THE LEGACY CONTINUES

1926–TODAY

Champions of Community Leadership and Vitality

Ball Brothers Foundation is a family foundation dedicated to the stewardship legacy of the Ball brothers and to the pursuit of improving the quality of life in Muncie, Delaware County, East Central Indiana, and Indiana through philanthropy and leadership. For nearly 100 years, Ball Brothers Foundation has been proud to be a consistent champion of leadership and vitality within our community.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

Our Areas of Focus

Arts, Culture, & Humanities

Education

Environment

Health

Human Services

Public & Society Benefit

WHAT WE FUND

How We Give

General & Rapid Grants

Ball Brothers Foundation offers two types of grants: General Grants and Rapid Grants. General Grants are awarded twice annually and are typically reserved for larger-scale projects. Rapid Grants are made for up to $5,000 and are available between February and November each year. The foundation only makes grants to Indiana-based nonprofits, government organizations, or schools. The foundation prefers to fund innovative approaches and specific initiatives.

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Excellence in Teaching Award

The Excellence in Teaching Award is given annually in recognition of the values and spirit that were important to our foundation’s founders in regard to education and student achievement. This honor is given to not only a skilled teacher, but one who incorporates 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. The award includes a grant of $17,500 to be used to further support creativity, innovation, and professional development.

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Fisher Governance Award

The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award annually recognizes the important role that board members play in the governance of nonprofit organizations serving citizens of Delaware County. It honors the efforts of a single board member whose strategic planning and oversight skills have contributed to the achievement of the organization’s mission, financial stability, and general effectiveness. The award includes a $10,000 grant to the recipient’s respective organization.

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Our Recent News

News Archive
August 2022: A Local Perspective on the Childcare Crisis

While many local and state grant programs provide support to childcare providers at Levels 3 & 4 on the “Paths to QUALITY” rating scale, BBF has awarded special funding for the past two years for childcare programs at Levels 0-2.

Read More → We took a long, hard look at the early childhood education crisis locally. Here’s how you can help.

A perspective piece by Jud Fisher

300.

That’s the astonishing number of children on waitlists at just a handful of childcare centers in Muncie, Indiana.

Read More → BBF Hosts Gathering of Fellows Program Alumni

This summer, as gatherings and networking opportunities ramp back up, BBF hosted a lunch for alumni of BBF’s Fellows Program. The Fellows program started 18 years ago to provide local nonprofit leaders with a 9-month opportunity to read books and articles about nonprofit leadership and governance, to engage with BBF staff in dialogue about nonprofit work and foundation operations, and to promote foundation transparency.

Read More → How we can all help preserve the White River, and why it matters

A perspective piece by Jud Fisher

Everything starts somewhere. For the White River, it’s in a farmer’s field in Randolph County just south of Winchester. The river winds its way through farms, woodlands, industrial sites, small towns, and even big cities, eventually feeding into other rivers that take the waters to the Mississippi River.

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