Non-Profit

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…

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Community Enhancement Projects (CEP), in partnership with the City of Muncie and the Muncie Parks Department, is pleased to announce a large community gathering to celebrate the opening of the Muncie Memory Spiral in Heekin Park. The gathering will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 11 AM-5 PM at the location of the Muncie Memory Spiral, near the northeast corner of Hackley and Memorial. The community celebration will feature sweet treats for attendees, lots of old-fashioned games and activities, a classic car cruise-in, dance and music performances, food trucks and vendors, community organization information…

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN—The Coalition of Women’s Organizations will host its 31st annual Women’s Equality Day program at 5 p.m. Aug. 28, 2023 in the Muncie City Hall auditorium. The event will honor the achievements of women who fought for the right to vote and the successes of today’s community leaders. Women’s Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The Muncie celebration will honor six local women who have made significant contributions to the broader community. The event will pay special tribute to Vivian V. Conley, who was a civil rights activist in Muncie at…

By Carly Acree King, Relationship & Resource Director— MUNCIE, IN—Nonprofit Support Network is excited to launch the pilot of the HR Resource and Help Desk, a free resource that addresses the unique human resource challenges faced by nonprofits. This resource is a centralized source for expert guidance and advice. The HR Resource and Help Desk will provide Muncie-Delaware County nonprofit staff and boards with the necessary support to navigate the complexities of human resource and employee management. “Managing the human resources aspect of nonprofit organizations can be a complex undertaking, often requiring specialized knowledge and resources,” shares Carly Acree-King, Relationship…

By Jenny Yarbrough, Board of Directors, WIBU— MUNCIE, IN—Women In Business Unlimited, WIBU, has announced nominations are open for three categories for the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Awards. Nominees for the ATHENA Leadership Award and Young Professional Award are leaders or emerging leaders who: Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community Serve as a role model for young women both personally and professionally Nominees for the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award are businesses and organizations that: Create an organizational culture that encourages women employees to achieve their…