Non-Profit

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN— The Muncie Children’s Museum’s first capital campaign in over 25 years will expand some of its long-standing exhibits, while building its endowment and ensuring a future for the next generation. The $3 million “More to Explore” fundraising initiative will support intentionally designed spaces that combine fun with learning for children 10 and under. The campaign already has secured over $2.29 million and is now moving into its public phase, asking some of the museum’s biggest supporters — its families and museum members and corporate friends — to help close the gap. “Not only will the…

By Zack Hansen— MUNICE, IN—At Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie, inspiring our Club members is a part of our mission. When we inspire our Club members and foster a safe, supportive environment, we are giving them a chance to thrive. Celebrating the accomplishments and talents of our Club members is key to enabling their success and growth as individuals. On Thursday, March 31st, Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie will celebrate our Club members at The Great Futures Dinner at the Horizon Convention Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Breakfast for…

By Gina Warner, National Afterschool Association and Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library— WASHINGTON, D.C.,– The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders has selected Katie Lehman, Ready Readers Supervisor at Muncie Public Library, as one of NAA’s 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. In selecting its 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the NAA sought to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have created influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate…

By Jud Fisher—  MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball Brothers Foundation hit a record high of $8.6 million paid out in awards last year as it proudly carried on the stewardship legacy of the Ball brothers and their families. As the foundation enters its 96th year of grantmaking in 2022, the board of directors is appointing a new board member and launching a strategic planning process. Rick Petty, a fourth-generation Ball family member, was appointed to the foundation’s board of directors at its February meeting and was also elected to serve as treasurer of the board. Rick spent the early years of…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—Non-profit organizations serving Gaston, Selma, and Yorktown can apply for funding through The Community Foundation’s Town Endowment Fund Grants Program. Grant applications are available online at cfmdin.org. Town of Gaston Endowment Fund Grants The Town of Gaston Endowment Fund supports projects and programs that benefit the Town of Gaston and Harrison and Washington Townships residents. The fund was established in 2012 by longtime Gaston resident Betty Jane Clark Carter. Betty hoped that she would set an example for others to give back as they were able. Community members have stepped up to continue to support this…

By Jeff Mosier— MUNCIE, Ind.—Fellowship of Christian Athletes of East Central Indiana is very happy to announce that New Castle native and Indiana University head football coach Tom Allen will be the special guest speaker for the 2022 FCA Banquet, Wednesday April 27th at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. Coach Allen has amassed a 29-year 246-90 record, was named 2020 Big Ten Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year, Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the Year, Dave McClain Coach of the Year, FCA Grant Teaff Coach of the Year, and Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year finalist….

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind. — For the first time in over 25 years, the Muncie Children’s Museum has engaged supporters in a capital campaign, themed “More to Explore” and structured to raise $3 million for the redesign and improvement of one of Muncie’s most visible non-profits. Now entering its public phase, the “More to Explore” campaign has already been the recipient of over $2.2 million in pledges and donations from local donors, companies and foundations. The campaign plans to hit its goal in 2022 with the help of additional public support. “The outpouring of donations and gifts has been…

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind.— Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Marion Philharmonic Orchestra have joined forces as Orchestra Indiana, Scott Watkins announced during a press conference on March 1. “Music is a unifying power. It unifies people and gathers people together into a shared experience,” Watkins said during the announcement event. “One thing we wanted to do is share that—gather more people together, go into new communities and new neighborhoods, and unify people, share that music with people in other communities.” Watkins, executive director of Muncie Symphony, said he and his board began thinking, “What if we shared a conductor? What…

By SKOM— MUNCIE, Ind.—Lent is almost here. Do you really want to give up chocolate, meat, soda or wine for 40 days this spring? For observant Christians, foregoing something you love is a challenge meant to remind you of the sacrifices Jesus made. But, this year, there’s a guilt-free way to observe Lent that allows you to continue indulging. Instead of giving something up, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is asking you to give something away during its 40 Days of Giving Food Drive,  March 2nd to April 14th. People can participate in the daily food drive as an individual…