Non-Profit

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, IN—On April 11, in recognition of National Pets Day, the Riverside-Normal City Association took action to support Emerson Dog Park through a community-led mulch donation effort aimed at improving conditions for park users. This initiative reflects the association’s commitment to caring for shared public spaces. While members express appreciation for the Muncie Parks Department and its ongoing work to maintain the city’s parks, they believe stewardship of public access areas should also be embraced as a community responsibility. “Emerson Dog Park brings together a diverse group of people every day,” said a representative of the association….

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — In its 100th year, Ball Brothers Foundation is continuing a long-standing tradition of learning alongside the community it serves. The foundation is pleased to welcome two new Fellows for 2026: Jena Ashby, Relationship and Resource Director at Nonprofit Support Network, and Kenyonta (Ken) Hudson, Executive Director of Whitely Community Council. For more than two decades, the Fellows Program has created space for open conversation between local nonprofit leaders and foundation staff. Over the course of seven months, Fellows meet regularly with the foundation team to read, discuss, and explore topics…

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN — Community members from East Central Indiana are invited to attend All Aboard: Board Leadership in Action, an annual workshop designed to help individuals explore nonprofit board service, on Tuesday, May 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the YWCA of Central Indiana, 310 E. Charles St., downtown Muncie. The free event is presented by Shafer Leadership Academy, Heart of Indiana United Way, and the Nonprofit Support Network, with additional programmatic and in-kind support from the YWCA of East Central Indiana. This three-hour workshop is designed for individuals interested in learning…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—The 11th IDEA Conference returned on March 6th with a playful, purposeful nod to Sesame Street, inviting neighborhood leaders to “come and play” while engaging in networking, workshops, and more at Ball State University’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Nearly 130 people attended this year’s sessions, which covered a range of topics, from political action and leadership development to project planning and community engagement. In one session, led by the Whitely Neighborhood Association, participants played a new Monopoly-style game that celebrated the history of that neighborhood. In another session, city leaders grabbed a “Seat On the Stoop”…

CenterPoint Energy Foundation Funds Scholarships for Nonprofit Professionals By Arrick Garringer—   MUNCIE, IN — Shafer Leadership Academy is expanding access to its signature leadership program, Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership, by offering scholarships to nonprofit professionals and organizations across the region. Recognizing the critical role nonprofit leaders play in strengthening communities, Shafer Leadership Academy is committed to making high-quality leadership development more accessible to those working in mission-driven organizations. Emergence is a five-week, highly interactive program designed to help both emerging and experienced leaders strengthen communication, build trust, navigate conflict, and lead more effectively within their organizations and…

By Emmalene Jones and Aakash Kambham, robotics team members—  MATTHEWS, IN—East Central Indiana FIRST Robotics Team 1720, The PhyXTGears, a community-based, high school level team, competed at the FIN Columbus Regional Event on March 21st and 22nd. The event took place at Columbus East High School in Columbus, Indiana.  This year’s FIRST™ Robotics game is called REBUILT™. It is a fast-paced, defense-heavy game in which robots must collect and shoot medium-sized yellow balls, called fuel, into a hub. Many say the name of the game this year is reducing the cycle time, which is the time that a robot takes…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — For more than three decades, Cardinal Greenways has connected communities across East Central Indiana. Stretching across five counties and weaving through cities, towns, and rural landscapes, Cardinal Greenways is Indiana’s longest rail-trail—and a defining regional asset. The trail is owned and maintained by Cardinal Greenways, a nonprofit organization, rather than by a state or local government. That means every mile of trail, every trailhead, and every improvement is made possible through fundraising, partnerships, and community support. In this Q&A, Angie Pool, CEO of Cardinal Greenways, shares updates on major projects underway…

By Cornerstone Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is celebrating a milestone year in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the historic Muncie Masonic Temple while stepping into an exciting new chapter of leadership and community impact. To kick off the celebration, Cornerstone hosted Illuminate the Arts, welcoming more than 230 guests for an evening of performances, storytelling, and connection. Highlights included a musical presentation by the Masterworks Chorale, a historical panel in partnership with the Delaware County Historical Society, and the debut of a new documentary exploring the building’s transformation over the past century. The film…

By Kari Wissel— MUNCIE, IN—YWCA Central Indiana officially finalized its purchase of the former Garfield Elementary School on Friday, marking a major milestone in expanding services for women and families across Central Indiana. The organization will transform the historic building into a hub for expanded programming focused on economic stability, housing support, neighborhood resources, and educational opportunities for children. This new space will create pathways to safety and opportunity for women and families. “Today is long overdue and marks a pivotal step forward for our organization and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Kiesha Warren-Gordon, Chair of the YWCA Central…