Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN — What can you get for two bucks? Turns out, quite a bit. The “$2 Tour of the Village” returns Saturday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. on University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets. Not only is admission free to this event, but the first 100 people through the gates will be given a $2 bill to spend on awesome $2 items from Village businesses (an Art Mart goodie bag or a $2 t-shirt from…

By Kelsey Harrington, Program and Analytics Officer— MUNCIE, IN—Earlier this month, the George and Frances Ball Foundation’s Board of Directors met to review third quarter competitive grant requests. The Foundation’s proactive grantmaking strategy is focused on educational attainment through the collective impact initiative, Cradle to Career Muncie. In addition to this strong, strategic focus, the Foundation also targets grantmaking to advance quality of place. This quarter, George and Frances Ball Foundation leadership made commitments totaling $3.5 million to promote these…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $249,100 in Community Grants this quarter. Beginning in 2023, The Community Foundation shifted to a Community Grants program. Nonprofit organizations have a wide-open door for applications instead of separate applications for multiple grants programs through the Foundation. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with Foundation staff. The flexibility of Community Grants allows the Foundation’s Program and Nonprofit Relations team to develop…

By Kelley V. Phillips, Red-tail Communications & Outreach Manager— MUNCIE, IN— Entry submissions are now being accepted for “Open Space: Art About the Land” an annual art competition and exhibition presented by Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, the Anderson Museum of Art (AMOA), and Red-tail Land Conservancy. Emerging and career Hoosier artists are encouraged to find creative inspiration that celebrates “open space” as it relates to the land and nature. Since 2001, “Open Space” has attracted artists across Indiana to enter the…

By J.P. Hall, Halteman Village Neighborhood Association— MUNCIE, IN—Halteman Village Neighborhood Association (HVNA) urgently asks the community to help us meet our fundraising goal for Phase 2 of the Halteman Park project before our grant-matching deadline, Aug. 26. In Fall 2020, HVNA kicked off a fundraising campaign to transform a former membership-only swim club into a public park for all Muncie residents and families. The Phase 2 campaign seeks to raise $35,000 for park improvements, including play equipment, shade, and seating….

By Joy Rediger, Urban Light Community Development— MUNCIE, IN—Recognizing the number of youth who are disconnected from traditional programs, the number of families experiencing stress and trauma, and the increasing number of juvenile delinquency cases and court-involved youth, especially for youth of color, a diverse group of local partners began meeting to discuss solutions.  The group – comprised of mental & public health representatives, juvenile justice professionals, community organizations, and local government – desired a strategy that meet youth and families…