Non-Profit

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—For over a decade, BBF has been supporting the work of Project Leadership, a nonprofit organization serving East Central Indiana’s students, families, and schools. Project Leadership’s programs are laser-focused on preparing students for education and career journeys after high school. It’s no secret that the choices—and challenges—that high school students face can feel daunting. From navigating changing high school graduation requirements to applying for trade school or college, it’s easy for students to get lost in complex systems and processes. And that’s where Project Leadership comes in. Come along with us as we sit down with…

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—Imagine your child receiving a brand-new, high-quality book every month from birth to age five—absolutely free. That’s the magic of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; a program Heart of Indiana United Way (HIUW) proudly coordinates and funds across the five counties we serve. It’s more than just books. It’s about building a foundation for lifelong success. Studies show that children from low-income families hear 30 million fewer words by the age of three than their more affluent peers. That “word gap” has long-term effects on vocabulary, reading readiness, and educational achievement. Most of these families work two…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The public is invited to attend the League of Women Voters of Muncie/Delaware County’s Earth Day meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St. The topic will be “Electrification.” Making the presentation will be John Vann, a retired Ball State professor and sustainability promoter. He will discuss why electrification is important and how to switch from using fossil fuels to using more electricity. Vann said, “Modern electrical replacements use technologies that are very efficient and deliver significant financial savings for homeowners. Electrification also reduces global-heating CO2 emissions, and in…

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN— Celebrate the roots of sustainability at the 2025 Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. This free, family-friendly event honors Muncie’s 27th year as a Tree City USA, bringing the community together to explore nature, plant for the future, and take home a tree of their own. The centerpiece of the event is the free sapling giveaway, offering a variety of native canopy and understory trees to grow in your own backyard. Explore a stunning selection of canopy trees—while these saplings may be…

By Joann McKinney and Scott Swingley— MUNCIE, IN— – On April 15, 2025, the Interurban Room at the Horizon Convention Center was filled with gratitude and admiration as the community came together to celebrate the exemplary individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in Delaware County. The annual V!VA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon, a cherished tradition since its inception in 1993 by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club, in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, once again shone a spotlight on the selfless efforts of volunteers who embody the spirit of service. The V!VA Awards serve as a…

By Jena Ashby— MUNCIE, IN—Community members from East Central Indiana are invited to attend the annual All Aboard: Board Leadership in Action Workshop on Saturday, May 13, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the YWCA of Central Indiana, located at 310 E. Charles Street in downtown Muncie. This free event is made possible by Shafer Leadership Academy, Heart of Indiana United Way and Nonprofit Support Network. Additional programmatic and in-kind support comes from Ball State University’s Office of Immersive Learning, Ball State’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, and the YWCA of East Central Indiana. This three-hour workshop is…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—The White River has long been a defining feature of East Central Indiana—its waters wind through our communities, shaping our history, and providing a foundation for future recreation and economic growth. Protecting and enhancing this natural resource is both a responsibility and an opportunity we take seriously at Ball Brothers Foundation. Our region is home to the headwaters of the White River, and the way we care for it has impact far beyond our own backyard. For decades, our private family foundation has championed efforts to improve water quality, preserve natural beauty,…

Goal to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for Whitely Neighborhood By Ken Hudson— MUNCIE, IN—For nearly 60 years, the Whitely Community Council has served the Whitely neighborhood and the east side of Muncie, giving neighbors a voice and making the neighborhood a vibrant place to live, work, and learn. A historically African American neighborhood in Muncie, Indiana, Whitely Community Council serves over 2,900 residents. In response to the community’s growing need for better access to educational opportunities, food, and health care, Whitely Community Council purchased the property at 1208 E. Centennial Ave in 2018 to serve as…