By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation—
MUNCIE, IN — Delaware County nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate a board member for the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award before the deadline on August 15.
The award, given annually by Ball Brothers Foundation since 2011, recognizes the important role board members play in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational leadership to help nonprofits achieve their mission. The award recipient will receive a $10,000 grant for their organization.
In 2026, Ball Brothers Foundation is marking its 100th anniversary, and the Fisher Governance Award is one of several ways the foundation celebrates and supports local volunteer board members.
“Every nonprofit has people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help make things happen,” said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. “Board members provide the guidance, support, and leadership that help organizations stay strong for the long haul. This award recognizes their contributions that may not always be visible but play a vital role in helping nonprofits succeed and serve our community.”
The award is named in honor of Delaware County philanthropists John W. and Janice B. Fisher, Ball family members who believed deeply in the importance of good governance and strong leadership.
The award will be presented at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on November 4, 2026.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and to submit a nomination, visit ballfdn.org/fisher-governance-award.
Previous recipients of the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award include:
- Tony Pierce, Delaware County Futbol Club (2025)
- John West, Muncie Land Bank (2024)
- Ryan Hunter, Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie (2023)
- Marta Moody, Cardinal Greenways (2022)
- Heather Williams, ecoREHAB (2021)
- Ron Fauquher, Innovation Connector (2020)
- James Rosema, Muncie Mission Ministries (2019)
- Leigh Edwards, Muncie Civic Theatre (2018)
- John Craddock, Community Enhancement Projects (2017)
- Ron Orebaugh, Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District (2016)
- Juli Metzger, Project Leadership and Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie (2015)
- Pat Botts, Greater Muncie, IN Habitat for Humanity (2014)
- Nancy Turner, Muncie Public Library (2013)
- Jeff Parsons, Youth Opportunity Center (2012)
- Teresa Willman, Cardinal Greenway, Inc. (2011)
About Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. Annually, the foundation pays out more than $8 million in grants to support arts and culture, community vitality, education, environment, health and public safety, and human services. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state. In 2026, Ball Brothers Foundation is celebrating its 100th anniversary, making it one of the oldest and largest family foundations in the state of Indiana.
