Non-Profit

By Trent Dowling, Former Board Chair and Current Building Committee Chair,  The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County— MUNCIE, IN—When people think about arts and culture investments, they often picture murals, galleries, performances, or public events. Those things matter deeply to a thriving community like Muncie, but creativity also lives in something quieter: the spaces where community life unfolds every day. Architecture shapes how we experience a place. Buildings influence whether downtowns feel vibrant or forgotten, welcoming or disconnected. Historic structures, especially, carry the story of a community forward. They remind us of where we have been while offering…

By Mandy Tucker and Dottie Kreps, Soup Kitchen of Muncie Board members— MUNCIE, IN — The Soup Kitchen of Muncie (SKM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Emily B. Hayes as its new Executive Director. A mission-driven nonprofit leader with extensive experience in food access, community partnerships, sustainability, and program management, Dr. Hayes brings a deep commitment to advancing dignity, equity, and food security throughout the Muncie community. Dr. Hayes joins The Soup Kitchen with a strong background in nonprofit operations and food systems leadership. Most recently, she served as Program Coordinator for the Muncie Food Hub Partnership,…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation, one of Indiana’s oldest and largest family foundations, has awarded more than $1.8 million in its spring round of grants as the organization marks its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026. A major focus of this funding round supports outdoor learning and nature-based play initiatives across East Central Indiana. More than $150,000 in grants will help schools and nonprofit organizations expand outdoor classrooms, nature play areas, environmental education opportunities, staff training, and hands-on outdoor programming for children and families. The funding builds on more than a decade…

By Karen Vincent, Executive Director, Delaware County Historical Society— MUNCIE, IN — Community leaders across Delaware County have come together to form a steering committee that will guide planning and execution of the county’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2027. Marking 200 years since Delaware County’s founding in 1827, the bicentennial will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the county’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future. The newly formed committee will help shape a series of events, initiatives, and community engagement opportunities designed to reflect the spirit of the entire county. The committee is co-chaired by Marcy Minton of The Community Foundation of Muncie…

Free monthly virtual gatherings will help leaders explore practical uses, ethics, and adoption of artificial intelligence By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN — Shafer Leadership Academy is launching AI Leadership Lab: Real Conversations about AI, a new monthly virtual conversation series designed to help professionals better understand and navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. The free series will take place monthly from 12:00–1:00 p.m. EST via Zoom and is open to professionals across industries and experience levels. Rather than traditional presentations or technical lectures, AI Leadership Lab is designed as an interactive conversation space where participants can explore real-world applications…

By Missy Modesitt, Executive Director, Muncie BY5— MUNCIE, IN—BY5’s Second Annual Early Childhood Professionals’ Summit on April 25, 2026 was more than an event — it was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community invests in the people shaping its youngest learners. With nearly 250 attendees from 10 counties gathering on a Saturday to learn, connect, and grow, the conference demonstrated the passion and dedication that exists within our early childhood workforce. This year’s theme, “Play Builds Brains, Advocacy Builds Futures,” captured the heart of the day. Early childhood educators know that play is not simply fun —…

By PhyXTGears Media Team— EAST CENTRAL INDIANA—After an impressive performance at the Indiana State Championship, FRC Team 1720, also known as the PhyXTGears, recently competed at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas. FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, and its mission is to inspire K-12 students to pursue careers in science, technology, and engineering. FRC, or FIRST Robotics Competition, is the largest-scale program FIRST offers. This program gives high school students a chance to gain real-world, hands-on experience with engineering and technology concepts. PhyXTGears also celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, which made the…

By Kallie Sulanke—  MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County recognizes the following finalists for the 2026 David Sursa Leadership Award: Jeffrey Heavilon, Exchange Club of Muncie; Kourtney McCauliff, Cornerstone Center for the Arts; Jeff Tingler, Grow Market; Douglas White, Jackie L. Michael Foundation; and Katherine White, Animal Rescue Fund. The David Sursa Leadership Award was established in memory of the Foundation’s first board leader. As the inaugural President, David Sursa blazed the trail for The Community Foundation. His visionary leadership contributed significantly to the Foundation’s success and the generous support it has provided to our community. The…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—Organizations of all types face a challenge that rarely shows up on a balance sheet: building strong leadership. They need people who can not only do the job, but also communicate clearly, navigate conflict, motivate others, and guide organizations through change. For almost two decades, Shafer Leadership Academy in Muncie has been working to help individuals grow into those skills while strengthening the organizations and communities they serve. Ball Brothers Foundation has been among the long-standing supporters of the organization’s growth and reach. Over the years, the foundation has provided a mix…