Non-Profit

By Rick Zeigler on behalf of Community Enhancement Projects— MUNCIE, IN—If you have recently driven by Heekin Park along Memorial Drive, you may have noticed construction at the corner of Memorial and Hackley, as well as a new sign saying “Heekin Park – Muncie Memory Spiral.”  This is the latest project of Community Enhancement Projects, also known as CEP. The Muncie Memory Spiral is an 800’ spiral pathway and garden that will be a beautiful new feature in Heekin Park that focuses on Muncie’s history.  Along the landscaped spiral are 23 signs containing images and text about events and themes significantly…

 Sasquatch migratory range may be expanding into Indiana By Kelley V. Phillips— MUNCIE, IN—A large bipedal ape-like creature was recently spotted along the Mississinewa River in northern Delaware County. The animal was described to be larger than the average man, an estimated 8-9 feet tall, and appeared to be a rusty brown color. Descriptions of the creature closely resemble what other communities have designated a Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot (Criptid magnumpedites).   Though known to inhabit the large forests of northern California, Oregon, and Washington, over the last 20 years, there have been increased sightings in states east of the…

By Carly Acree King, Nonprofit Support Network— MUNCIE, IN—Nonprofit Support Network is excited to announce the launch of a nonprofit listserv, the organization’s first service available to organizations serving or located in Muncie and Delaware County. This free email discussion tool will provide another way for nonprofit organizations to connect, share, and learn by building a remote community. “Recently, many organizations have asked us for an easier way to communicate with each other and connect with others in the sector,” shared Carly Acree King, Relationship and Resource Director of Nonprofit Support Network. “In response to this need, and to improve communication and…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—Ball Brothers Foundation, one of Indiana’s oldest and largest private family foundations, is preparing to celebrate its 100th year of grantmaking and leadership in 2026. In anticipation, the foundation’s Board of Directors has adopted a new strategic plan. Designed to guide the foundation’s work over the next five years, the “Second Century Strategic Plan” will ensure a strong, impactful conclusion to the foundation’s first century of grantmaking and set the strategic direction for the years ahead.  The “Second Century Strategic Plan” reaffirms the board’s commitment to place-based grantmaking focused on Muncie and Delaware…

By Sue Whitaker— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Altrusa Club hosted the winners of the Annual 4th Grade Essay Contest on March 16th at a luncheon at the Minnetrista Center.  The winners of the essay contest were Laynie McGuire, Albany Elementary; Shadow Hanser, Burris; Tahj Johnson, East Washington Academy; Selena Thomas, Royerton Elementary; Milyn Douthitt, Selma Elementary; and Abigail Byrd, Yorktown Elementary. Each student read their essay titled: “The Book that Changed my Life…” to the assembled group. Following the reading each student was presented with a certificate, a backpack filled with books and school supplies, and a gift card. Accompanying the…

By Megan Orbin— MUNCIE, IN—Woof Boom Radio and 104.1 HD1 WLBC take our role seriously as partners to those in the cities and towns we serve. WLBC continues to assist some remarkable organizations in making a difference in our community. The following organizations were chosen to receive the WLBC Hometown Heroes Grant: Delaware County Special Needs Prom/Events, April American Legion Post 321, May Delaware County CASA Program, June Open Door Health Services, July Roo’s Relief, August ecoREHAB, September Hillcroft Services, October Guardian Scholars, November FeedingTeam.org, December Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana, January 2024 Animal Rescue Fund, INC of Muncie,…

 By Kynda Rinker— MUNCIE, IN — Throughout their lives, Hamer and Phyllis Shafer invested significantly in the Muncie community. Organizations that created opportunities for youth, particularly disadvantaged youth, were close to their hearts. They strongly valued the arts, education, and wellness, and generously gave of their time and money to help grow foundational organizations within our community. Since the Muncie Children’s Museum’s opening in 1977, Hamer and Phyllis strongly believed in the value that MCM adds to our community. The Shafers demonstrated their support for the Museum’s first Capital Campaign over 25 years ago by serving as Honorary Campaign Chairs,…

By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—With the mission of empowering the Muncie community through food-based initiatives, Inside Out has been serving healthy food to children since 2014. The local non-profit organization, which grew out of Blood-N-Fire Ministries, now serves 68,000 meals per year. Since one out of three children in the community are food insecure and around 18% of families are below poverty, Inside Out plays an important role in helping kids get healthy meals. Inside Out program administrator, Angelica Lasley said the organization serves more than 1,000 meals to well over 200 children per week by partnering with schools and…