Non-Profit

By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN — Music has the power to unify, said Scott Watkins. As the new executive director of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Watkins plans to do just that: bring the community together through music. “There’s something about the beauty and the truth in music—when it comes together, it creates something very powerful,” Watkins said. “Music has the power to unify, it really does. It goes straight to the heart; people feel it, and they’re a part of it. When people listen to music, they don’t look at skin color or demographic background; they are looking at how…

Editor’s note: Due to the forecasted cold weather on April 1, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties has decided to postpone their Celebration event. The concert has been rescheduled and will now take place on Saturday, May 15th at 3:30pm at Canan Commons. By Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties invites its donors, partners, and other community stakeholders to join them in celebrating a remarkable fundraising campaign on April 1 – in conjunction with Muncie’s First Thursday – at Canan Commons. “The generosity of our communities is astounding,” said United Way President & CEO…

By Heather Williams, Task Force 2 Leader, Muncie Action Plan—   Muncie, IN—For many, the 2020 I.D.E.A. Conference was the last large in-person event they attended prior to the COVID-19 lock-down that shifted community building work over the last year. This year marked the 6th Annual I.D.E.A. Conference, which was held on Saturday, March 6th at Pruis Hall on Ball State’s Campus. This year’s event was held in-person as well as broadcasted live via Muncie Action Plan’s Facebook page. The theme of the event this year was “Thriving not Surviving” and the stories shared by the neighborhood leaders spoke to…

By Qiana Clemens— Muncie, IN—The Great Futures Dinner is a long-standing tradition benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie (BGCM), and this year’s event will prove to be like no other. This year’s virtual program will stream online on the Club’s Facebook page, website, and YouTube channel beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021. BGCM is proud to announce this year’s Presenting Sponsor: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc. The event includes an online auction, a performance by the dance team, stories from our Clubs, and the awarding of the 2021 Pat C. Botts Youth of the Year, sponsored…

By Eileen Oaks Molter— Muncie, IN—The Dream Builders Society Breakfast provides a tremendous opportunity for Muncie Habitat for Humanity to share the work and impact of their efforts, and to invite guests to support Habitat’s housing mission. “After last year’s cancelation we are excited to continue to share stories of homes, communities and  hope, with the community again,” said Lindsey Arthur, Muncie Habitat CEO. “This year will be different while we continue to raise critical funds as we keep the safety and health of our donors and staff a top priority.” The Dream Builder’s Society Breakfast, which began in 2003,…

By Sheryl Swingley— Muncie, IN—Area residents and business owners will learn how the federal tax credit of 26% has been extended through 2021 and 2022 for installing solar panels on houses, farm structures and places of business during the next Zoom meeting of Solarize Indiana. The Zoom meeting for Solarize Indiana, a grassroots community group, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. The Zoom meeting will involve a 30-minute presentation followed by an hour for questions and answers. There is no charge to attend the Solarize Indiana Zoom meeting. Prior registration is required. The Zoom link for registration…

By Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN—Non-profit organizations serving Gaston, Selma, and Yorktown can apply for funding through The Community Foundation’s Town Endowment Fund Grants Program. Grant applications are available online at cfmdin.org Town of Gaston Endowment Fund Grants The Town of Gaston Endowment Fund supports projects and programs that benefit the residents of the Town of Gaston, and Harrison and Washington Townships. The fund was established in 2012 by longtime Gaston resident Betty Jane Clark Carter. Betty hoped that she would set an example for others to give back as they were able. Community members have stepped up to continue to…

By Dave “Mac” McGalliard, Exchange Club of Indiana, President— Muncie, IN—Exchanging ideas is a simple concept. There is a club that has helped charities in Delaware County for 100 years.  We come from varied occupations, lifestyles, faiths, and walks of life. We have four purposes in our club: Building Patriotism, Building our Communities, Creating Children’s Opportunities, and The Prevention of Child Abuse.  With these four common goals, the Exchange Club of Muncie has become a positive force in our Delaware County’s web of citizenship. Why EXCHANGE?  Have you ever seen the one thousand United States Flags at Minnetrista?  We erect the “Fields…

By Claire Yazel— Muncie, IN– Spring Break Art Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, March 22, through Friday, March 26, at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Students ages 7 through 14 will participate in two 90-minute art sessions each morning. Participants are asked to register before noon on Wednesday, March 17, on the Cornerstone website. Due to COVID-19, there are limited spaces available for registration. All participants will be required to wear masks and social distance. Cornerstone will be sanitizing spaces and supplies between use, as well as providing hand sanitizer and masks as needed. Take…