Non-Profit

Join the Community in Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 20, 2025

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN—Monday, January 20, 2025, marks the 40th celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Across the nation, communities will come together to honor Dr. King’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy. As we reflect on his profound impact, we are reminded of the power we hold to create change by following his example. This year’s theme for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is: “WHAT IS NEEDED: POWER, LOVE AND JUSTICE” In the words…

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George and Frances Ball Foundation Wraps Up $5 Million 2024 Grantmaking Investments in Cradle to Career Muncie

Grants support out-of-school programs, Ball family legacies, and more. By Kelsey Harrington—  MUNCIE, IN— George and Frances Ball Foundation is celebrating a year of collaboration, impactful investments, and continued development of the Cradle to Career Muncie Initiative alongside 70+ community partners. Earlier this month, the Foundation announced its fourth quarter competitive grant awards, which rounded out a total of $5 million in awards to nonprofits in Muncie and Delaware County in 2024. To support the continued operation and strategy implementation…


Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County Awarded $3.77 Million in Grants in 2024

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $3,769,621 in grants and scholarships in 2024, strengthening its mission to enhance the quality of life for Delaware County residents. Most grants were awarded through permanently endowed funds, ensuring a greater Muncie and Delaware County today, tomorrow, and always. Community Grants Program Local nonprofit organizations received $1,581,311 through the competitive Community Grants Program. Community Grants are awarded to address the broad needs in arts and culture, community…


A Year of Progress For Muncie Action Plan’s Task Force 2: Advocating for Downtown Muncie

By JP Hall— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. Each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout 2024 during this gathering. This…


Meeting Brings Partners Together to Discuss Next Steps for Cardinal Greenway Expansion

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation and Angie Pool, CEO, Cardinal Greenways— MUNCIE, IN—Leaders and partners from East Central Indiana gathered last month in Grant County to discuss the next phases of a Cardinal Greenway extension project. Representatives from Cardinal Greenways, Taylor University, Ball Brothers Foundation, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, and FlatLand Resources participated in the meeting, which included a tour of Taylor University and key sites in Gas City. The tour offered an opportunity to assess current…


Muncie Action Plan’s Annual Community Meeting to Take Place on January 29th

By Kylene Swackhamer— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Report to the Community on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout…


Shawnee Heights Baptist Church Closes, Donates $50,000 to YWCA Central Indiana

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN – Shawnee Heights Baptist Church has announced the closure of its doors after years of serving the Muncie community. As part of its final act of service, the church has generously donated $50,000 to the YWCA Central Indiana to further its efforts in providing essential support and services to unhoused women and children throughout the region. The donation comes as the church’s congregation reflects on its mission to serve those in need and its commitment…


Listening to Our Community: A Lesson in Using Public Knowledge

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—The strength of a community lies in its ability to listen, learn, and act together. At Heart of Indiana United Way, alongside our Community Foundation partners, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with community members to hear their hopes, challenges, and visions for the future. These conversations underscore the value of public knowledge and input in guiding decisions that impact local families, businesses, and organizations. When decision-making bodies, such as city councils and county governments, prioritize…


American Electric Power Grant Provides New Vehicle for Muncie Mission

By Bob Scott— MUNCIE, IN—A fourth quarter grant from Indiana Michigan Power and the AEP Foundation blessed Muncie Mission with a new vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries. The panel delivery van will support the Mission’s efforts to rescue food donations from local restaurants, food producers, and distribution centers, as well as move clothing, furniture and household items among ministry locations. “This gift is truly a blessing, especially now during the busy holiday season,” said Bob Scott, VP of Development at…


The Soup Kitchen of Muncie Welcomes New Executive Director

By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN — The Soup Kitchen of Muncie is proud to announce the appointment of Kristina Houk as its new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Houk brings a wealth of experience in kitchen management, community outreach, marketing, and relationship building, as well as a deep commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the Muncie community. Houk succeeds Loretta Parsons, who retired after 13 years as Executive Director and 20 overall years of remarkable service to the…