Articles by Mike Rhodes

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 a deeper understanding of the needs within the community. That knowledge enables Foundation staff and volunteers to connect nonprofits to…

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 competition. Reimagined this year as an “art trail,” the exhibit will be opened simultaneously as two sister exhibits at Minnetrista…

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. If the $35,000 goal is met by Aug. 26, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Livable Communities grant program will match with $35,000…

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 where they are in their own neighborhoods. Over the last 18 months, this group worked together to identify best practices…

By Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) recently received a $100,000 grant from The Patricia Schaefer Foundation Trust and a $30,000 Historic Preservation Fund grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The grants will be used for the restoration of the Carnegie Library in downtown Muncie. Carnegie Library was built with funds from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and opened in 1904. The building has continuously operated as a public library and now serves as the Local History & Genealogy branch of MPL. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in…