Non-Profit

By Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute— INDIANAPOLIS—During the busy holiday season, many families focus on their celebratory meals, decorations, and shopping lists. Amid such hustle, it is worth remembering the timeless truth: it is better to give than to receive. But how do we teach our children to move beyond consumerism and embrace gratitude and generosity? Research increasingly shows that giving back is not just good for communities generally; it’s good for kids. Volunteering and acts of kindness are linked to improved mental health, stronger social skills, and even greater happiness. In fact, giving activates the…

By Lucas Pint— MUNCIE — Do you have a bold idea that could make your neighborhood stronger, safer, or more vibrant? Organizers of the Eleventh Annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference want to hear from you! The conference returns to Ball State University on March 7, 2026, and organizers are calling on residents, neighborhood groups, and community partners to step up and lead the conversation. Hosted by the Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy, Building Better Neighborhoods, and the Ball State Office of Community Engagement, IDEA brings together more than 130 residents from over 30 active neighborhoods for a full day of inspiration,…

By Jacob Thomas, Grants Administrator, ECIRPD— MUNCIE, IN—The East Central Indiana Regional Planning District would like to invite you to attend their upcoming training session about the grant writing process. It will take place on January 13th, 2026, and February 3rd, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Boulevard, Muncie, IN 47303. The workshop costs $225, which includes all materials and lunch on both days. The training will focus on drafting and polishing a proposal and navigating the grant process. The two-day Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing program is a great skill…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $82,172 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and Nonprofit Relations team. Through these conversations, Foundation staff and volunteers develop a deeper understanding of the needs within the community, identify resources and support beyond grantmaking, and provide nonprofits more time to…

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation has presented its 2025 John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award to Anthony (Tony) Pierce, board president of the Delaware County Futbol Club (DCFC). Pierce was recognized with the award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on November 18. The Fisher Governance Award honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County whose strategic leadership, planning, and oversight have strengthened their organization’s mission, financial health, and general effectiveness. Pierce has served on the DCFC board for 16 years, including the last 10 as president. Under his leadership, the…

By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) has been awarded significant operations-related grant funding from three major partners to strengthen its mission of championing arts experiences, public art, and a thriving community of artists and allies in Muncie, Indiana. For Fiscal Year 2026, MuncieArts received an $8,150 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and a $25,000 grant from the Ball Brothers Foundation in support of operations and community arts programming. Earlier this year, MuncieArts was also awarded a $55,000 grant for operations from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, representing the first year…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Linda Hanson, president of the League of Women Voters Indiana chapter, will share information about “Vote Centers, the Importance of Primaries and Redistricting” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4800 W. Bradford Drive. Hanson, who has more than 30 years of involvement in civic engagement and election reform, will explore how Delaware County’s new vote centers, which will replace precinct polling places in May 2026, can expand voter access and efficiency; why primary elections are critical to representative democracy; and how redistricting shapes political power in Indiana. Her talk also will…

By C.S. Hendershot— MUNCIE, IN – As the federal government shutdown continues and November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits remain unfunded, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana is preparing for a surge in need across its eight-county service area. According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, over 50,000 Hoosiers in East Central Indiana, including Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, and Wabash counties, rely on SNAP to help feed their families. With benefits paused until the government reopens, these neighbors face an uncertain and deeply concerning situation. At the same time, federal employees, many…