Non-Profit

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…

By Arrick Garringer — VALPARAISO, IN — Shafer Leadership Academy Executive Director Mitch Isaacs will serve as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Valparaiso Community Conference, taking place Thursday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Harre Union at Valparaiso University. Hosted by the City of Valparaiso, the Community Conference brings together residents, city leaders, and community partners for a day of learning, dialogue, and connection focused on strengthening Valparaiso’s neighborhoods and civic life. Isaacs’ interactive keynote, “Reading the Room: Building Meaningful Connections,” will explore the role of nonverbal communication in everyday interactions. Through real-life examples, humor, and audience…

By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) is proud to celebrate 15 years of championing creativity, collaboration, and community in Muncie and Delaware County. Incorporated on June 8, 2011, MuncieArts has grown from a grassroots initiative into the City of Muncie’s official arts partner, working at the intersection of artists, nonprofits, local government, and neighborhoods to strengthen quality of life. Through public art, partnerships, and artist support, the organization advances economic growth, sustainable communities, and health and wellness through the arts. “The Muncie Arts and Culture Council’s anniversary is a tribute to the incredible…

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—The George and Frances Ball Foundation awarded more than $300,000 to a variety of community organizations and initiatives across Muncie and Delaware County during the first quarter competitive grantmaking cycle. Many of these grants had one thing in common: they represent strategic investments in the future of important organizations in the community. As the backbone organization of Cradle to Career Muncie, the George and Frances Ball Foundation has spent six years convening cross-sector partners aligned to common goals like increasing high school graduation rates and ensuring that young people graduate high school prepared for college and…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, placing it among the state—and the nation’s—oldest grantmaking foundations. The foundation was formed in 1926 to continue the philanthropic legacy of the five Ball brothers and their families, who established Ball Brothers Manufacturing Company in Muncie to produce cans, bottles, and jars. Created to exist in perpetuity, Ball Brothers Foundation has supported countless initiatives over the past 100 years that have strengthened Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and the state of Indiana. Ball Brothers Foundation will mark its centennial…