college students can apply for scholarships through Monday, February 24. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County manages more than 50 scholarships. Scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 benefit students each year. Students should visit DelawareCountyScholarships.com to begin their application. WHO CAN APPLY? Requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship. Most scholarships are available for high school seniors in Delaware County, Ind. Some scholarships are also available for current…


Local Community Unites to Support Foster Care Youth with ‘Comfort Cases Packing Party’ in Muncie

By Lauren A. Schregardus— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday, December 10, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Comfort Cases, and Isaiah House 1:17 joined forces at the Ross Community Center in Muncie to host a heartwarming event aimed at improving the lives of foster care children throughout Delaware County. Approximately 40 local individuals including volunteers from these organizations, alongside local community partners, gathered to pack 200 backpacks filled with essential and comforting items for children entering local foster care. The backpacks, which…


Local Families Promote Reading, Dreaming, Doing

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Research shows 90 percent of brain development occurs within the first five years of life. It’s one reason why early childhood engagements like play matters. That’s just one statistic that is driving the local Cradle to Career Muncie support network, a national movement that has emerged locally. C2CMuncie is made up of 9 Collaborative Action Networks each led by a local nonprofit, whose cross-sector team members focus on a timeline that goes from pre-kindergarten to career….


2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients from Delaware County Announced

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Delaware County – Zachary Baty from Delta High School and Josephine Burton from Burris Laboratory High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Delaware County must show great leadership potential, be well-rounded in their involvement, and…


CenterPoint Energy Supports the 2025 Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Krista Flynn— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in collaboration with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, and Habitat for Humanity, would like to announce the renewal of the CenterPoint Scholars Program. Thanks to a second generous grant from CenterPoint Energy, this groundbreaking initiative will continue to empower community leaders and foster meaningful change in Muncie’s vibrant neighborhoods. The CenterPoint Scholars Program is a…


Community Grants Totaling $164K Awarded This Week

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $164,406 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and…


Minnetrista Gives Back: Community Drive to Support Local Families to Take Place on November 23

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens invites the community to come together on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to give back to those in need. During this time, Minnetrista will be collecting essential donations to benefit four important local organizations: The Excel Center, Muncie Firefighters Toys for Tots, Open Door Health Services, and Whitely Community Food Pantry. These organizations are dedicated to supporting families and individuals in our region, especially during the holiday…