May 29, 2020
The Ball Brothers Foundation awards the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie with a $160,000 grant to support the Clubs’ mission to create a safe environment for the youth of our city. The Ball Brothers Foundation grant will allow the Clubs to employ 10 youth development professionals, pay for a portion of the utilities expense and be able to remodel a few rooms within the Madison St. site.
Jason Newman, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie appreciates not only the financial support from the Ball Brothers Foundation but also the guidance of the organization. “Our kids need an organization like the Boys & Girls Clubs to help them reach their fullest potential. We need partners like The Ball Brothers Foundation to reach ours. Our partnership with the foundation goes beyond the financial support they generously share, but advice and counsel in helping us work to strengthen ourselves so we can be a better neighbor in all parts of our community.. This grant will allow us to keep and train amazing mentors for our youth.”
“Ball Brothers Foundation was pleased to award general operating funding to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie during our spring grant round,” comments Jud Fisher, President and COO of the Ball Brothers Foundation. “Over the past several years, we have watched the Clubs grow and expand its impact while also strengthening its core operations and programming. Kids and parents from across this community turn to the Boys & Girls Clubs as a safe place to go after school, during breaks, and during the summer. Not only do they find a safe place – they find so much more: help with homework, meals, sports, character building programs, and caring adults who challenge them to dream big.”
While the Clubs had 977 registered members, the Club restricted in-person services to thirty during the recent closure of organizations due to COVID-19. The Clubs continued to provide help and support to families through online homework help, fun videos, and donation collection for families in need. The Clubs’ programming expanded to include sewing lessons and students made their own masks and donated extras to other community partners.
Jud Fisher and The Ball Brothers Foundation recognizes the Clubs’ work in the community. “As we look to the year ahead, we know that services like those offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs will only become more important in our community. Ball Brothers Foundation is proud to support the work of the Boys & Girls Club and its dedicated staff.”
About the Ball Brothers Foundation
Established in 1926, Ball Brothers Foundation awards approximately $8 million annually in grants supporting arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services, and public affairs. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in BBF’s home city, county, and state.