Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation is a private foundation based in Muncie, Indiana. Founded in 1926, it supports organizations working to improve quality of life through philanthropy and leadership, with a place-based focus on Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana.
Ball Brothers Foundation at a glance
In short: Ball Brothers Foundation gave $8.3M across 113 grants in 2024 (avg $73K), mostly in Indiana. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $8,293,343
- -5.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 113
- -5.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $73,392
- +0.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $173,760,695
- +1.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (23 of 107, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Indiana (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ball Brothers Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts applications online through its website; required attachments and submission details are provided there. Its filing states that grants are limited to organizations operating in Indiana and may support project or program requests, general operations, capacity building, and seed money for new efforts.
- Review Cycle
- General Grant preliminary applications are listed as due February 15 and July 15, with full proposals due April 1 and September 1, respectively. Those 2026 dates have passed; consult the foundation’s current application guidance for future deadlines. Rapid Grants are awarded between February 1 and November 30 annually.
- Deadline
- General Grant preliminary applications are listed as due February 15 and July 15, with full proposals due April 1 and…
- Contact
Application contact: Donna Munchel
Mailing address: PO Box 1408, Muncie, IN 47308
Phone: (765) 741-5500
Email: info@ballfdn.org
Website: https://ballfdn.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation Fellows Program Grant
Ball Brothers Foundation
Amount
Up to US $15,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ball Brothers Foundation General Grants
Ball Brothers Foundation
Amount
US $5,000 - US $100,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ball Brothers Foundation Grants
Ball Brothers Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Ball Brothers Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Minnetrista Museum & Gardens ($2.8M). Together the top 10 received $5.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
556 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 370 grants of 556 (67%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says the vast majority of its funding has historically gone to East Central Indiana, particularly Muncie and Delaware County. Its stated regional footprint also includes Blackford, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, and Randolph counties. Organizations elsewhere in Indiana may apply, but funding outside this area is rare; limited exceptions may be made for projects with statewide impact. The 2024 filing reports that all grant dollars went to recipients in Indiana.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 113 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Ball Brothers Foundation open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 23 of 107 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $133K; repeat grants $62K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $34K repeat.
- 70% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−4%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 91% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $8.3M (2024) to $10.0M (2022). In 2024 it made 113 grants totaling $8.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnetrista Museum & Gardens Muncie, IN | General Operations & Capital Support; Fellows | $2,790,000 |
| Muncie Community Schools Muncie, IN | Prek-12 innovation & enhancement & excellence in teaching award | $469,000 |
| YMCA of Muncie Muncie, IN | Camp crosley capital phase 2; mitchell early childhood & family center | $290,000 |
| Whiteley Community Council Muncie, IN | Centennial Resource Hub; Campaign Consultant Opportunity | $255,000 |
| Ball State University Foundation Muncie, IN | Flight Path Fund | $250,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Muncie Muncie, IN | Operating support & expansion;midwest leadership conference; madison st outdoor enhancement; financial bridge support | $210,000 |
| Cardinal Greenway Inc Muncie, IN | Operating support; closing the cardinal greenway gap phase I | $200,000 |
| Cornerstone Center for the Arts Muncie, IN | Cornerstone center for the arts inside & out; general operations & consultant support | $200,000 |
| Greater Muncie in Habitat for Humanity Muncie, IN | Housing Impact | $200,000 |
| Ball State University Muncie, IN | O.w.l.onward with learning burris laboratory school - phase x k-12 innovation & enhancement support | $175,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Ball Brothers Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $173,760,695 | $14,928,483 | $11,849,191 | $8,293,343 | 113 | $9,410,530 | $12,595,407 | $10,366,718 |
| 2023 | $170,691,544 | $13,732,738 | $11,901,861 | $8,791,812 | 120 | $9,908,417 | $11,779,829 | $9,438,629 |
| 2022 | $168,858,047 | $19,558,197 | $13,831,129 | $10,001,530 | 114 | $11,092,848 | $16,841,467 | $9,824,701 |
| 2021 | $163,131,007 | $28,120,087 | $11,934,402 | $8,601,460 | 105 | $9,627,846 | $25,541,841 | $10,992,331 |
| 2020 | $146,937,456 | $9,671,778 | $11,193,389 | $8,499,682 | 104 | — | $10,765,200 | $9,466,292 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Ball Brothers Foundation reported a distributable amount of $10.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is “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.”
Its stated interests include early childhood education, downtown stabilization and renewal, emergency management, environmental recreation and preservation, and workforce development. It favors efforts that build organizational capacity, offer innovative and sustained responses to community needs, support specific projects or programs, provide general operating support, or seed new initiatives.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of its grantmaking. Cardinal Greenway describes its mission as developing and operating corridors and trails to connect people and communities. Cornerstone Center for the Arts says it provides a building for arts promotion and maintains diverse arts programs in a safe learning environment. Nonprofit Support Network describes its mission as supporting a healthy, well-supported, sustainable nonprofit sector in Muncie and Delaware County.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 113 grants totaling $8,293,343. Grant amounts ranged from $1,500 to $2,790,000, with a median of $20,000. Its largest reported award was $2,790,000 to Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for general operations, capital support, and fellows. Other large awards included $469,000 to Muncie Community Schools, $290,000 to YMCA of Muncie, and $255,000 to Whiteley Community Council. Ball State University Foundation received $250,000, Cardinal Greenway received $200,000, and Cornerstone Center for the Arts received $200,000.
The foundation offers General Grants, typically ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, and Rapid Grants of up to $5,000. General Grants typically support program or project requests, operating support, or a combination. Rapid Grants can support immediate needs such as professional development, travel or equipment for a new initiative, and seed funding. The foundation recommends that prospective applicants schedule a conversation with its team before applying.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Michael J. Fisher as President/CEO and James A. Fisher as Chair/Director. Other directors listed are Nancy B. Keilty, Elizabeth M. Bracken, Judith F. Oetinger, Jeffrey C. Bird, William M. Bracken, Stephanie C. Duckmann, and Laura Hill. Scott E. Schockley is listed as Assistant Secretary and Treasurer.
Ball Brothers Foundation is led by Michael J. Fisher, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 2 of 16 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Michael J. Fisher
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$255K (2020) → $291K (2024)
James A. Fisher
Chair & Director
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth M. Bracken
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frank B. Petty
Vice Chair & Director
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey C. Bird
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Judith F. Oetinger
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy B. Keilty
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stacy J. McHenry
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie C. Duckmann
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William M. Bracken
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dennis Trammell Jr.
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laura Hill
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jenna L. Wachtmann
Vice President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$99K (2020) → $142K (2024)
Charles F. Ball
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott E. Schockley
Ast Secretary & A Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edmund F. Petty Jr.
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Terri E. Matchett (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Terry L. Walker (2020–2023) — Secretary & Director
- Former: Tamara S. Phillips (2020–2022) — Treas-Jan2022
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $291K, to Michael J Fisher (President/CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Ball Brothers Foundation
How much does Ball Brothers Foundation give each year?
Ball Brothers Foundation gave $8.3M across 113 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $8.8M across 120 grants.
What is Ball Brothers Foundation's typical grant size?
Ball Brothers Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $73,392, across 113 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ball Brothers Foundation that year got $133K on average.
Where does Ball Brothers Foundation give grants?
Ball Brothers Foundation gives mostly in Indiana: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Muncie, IN (68 grants), Indianapolis, IN (17 grants), Selma, IN (4 grants) and Anderson, IN (2 grants).
Does Ball Brothers Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 12% of Ball Brothers Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (14 of 113) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "ECI Regional Cluster Study" (5 grants) and "2024 Tornado Response" (3 grants).
Who are Ball Brothers Foundation's largest grantees?
Ball Brothers Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Minnetrista Museum & Gardens ($2,790,000), Muncie Community Schools ($469,000) and Ball State University ($304,900 across 7 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Ball Brothers Foundation?
Ball Brothers Foundation reported $173.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $9.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $10.4M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Ball Brothers Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is “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.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ball Brothers Foundation?
The foundation accepts applications online through its website; required attachments and submission details are provided there. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Ball Brothers Foundation's EIN?
Ball Brothers Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-0882856. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ball Brothers Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ball-brothers-foundation-morg_f199e2505a3543beabeb476a9e43aa0b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_350882856_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ball Brothers Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ball-brothers-foundation-morg_f199e2505a3543beabeb476a9e43aa0b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Ball Brothers Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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