George and Frances Ball Foundation
The George and Frances Ball Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1937 in Muncie, Indiana. The foundation was founded by George Ball, one of the five brothers who founded Ball Brothers Company (now Ball Corporation), an international manufacturing company known for its glass containers and canning jars. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as a philanthropic leader in East Central Indiana.
Key facts about George and Frances Ball Foundation
- EIN
- 35-6033917
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $5,010,497
- Grants made (2024)
- 49
- Average grant
- $102,255
- Median grant
- $40,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 12% first-time grantees (6 of 49, 2024)
- Total assets
- $89,617,801
- Primary geography
- Indiana (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Quarterly application cycles (February, April, August, November). Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who George and Frances Ball Foundation funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for George and Frances Ball Foundation's 49 itemized 2024 grants were Indiana (100%). The most frequent recipient cities were Muncie, IN (38 grants) and Indianapolis, IN (8 grants). 8% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Is George and Frances Ball Foundation open to new grantees?
12%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 6 of 49 grantees (12%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $57K; repeat grants $109K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $40K repeat.
- 71% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−7%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 93% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with George and Frances Ball Foundation
- How to evaluate George and Frances Ball Foundation as a funder
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Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$89.6M
+17.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$5.0M
-10.9% YoY
Grant Count
49
+8.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$102K
-18.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, George and Frances Ball Foundation reported a distributable amount of $6.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The George and Frances Ball Foundation is focused on increasing the quality of life and educational attainment of residents in East Central Indiana. The foundation operates as an advocate, convener, and grantmaker working in partnership with area nonprofit organizations.
The foundation's five core focus areas are:
- Education and Youth
- Civic Enhancement
- Arts and Culture
- Wrap Around Supports
- Nature and Historic Preservation
More than half of the foundation's grantmaking is dedicated to education and youth development.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$50,000–$100,000
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with George and Frances Ball Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's geographic focus is East Central Indiana, with priority given to Muncie and Delaware County.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 49 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets:
- Total assets: $89,617,801 (as of 2024)
Annual Giving:
- Total giving: $5,010,497–$5.5 million annually
- 2024 grantmaking: Over $5 million awarded
Revenue & Expenses:
- Total revenues (2024): $20,093,148
- Total expenses (2024): $6,702,134
- Total assets (2023): $76,000,000
- Total liabilities (2023): $15,200
Tax Status:
- Tax-exempt since December 1938
- EIN: 35-6033917
- Designated as 501(c)(3)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $89,617,801 | $75,990,692 | $76,099,661 |
| Revenue | $20,093,148 | $6,758,820 | $6,277,746 |
| Expenses | $6,702,134 | $6,877,676 | $6,458,358 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $5,831,055 | $6,378,146 | $5,973,593 |
| Net Investment Income | $19,558,718 | $6,324,291 | $5,866,626 |
| Distributable Amount | $6,285,505 | $5,810,027 | $6,094,182 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
278 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from George and Frances Ball Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Minnetrista Cultural Foundation Inc ($1,110,000), Muncie Community Schools ($729,423), Ball State University Foundation ($400,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MINNETRISTA CULTURAL FOUNDATION INC Muncie, IN | OPERATIONS/ CAPITAL PROJECTS | $1,110,000 |
| MUNCIE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Muncie, IN | LONGFELLOW SCHOOL MODULAR CLASSROOMS;BLACKROCK SUBGRANT; EDUCATION DATA OUTCOMES TEAM; NORTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL VIEW BOARDS; ROBOTIC TEAM SOUTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL; CAN SUPPORT & RECOGNITION; SUMMER ATTENDANCE REWARDS; STUDENT NPPS STIPENDS | $729,423 |
| BALL STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION Muncie, IN | PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | $400,000 |
| URBAN LIGHT COMMUNITY CHURCH Muncie, IN | COMMUNITY SOCIAL HUB | $300,000 |
| HEART OF INDIANA UNITED WAY Muncie, IN | ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEAD COSTS; THIRD GRADE READING C2C CAN; CAN SUPPORT & RECOGNITION; GOOD ATTENDANCE CAMPAIGN | $291,500 |
| UNITED DAY CARE CENTER OF DE CO Muncie, IN | ADDITION OF THREE INFANT & TODDLER CLASSROOMS | $250,000 |
| YMCA OF MUNCIE Muncie, IN | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN; CAMP CROSLEY; CAN LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION | $219,241 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MUNCIE Muncie, IN | OPERATIONS & PROGRAMMING: OUT OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS & MIDDLE GRADE MATH CAN | $175,000 |
| MUNCIE INNOVATION CONNECTOR INC Muncie, IN | STEM/MINOR OPERATIONS SUPPORT; MIDDLE GRADE MATH CAN; CAN LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION; OPERATIONAL SUPPORT | $158,550 |
| IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE MUNCIE Muncie, IN | DIRECTOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION | $92,950 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Executive Staff:
- Thomas J. Kinghorn – President & Chief Executive Officer
- Kortney Zimmerman – Vice President & Chief Program Officer
- Kelsey Harrington – Program Impact Officer
- Lindsey Cox – Program Officer
- Linda Faughnder – Executive Assistant, Cradle to Career Muncie
Board of Directors:
- Jon H. Moll – Chairman
- Stefan S. Anderson – Chairman Emeritus
- Ronald K. Fauquher – Vice Chairman & Treasurer
- Ted Wiese – Secretary
- Will Bracken – Board Member
- Ermalene M. Faulkner – Board Member
- Michael B. Galliher – Board Member
- Steven M. Smith – Board Member
- Marianne Vorhees – Board Member
- James R. Williams – Board Member
- Mark K. Hardwick – Board Member
- Norman E. Beck, Ph.D. – Director Emeritus
- Joan H. McKee – Director Emeritus
- Robert M. Smitson – Director Emeritus
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ermalene M Faulkner | Director | 1 | — |
| Joseph F Wiese | Secretary, Dir | 1 | — |
| Stefan S Anderson | Director | 1 | — |
| James R Williams | Director | 1 | — |
| Thomas J Kinghorn | President & CEO | 32 | $134,808 |
| Mark K Hardwick | Director | 1 | — |
| Jon H Moll | Chairman, Direc | 3 | — |
| Ronald K Fauquher | Vice-Chr, Treas | 2 | — |
| Marianne L Vorhees | Director | 1 | — |
| Michael B Galliher | Director | 1 | — |
| William M Bracken | Director | 1 | — |
| Steven M Smith | Director | 1 | — |
Contact Information
Address: 222 S Mulberry St, Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 741-5500
Website: gfballfdn.org
Mailing Address: PO Box 1408, Muncie, IN 47308-1408
Frequently Asked Questions
What does George and Frances Ball Foundation fund?
The George and Frances Ball Foundation is focused on increasing the quality of life and educational attainment of residents in East Central Indiana. The foundation operates as an advocate, convener, and grantmaker working in partnership with area nonprofit organizations. The foundation's five core focus areas are: • Education and Youth • Civic Enhancement • Arts and Culture • Wrap Around Supports • Nature and Historic Preservation More than half of the foundation's grantmaking is dedicated to e…
How do I apply for a grant from George and Frances Ball Foundation?
Quarterly application cycles (February, April, August, November). Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does George and Frances Ball Foundation make grants?
The foundation's geographic focus is East Central Indiana, with priority given to Muncie and Delaware County.
What size grants does George and Frances Ball Foundation award?
In 2024, George and Frances Ball Foundation awarded 49 grants totaling $5.0M — an average of about $102K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is George and Frances Ball Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, George and Frances Ball Foundation reported a distributable amount of $6.3M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is George and Frances Ball Foundation's EIN?
George and Frances Ball Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-6033917. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.