March 2024: Grantee Spotlight: ecoREHAB, Day in the Life, and more
For many years, BBF has supported disaster response efforts across the state following major tornadoes and other natural disasters. Through our Emergency Management grantmaking initiative, the foundation has also worked to provide specialized training and equipment to local agencies to prepare for large scale disasters.
On March 14, the response needs hit close to home with a tornado impacting both Delaware and Randolph counties.
Jud Fisher guest on “765 Business Journal Radio Show;” highlights foundation’s giving to bolster local K-12 public schools
President and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, Jud Fisher, reflects on the foundation’s past decade of support for K-12 public schools in the heart of Muncie. With $5M+ in total funding awarded to Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School since 2014, Fisher explains the foundation’s support for the “margins of excellence.” Fisher also describes the foundation’s history of engagement with MCS during the district’s ups-and-downs.
Grantee Spotlight: ecoREHAB
Transforming Communities Through Sustainable Development and Construction Trades Training
In the heart of Muncie, there's an organization powerfully reshaping the landscape—and the workforce—one house at a time and one life at a time. ecoREHAB, a nonprofit headquartered in Muncie’s Old West End, is on a mission to help revitalize the community's neighborhoods through sustainable design, rehabilitation, and education.
Military, Law Enforcement, Higher Ed Officials Convene in Muncie to Discuss Cybersecurity and Cyberdefense Workforce Pipeline
Last month, officials from the miliary, law enforcement, and local universities gathered in Muncie to discuss cybercrime, cybersecurity, and the future of workforce training for growing cyber needs.
February 2024: Announcing new board members, Grantee Spotlight: support for Muncie's Central City schools, grant deadlines, and more
As the foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, we are excited to announce the appointment of two community members, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to our Board of Directors.
Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members
As Ball Brothers Foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, it is proud to announce the appointment of two esteemed community leaders, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to its Board of Directors.
Grantee Spotlight: Supporting Public Education in Muncie
Over the past decade, Ball Brothers Foundation has dramatically increased its support for public schools in the heart of Muncie’s Central City: Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School.
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses funding for cybersecurity and healthcare
Jud Fisher from Ball Brothers Foundation talks about recent Cybersecurity efforts, as well as a recent funding initiative in the healthcare sector.
January 2024: Grantee Spotlight: Q&A on cybercrime, 2024 grant reminders, and more
In our latest Q&A, we feature Delaware County Prosecutor Eric M. Hoffman who provides insight on the prevalence of cybercrime in East Central Indiana, his office's role in expediting digital evidence processing, collaboration with other agencies, and plans for future growth.
Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Delaware County Prosecutor on cybercrime in East Central Indiana
Cybercrime is a growing problem across the world and right here at home. Local businesses, nonprofits, and school districts have all been victims of cyberattacks. Individuals often fall victim to scams, and digital devices are often used in crimes of all kinds. Ball Brothers Foundation provided early funding for fighting local cybercrime through an initiative the foundation launched in 2020 called “Project Sybertooth.”
December 2023: Our Year in Review, ten tips for grant applications, funding deadlines, and more
On behalf of the entire BBF team, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
Many of our staff members will be out of the office from December 25-January 1. If you'd like to reach a member of our team, feel free to send an email and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Ten Tips for Applying for a Ball Brothers Foundation Grant
Ball Brothers Foundation values transparency, clear communication, and a shared commitment to community impact. In this article, we present ten essential tips to help you craft a successful grant application. Whether you are applying for a Rapid Grant ($5,000 or less) of one of our General Grants, check out our insights below.
2023 Year in Review
In 2023, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded 174 grants to organizations in Muncie, Delaware County, and Indiana. These grants totaled $8.8 million, the second-highest payout in the foundation's history.
Throughout the year, we were busy with site visits, convening grantees, and more. Take a look back at just a few of the highlights in our "Year in Review."
Jud Fisher guest on “Delaware County Today;” discusses recent grants
Jud Fisher, president and CEO of the Ball Brothers Foundation, talks about recently approved grants totaling $5 million, to be donated to several projects throughout East Central Indiana.
November 2023: Program Officer Search, Announcing 2023 Fall Grants, and More
This fall, our board approved 36 grants totaling $5 million in funding in our second and final round of grants for 2023. The grants are closely aligned with the foundation’s commitment to place-based grantmaking. Read about some of the grantees and their initiatives:
Funding for Expansion of Trails in East Central Indiana Part of $5 Million Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation approved 36 grants totaling $5 million in its second and final round of grants for 2023. The grants remain aligned with the foundation’s dedication to place-based grantmaking. Two significant grants have been awarded to advance vital trail projects that are set to transform East Central Indiana (ECI) and foster regional connectivity—Cardinal Greenways and Healthy Communities of Henry County.
Hiring: Program Officer
Ball Brothers Foundation—one of Indiana’s oldest and largest family foundations—is growing its staff with the addition of a Program Officer. The Program Officer will play a key role in advancing the foundation’s “place-based grantmaking” strategy, managing relationships with grantees and potential applicants across Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana.
October 2023: Grantee Q&A, regional planning, tour with DNR, and more
Get to know Trevor Friedeberg, President/CEO of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, in our latest grantee Q&A.Trevor is helping to lead East Central Indiana’s pursuit of up to $75 million in state funding through the READI program. The program is designed to infuse regions with funding that will help to attract and retain talent.
BBF Awards Grants for Regional Planning Efforts
Like many Midwestern communities, Muncie and East Central Indiana have been greatly impacted by changing economic forces over the past several decades. From glass manufacturing to the automotive industry, our city and region have long been home to generations of creative, hard-working innovators. We are a city and a region of “makers.” And while changes in the global economy have undoubtedly impacted this area, significant efforts are underway to plan for the region’s bright future.
BBF Hosts Tour for Indiana Department of Natural Resources
This fall, BBF staff hosted Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner and Deputy Director Chris Smith for a day long tour of key projects in Muncie and East Central Indiana that have received foundation and DNR support.