Non-Profit

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie and Delaware County have recently welcomed a multitude of economic development announcements rife with job opportunities. But the region has long faced a shortage of qualified workers—a shortage that was only further fueled by the pandemic. Ball Brothers Foundation recently made two grants to support local workforce development efforts, hoping to help Muncie to be more competitive and ready for post-pandemic ventures. “By partnering with a number of community organizations on workforce development initiatives—in addition to supporting education and quality of place efforts—Ball Brothers Foundation has long been committed to improving the work/live/play…

By Jeff Mosier— MUNCIE, Ind.—Fellowship of Christian Athletes of East Central Indiana is very happy to announce that Chris Holtmann, Ohio State University Men’s Head Basketball Coach, will be the special guest speaker for the 2021 FCA Banquet Thursday AUGUST 19th at the Horizon Convention Center. Coach Holtmann’s played at Taylor University. He began his college head coaching career at Gardner-Webb University followed by Butler University, until his move to Ohio State in 2017-2018. There is no cost to attend the event. He was the BIG East Coach of the Year in 2017 and Big Ten Coach of the Year…

By Amy Leffingwell— Muncie, IN— Since March of 2021, 27 of 39 properties held by the Muncie Land Bank have been successfully sold to local Muncie residents. With a growing number of properties left vacant due to blight and demolished dilapidated houses, along with a difficult to maneuver tax sale system, the Muncie Land Bank was established in July of 2017. By November of that year, the State of Indiana incorporated the Muncie Land Bank. In October of 2018, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded the land bank funds to hire a consultant to help the organization get up and running. The…

By Dottie Kreps, Soup Kitchen of Muncie board member— MUNCIE, Ind.—For over 25 years the Soup Kitchen of Muncie has been serving those in need of a meal in our community. Now you have a chance to support the Soup Kitchen and enjoy an evening out.  On August 28th the Annual Soup Kitchen Dinner and Auction will take place at the Horizon Convention Center. Cocktails will start at 5pm and dinner will be served at 6pm. Volunteers work with the staff to prepare hot, nutritious meals and sack lunches to hand out to anyone who comes to the Soup Kitchen, providing…

By United Way Communications— EAST CENTRAL INDIANA – Heart of Indiana United Way (HIUW) is pleased to announce that it has received a second COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative grant for $1,038,592 from Indiana United Ways, the state professional association of which HIUW is a member.  The grant will be used to support our community in meeting basic human needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is one of 47 grants that Indiana United Ways is making to member organizations and community foundations through the initiative, which was made possible by funding Indiana United Ways received from Lilly Endowment…

By Rachel Combs— Muncie, IN— Patterson Block Muncie is hosting a grand opening celebration on Thursday, August 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm during the Arts Walk in downtown Muncie. This will be a family-friendly event with food vendors, live music, games, giveaways, local artist displays and more. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00 pm. The Patterson building was built in 1876 by Arthur F. Patterson and is one of the largest historic buildings in downtown Muncie at a staggering 21,000 square feet. This iconic building’s newest owner is Kimberly Ferguson, a native Hoosier and Ball State graduate….

By Dominic Bordenaro, Data & Marketing Coordinator— Muncie, IN—Registration for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie’s Back2School programs are now open! Our after school and virtual learning programs are geared towards academic success, healthy lifestyles, and building character & leadership skills. All Club members receive dinner and a snack every day. Programs include homework help, computer coding, sports & fitness, and more. These programs cost a one-time membership fee of $15 per child. Transportation is available from Inspire Academy,East Washington Academy, Grissom Elementary, Southview Elementary, North View Elementary, Longfellow Elementary, West View Elementary, Southside Middle School and Northside Middle…

By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN—Delaware County nonprofits have until Aug. 15 to nominate one of their board members for Ball Brothers Foundation’s annual John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award, which recognizes board members who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their organization. “Board members serve a vital role for nonprofits. The pandemic has emphasized just how important a strong board is to the resiliency of an organization. As we move into a new phase of recovery, dedicated board members will only become more of a necessity,” said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of the foundation. “It is through…