Non-Profit

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind. — Throughout recent years, college enrollment nationwide has seen a steady decrease. To stay relevant, David Wantz, president and CEO of Independent Colleges of Indiana, said colleges need to do one thing: innovate. “Colleges are going to have to find a way of differentiating themselves in order to stay alive,” Wantz said. “From a strictly pecuniary viewpoint, they’ve got to diversify. They’ve got to innovate, or they’ll die.” To spearhead innovation, ICI has, for the past 23 years, distributed grants to Indiana private colleges through the Ball Venture Fund. Funded annually by Ball Brothers Foundation,…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $136,400 to 11 non-profit organizations during the third Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2021. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, human services, economic development, education, and community betterment. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is a publicly supported philanthropic institution governed by…

By Mo Orbin, Neighborhood Coordinator— MUNCIE, IN—The “$2 Tour of the Village” returns on Saturday August 28th, from 4p – 8p on a closed University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets. This event is hosted by Village merchants, the Riverside/Normal City Neighborhood Association (RNC), and the Muncie Action Plan and is made possible by the support of Ball State University as well as sponsors including the Muncie Map Company and Tribune Showprint. “The Village is an important part of our neighborhood and we had such a great time with the festival in 2019,” said Heather Williams, President of RNC. “This…

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, Ind.—Recognized for their distinct and honorable contributions in their community and in their circle of influence, six Muncie women are the honorees for the Coalition of Women’s Organizations 2021 Women’s Equality Day celebration. The event celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Honorees this year are: Lindsey Arthur, CEO of Habitat of Muncie, Distinction in Community Development Leadership Dr. Mia D. Johnson, Chancellor of Ivy Tech, Anderson campus, Distinction in Educational Empowerment Leadership Beth Goetz, Director of Athletic at Ball State University, Distinction in Athleticism Leadership Teresa Long, cosmetologist and…

By Kim Gillenwater— MUNCIE, Ind.—At Second Harvest Food Bank, we believe our greatest asset is our amazing team of employees. Dedicated, hardworking, and caring, they put their hearts into providing essential resources to our neighbors in need and continuing the mission of giving help for today and hope for tomorrow. Whether by making sure there are plenty of nutritious food options at a tailgate distribution or connecting with local community members and organizations, they continuously strive to connect with the communities they serve. Recently, our entire staff participated in training focused on learning more about poverty and the lasting effects…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—One thousand American flags will wave on the lawn at Minnetrista beside the White River Greenway during Flags of Honor, September 4-11. Flags of Honor is in partnership with the Exchange Club of Muncie in honor and memory of local veterans, current service personnel, fallen heroes, and all who wish to display their pride for our country. With a gift of $30, friends, families, and organizations will receive a ribbon to place on a flag to display during the designated event dates. Flags of Honor is an annual event for families and visitors to join together…

By Lindsey Cox, MDCB, Vice-President— MUNCIE, Ind.—Save the Date and Pre-register for the annual White River Clean-up: September 18, 8 am-noon at Muncie’s Westside Park! Since 2006, Muncie-Delaware Clean & Beautiful and the Muncie Sanitary District have organized over 4,600 volunteers to remove 130,000 pounds of trash (including over 800 tires) from the White River. Join us this September as that tradition of stewardship continues! This year’s event will be in honor of Toni Cecil’s memory. Toni, who passed in April 2021, developed the White River Clean-up and led the event every year. Crews on foot and in canoes will span…

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Muncie Land Bank recently hired Meghan Jennings as the Executive Director on July 12, 2021 to manage the organization in its mission to acquire abandoned and blighted property, preserve it, and provide it to the public for strategic redevelopment. She is joining the organization at a time of increasing growth, as the Muncie Land Bank recently sold 27 properties in five auctions. Meghan received her master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ball State University. She has five years of experience with comprehensive planning, development regulations, and community engagement. “I’m excited to…

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, Ind.— Critical restoration work has begun on the upper floors of the west side of Cornerstone Center for the Arts (also known historically as the Masonic Temple) to stop water damage and bricks and mortar deterioration. The damage over the years has begun to impact not only the outside of the building but also hand-painted artwork inside. Some of the interior walls and a portion of the historic murals, 22 oil-on-canvas paintings, each 12 x 14 feet, have water damage and will have to be repaired at some point. The paintings depict Masonic rituals as well as…