Non-Profit

How Muncie Community Schools Became a Model for Public School Transformation

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Over the past decade, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has undergone one of the most significant periods of transformation in the district’s history. What began with difficult, but necessary decisions around consolidation and financial stabilization have evolved into an unprecedented collaboration that is positioning the district as a national model. In 2013, district leaders made the difficult decision to consolidate the city’s two high schools, a major transition intended to help address financial and enrollment challenges that had developed over many years. The years that followed brought additional change, including governance…

Read More

Public is Invited to Free Educational Event About Development of AI Data Centers in Delaware County

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Resists and the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County will co-host a community education meeting on the development of data centers in Delaware County on Monday, June 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie, 4800 W Bradford Drive, Muncie. The event is free and open to the public. The meeting will feature a presentation by Bryce Gustafson, an organizer from Citizens Action Coalition. The event will walk attendees through the facts on data centers: the economic promises developers and officials often make to communities, the environmental and infrastructure…


Kathy White Named 2026 Recipient of The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award 

MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Katherine White received the 2026 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize her dedicated service to Animal Rescue Fund “ARF.” ARF nominated Kathy White in recognition of her exceptional leadership and service to the Muncie community. Katherine “Kathy” White’s nearly three decades of leadership at Animal Rescue Fund of Muncie (ARF) reflects a deep and enduring commitment to both organizational excellence and community impact. “I can honestly say that next to me, I don’t know anyone who has more empathy and respect for dogs and cats than Kathy,” wrote…


Indiana Considers Changes to Childcare Licensing Regulations

By Emma Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Long before a child walks into a kindergarten classroom, someone helped prepare them for that moment. Someone taught them how to share, solve problems, follow routines, communicate their needs, and build confidence outside the walls of their home. Someone noticed when they were struggling, celebrated when they succeeded, and helped lay the foundation for future learning. For thousands of children across Delaware County that someone was an early childhood educator. Today, Indiana is considering changes to childcare licensing regulations that would lower qualification requirements for childcare leaders and educators while reducing professional standards that have long…


Nearly 1,000 Attend Delaware County Special Needs Prom at Horizon Convention Center

By Mindy Kemper, Co-Founder, Delaware County Special Needs Prom— MUNCIE, IN—The 2026 Delaware County Special Needs Prom transformed the Horizon Convention Center into a celebration of joy, inclusion, and community Saturday, May 16, as nearly 1,200 attendees came together for one of the region’s most impactful annual events. The evening welcomed individuals with special needs, families, caregivers, volunteers, educators, advocates, and community supporters from throughout East Central Indiana for a prom experience designed to ensure every guest felt celebrated, valued, and included. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with music, dancing, formal wear, entertainment, and countless moments of connection and celebration. Before…


Red-tail Land Conservancy Hires Nick Werner as New Executive Director

By Red-tail Conservancy— MUNCIE, IN—The Red-tail Land Conservancy Board of Directors has hired Nick Werner to serve as the organization’s executive director. Werner replaces Julie Borgmann who retired this spring after 8 years of service. He has a personal passion for the outdoors and conservation and professional experience in marketing strategy, communications and fundraising. A search committee worked for several months to identify a leader who reflects Red-tail Land Conservancy’s mission, values and future aspirations. “We are confident in Nick’s leadership and excited about his ability to build on the success and growth our organization has experienced in recent years,”…


68 Scholars Received $281,400 in Scholarship Support from The Community Foundation

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $281,400 to 68 Delaware County high school graduates and current college students during the 2026 scholarship season. Scholarships range from one-time $500 awards to four-year awards supporting persistence toward degree attainment.  MarQuis Allen is the recipient of the Robert L. Thompson Scholarship. He is a graduate of Muncie Central High School. MarQuis plans to attend Wabash College to study Financial Economics. He is the son of Daphne Allen.  Finn Almandmoss is the recipient of the eKeeper Systems UnParalleled Excellence Scholarship. He is a graduate of…


Coalition of Women Seeking Nominations for Vivian V. Conley Recognition Awards

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie-Delaware County Coalition of Women is seeking nominations of local women to honor during the annual Women’s Equality Day Program. The coalition invites nominations of women who have made a significant contribution in the arts, education, religion, business, politics, environment, and social or community service by improving the quality of life in Delaware County. Other categories also will be considered. Nominees must live and work in Delaware County. A letter of nomination of 250 words or fewer describing the nominee’s contributions should be submitted by July 8 to: womensequalitydaymuncie@gmail.com or by mail to ATTN: Women’s…


MuncieArts, Ivy Tech, and MadJax to Reveal Revamped ‘Designed by the Public’ Installation on June 18

Community to also celebrate MuncieArts’ 15th Birthday By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts), in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and MadJax Maker Force, is excited to announce the revitalization of the “Designed by the Public” installations at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building Plaza and MadJax Maker Force. A public celebration of the revitalized “Designed by the Public” installation will take place on Thursday, June 18. Community members are invited to visit the Ivy Tech John and Janice Fisher Building Plaza (345 S. High Street, Muncie) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and enjoy…


The Art of Investing In Place

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…