The Shafer Foundation focuses on place-based investments in Muncie-area institutions that build physical capacity and direct services for local residents. Recent grants emphasize capital and facilities projects at Ball State and YMCA, support for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity, and youth development programs (including faith-linked youth work) at local youth organizations. Their giving tends to strengthen community infrastructure rather than broad national causes.
A 2025 payment in a five-part commitment for performing arts at Ball State University Foundation shows how the Hamer D & Phyllis C Shafer Foundation Charitable Trust favors sustained, place-based support for Muncie institutions. The foundation’s recent grants point to a clear pattern: it backs organizations that strengthen local capacity through facilities, operating support, and direct services. Habitat for Humanity received housing-program funding in both 2023 and 2025, while the YMCA of Muncie received a capital-campaign grant in 2025. Similar support appears across youth development, community arts, and nonprofit infrastructure, including grants to Shafer Leadership Academy, Muncie Children’s Museum, and Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Several awards are tied to staffing or multi-step projects rather than one-time events, such as the spirit life coordinator at Youth Opportunity Center and the operations/staffing grant for Cornerstone Center for the Arts. The result is a grantmaker that consistently reinforces institutions serving Delaware County residents, with emphasis on physical assets, program continuity, and community-serving services.
Housing and shelter work is a recurring theme. The foundation gave $60,000 to Greater Muncie Indiana Habitat for Humanity for the 2022 housing program and another $40,000 in 2025 for the 2024 housing program, alongside $15,000 to YWCA of Muncie for an emergency shelter/COTS stay program. In education and youth development, it supported Motivate Our Minds with $20,000 for educational enrichments program support and another $20,000 for after-school programming, plus $57,850 to Youth Opportunity Center for a spirit life coordinator. Arts funding is also visible in grants such as $30,000 to Muncie Civic Theatre for Page to Stage and $20,000 to Interlochen Center for the Arts for young artists scholarships.
Typical grant size is modest to mid-sized: the p25 is $10,000, the median is $20,000, and the p75 is $28,788. The recent record also shows repeated support for some recipients across multiple years, including Habitat for Humanity, Ball State University Foundation, Shafer Leadership Academy, Heart of Indiana United Way, Motivate Our Minds, YWCA of Muncie, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. That points to a recurring relationship model rather than one-off grants. The foundation accepts unsolicited proposals through its grant/program support and program support tracks, and the listed program types include competitive general operating and program grants.
$432K
$8.8M
$654K
$497K
Most grants fall between $10K and $29K, with a median of $20K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$20K
75th Percentile
$29K
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Concentrated, local giving consisting of a small number of relatively large grants; repeat support to Ball State alongside significant one-off capital/capacity gifts to community organizations.
Notable grantees: Ball State University Foundation, Greater Muncie Indiana Habitat for Humanity, Youth Opportunity Center, YMCA of Muncie
Grantmaking is overwhelmingly local: 94% of grants go to recipients in Indiana, with most awards landing in Muncie. Named recipients there include Ball State University Foundation, YMCA of Muncie, Muncie Children’s Museum, and Muncie Civic Theatre. Outside Indiana, the recent list includes Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan, but the recipient country distribution remains entirely U.S.-based at 100% of grants.
It funds nonprofit organizations across arts and culture, education, environment, health and independence, and human services. The recent grants show that in practice this includes housing groups, youth-serving organizations, arts institutions, museums, and community nonprofits in Muncie and nearby Indiana communities.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Greater Muncie Indiana Habitat for Humanity, Ball State University Foundation, Shafer Leadership Academy, Heart of Indiana United Way, Motivate Our Minds, YWCA of Muncie, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, and Interlochen Center for the Arts.
The distribution is centered on smaller institutional grants: p25 is $10,000, median is $20,000, and p75 is $28,788. Recent awards include a number at $20,000 and $30,000, with larger commitments such as $50,000 and $60,000 also appearing.
Yes. The foundation’s active grant programs state that they accept unsolicited applications for Grant / Program Support, Program Support, and Program Support (General Operating & Program Grants).
Indiana receives 94% of the grants, and the recent grant list is concentrated in Muncie. The foundation also lists Traverse City, Michigan, in its program geography, and recent grants include a recipient in Interlochen, Michigan.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALL STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION | MUNCIE, IN | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT 3 OF 5 PERFORMING ARTS |
| YMCA OF MUNCIE | MUNCIE, IN | $50,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| SHAFER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | MUNCIE, IN | $45,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT 3 OF 3 |
| MUNCIE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | MUNCIE, IN | $40,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN4TH QUARTER HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING |
| GREATER MUNCIE INDIANA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | MUNCIE, IN | $40,000 | 2025 | 2024 HOUSING PROGRAM |
| CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS | MUNCIE, IN | $30,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONS/STAFFING |
| MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE | MUNCIE, IN | $30,000 | 2025 | PAGE TO STAGE PROGRAM |
| MOTIVATE OUR MINDS | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2025 | AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING |
| HEART OF INDIANA UNITED WAY | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2025 | ROAD TO READING |
| CARDINAL GREENWAY | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONS |
| SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2025 | OPERATION FULL PACK (VETERANS, SENIORS, FAMILIES) |
| INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS | INTERLOCHEN, MI | $20,000 | 2025 | ENDOWMENT PHYLLIS C SHAFER & VIRGINIA B BALL |
| YWCA OF MUNCIE | MUNCIE, IN | $15,000 | 2025 | EMERGENCY SHELTER/COTS STAY PROGRAM |
| NONPROFIT SUPPORT NETWORK | MUNCIE, IN | $12,000 | 2025 | TRAINING |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS | MUNCIE, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MUNCIE & DELAWARE COUNTY INC | MUNCIE, IN | $5,000 | 2025 | 2024 FUNDERS FORUM |
| MASTERWORKS CHORALE | MUNCIE, IN | $5,000 | 2025 | VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT |
| SHAFER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | MUNCIE, IN | $60,000 | 2024 | 2023 PAYMENT & FOUNDATIONAL SUPPPORT |
| YMCA OF MUNCIE | MUNCIE, IN | $50,000 | 2024 | NEW FACILITY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| BALL STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION | MUNCIE, IN | $50,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT 2 OF 5 PERFORMING ARTS |
| GREATER MUNCIE INDIANA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | MUNCIE, IN | $40,000 | 2024 | 2023 HOUSING PROGRAM |
| CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS | MUNCIE, IN | $30,000 | 2024 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE | MUNCIE, IN | $30,000 | 2024 | PAGE TO STAGE PROGRAM |
| MUNCIE MISSION MINISTRIES | MUNCIE, IN | $25,000 | 2024 | PROJECT GREATHOUSE |
| YOUTH OPPORTUNITY CENTER | MUNCIE, IN | $24,400 | 2024 | SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM |
| MOTIVATE OUR MINDS | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2024 | SUMMER EDUCATION & TRANSPORTATION |
| HEART OF INDIANA UNITED WAY | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2024 | SUMMER BOOK GIVE AWAY PROGRAM |
| INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS | INTERLOCHEN, MI | $15,000 | 2024 | ENDOWMENT |
| MUNCIE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | MUNCIE, IN | $15,000 | 2024 | 2023 HOLIDAY PROGRAMS |
| SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK | MUNCIE, IN | $15,000 | 2024 | OPERATION FULL PACK |
| NONPROFIT SUPPORT NETWORK | MUNCIE, IN | $15,000 | 2024 | CORE |
| YWCA OF MUNCIE | MUNCIE, IN | $15,000 | 2024 | EMERGENCY SHELTER AND COTS STAY PROGRAM |
| ORCHESTRA INDIANA | MUNCIE, IN | $15,000 | 2024 | GREATEST IMMEDIATE NEED |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MUNCIE & DELAWARE COUNTY INC | MUNCIE, IN | $5,000 | 2024 | FUNDERS' FORUM COLLABORATIVE |
| MASTERWORKS CHORALE | MUNCIE, IN | $5,000 | 2024 | VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT |
| GREATER MUNCIE INDIANA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | MUNCIE, IN | $60,000 | 2023 | 2022 HOUSING PROGRAM |
| YOUTH OPPORTUNITY CENTER | MUNCIE, IN | $57,850 | 2023 | SPIRIT LIFE COORDINATOR |
| BALL STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION | MUNCIE, IN | $50,500 | 2023 | FACILITIES PILLAR |
| SHAFER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | MUNCIE, IN | $45,000 | 2023 | FULL TIME VIRTUAL PROGRAM MANAGER AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| MUNCIE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | MUNCIE, IN | $30,000 | 2023 | PROGRAMMING SUPPORT |
| ORCHESTRA INDIANA | MUNCIE, IN | $25,150 | 2023 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS | MUNCIE, IN | $25,000 | 2023 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS | INTERLOCHEN, MI | $20,000 | 2023 | YOUNG ARTISTS SCHOLARSHIPS |
| HEART OF INDIANA UNITED WAY | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2023 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| MOTIVATE OUR MINDS | MUNCIE, IN | $20,000 | 2023 | EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENTS PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| YWCA OF MUNCIE | MUNCIE, IN | $15,000 | 2023 | EMERGENCY SHELTER AND COTS STAY PROGRAM |
| AWAKEN INC | YORKTOWN, IN | $10,000 | 2023 | TRANSLATOR FUNDING |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MUNCIE | MUNCIE, IN | $10,000 | 2023 | PART TIME SOCIAL EMOTIONAL COUNSELOR |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS - INDIANA REGION | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $10,000 | 2023 | HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MUNCIE & DELAWARE COUNTY INC | MUNCIE, IN | $5,000 | 2023 | FUNDERS' FORUM COLLABORATIVE |
YMCA OF MUNCIE
$50,000CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
SHAFER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
$45,000PAYMENT 3 OF 3
GREATER MUNCIE INDIANA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
$40,0002024 HOUSING PROGRAM
OPERATIONS/STAFFING
MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE
$30,000PAGE TO STAGE PROGRAM
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK
$20,000OPERATION FULL PACK (VETERANS, SENIORS, FAMILIES)
ENDOWMENT PHYLLIS C SHAFER & VIRGINIA B BALL
YWCA OF MUNCIE
$15,000EMERGENCY SHELTER/COTS STAY PROGRAM
NONPROFIT SUPPORT NETWORK
$12,000TRAINING
MASTERWORKS CHORALE
$5,000VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT
SHAFER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
$60,0002023 PAYMENT & FOUNDATIONAL SUPPPORT
GREATER MUNCIE INDIANA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
$40,0002023 HOUSING PROGRAM
MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE
$30,000PAGE TO STAGE PROGRAM
MUNCIE MISSION MINISTRIES
$25,000PROJECT GREATHOUSE
NONPROFIT SUPPORT NETWORK
$15,000CORE
YWCA OF MUNCIE
$15,000EMERGENCY SHELTER AND COTS STAY PROGRAM
ORCHESTRA INDIANA
$15,000GREATEST IMMEDIATE NEED
FUNDERS' FORUM COLLABORATIVE
MASTERWORKS CHORALE
$5,000VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT
GREATER MUNCIE INDIANA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
$60,0002022 HOUSING PROGRAM
SHAFER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
$45,000FULL TIME VIRTUAL PROGRAM MANAGER AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
ORCHESTRA INDIANA
$25,150PROGRAM SUPPORT
YWCA OF MUNCIE
$15,000EMERGENCY SHELTER AND COTS STAY PROGRAM
AWAKEN INC
$10,000TRANSLATOR FUNDING
FUNDERS' FORUM COLLABORATIVE