By Kallie Sulanke—
Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $4,281,329.27 in grants and scholarships in 2025, strengthening its mission to enhance the quality of life for Delaware County residents. Most grants were awarded through permanently endowed funds, ensuring a greater Muncie and Delaware County today, tomorrow, and always.
Community Grants Program
Local nonprofit organizations received $1,692,986.00 through the competitive Community Grants Program. Community Grants are awarded to address the broad needs in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services.
This year, the Foundation awarded the largest amount of Community Grants in its history to 70 local nonprofit organizations.Each application was carefully evaluated by committees of local volunteers who made recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Community Grants were funded through The Unrestricted Fund of The Community Foundation, named unrestricted funds, discretionary field-of-interest funds, committee-driven field-of-interest funds, and donor-advised funds.
A full list of grants awarded through the Community Grants Program can be found at cfmdin.org/news/2025grants.
Strategic Grants Program
The Foundation’s Strategic Grants Program awarded $309,832.26 to advance the Creative Space Action Plan and address other priorities set by the Board of Directors.
The Creative Space Action Plan reflects the vision of the Muncie community, which has been instrumental in identifying challenges and opportunities to build a thriving creative economy. With input from focus groups, public forums, and local tours, the plan provides both short- and long-term strategies to foster Muncie’s creative potential.
Strategic grants are awarded through the Unrestricted Fund of The Community Foundation.
Targeted Programs of The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation awarded $270,641.64 through targeted or permanent programs, including:
- $12,041.64 for creative and innovative classroom projects through the Robert P. Bell Teacher Grant Program.
- $100,000 to support nonprofit organizations beyond grantmaking through the Nonprofit Support Network.
- $100,000 to support early childhood education through BY5 Early Childhood Initiative.
- $58,600 for institutional strengthening and capacity building for four organizations through the Resiliency Grants Program.
Designated Grants
Permanently endowed designated funds, established by donors or organizations to support the mission of specific organizations, provided $1,294,269.37 in ongoing support.
Scholarships
The Foundation awarded $265,150 in scholarships to graduating seniors and college students to support post-secondary education.
Donor-Advised Grants
Through 34 donor-advised funds, donors recommended $448,450 in grants, adding personal philanthropy to the Foundation’s impact.
Total Impact
These grants reflect The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County’s commitment to addressing community needs while stewarding growth and enhancing the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County.
For more information about the Foundation’s programs and how to get involved, visit cfmdin.org.
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has been serving the local community since 1985, supporting philanthropy, assisting donors in building a permanent source of charitable assets, and investing in initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. With an endowment of over $100 million, the Foundation has distributed nearly $80 million in grants and scholarships to date.
Kallie Sulanke is Chief Community Partner for Outreach and Donor Relations at The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc.
