Search Results for Innovation connector

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation, one of Indiana’s oldest and largest family foundations, has awarded more than $1.8 million in its spring round of grants as the organization marks its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026. A major focus of this funding round supports outdoor learning and nature-based play initiatives across East Central Indiana. More than $150,000 in grants will help schools and nonprofit organizations expand outdoor classrooms, nature play areas, environmental education opportunities, staff training, and hands-on outdoor programming for children and families. The funding builds on more than a decade…

By Carly Acree-King— MUNCIE, IN— MadJax Maker Force will host MadJax Small Business Week from May 4–9, 2026, a week of free, hands-on programming designed to help makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. Held in alignment with National Small Business Week and sponsored by PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union, the initiative brings together local experts and partners to lead sessions focused on the real work behind running and growing a business. “This week is a direct response to what our members have been asking for – more access to real, practical business support,” said Carly Acree-King, Executive Director at MadJax Maker…

Registration Now Open for Shafer Leadership Academy’s Core Leadership Experience By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN—Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to inclusive leadership development, is now accepting registrations for Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership, its core leadership development program, returning Spring 2026. Emergence will run April 9 through May 7, 2026, in a five-week, highly interactive format designed to accommodate working professionals while delivering meaningful, practical leadership development. Sessions will be held at the Innovation Connector in Muncie, Indiana. Emergence is Shafer Leadership Academy’s signature leadership experience, designed for both emerging and experienced leaders seeking to strengthen…

By Jacob Thomas, Grants Administrator, ECIRPD— MUNCIE, IN—The East Central Indiana Regional Planning District would like to invite you to attend their upcoming training session about the grant writing process. It will take place on January 13th, 2026, and February 3rd, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Boulevard, Muncie, IN 47303. The workshop costs $225, which includes all materials and lunch on both days. The training will focus on drafting and polishing a proposal and navigating the grant process. The two-day Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing program is a great skill…

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation has presented its 2025 John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award to Anthony (Tony) Pierce, board president of the Delaware County Futbol Club (DCFC). Pierce was recognized with the award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on November 18. The Fisher Governance Award honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County whose strategic leadership, planning, and oversight have strengthened their organization’s mission, financial health, and general effectiveness. Pierce has served on the DCFC board for 16 years, including the last 10 as president. Under his leadership, the…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Delaware County nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate a board member for the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award before the deadline on August 15. The award, given by Ball Brothers Foundation, recognizes the important role board members play in strategic planning and financial oversight to achieve their organization’s mission. The award recipient will receive a $10,000 grant for their organization. “Board members often work behind the scenes, but their leadership plays a big role in a nonprofit’s success,” said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers…