A Day in the Life of Community Impact
How Your Support Fuels Change
At The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, no two days look the same—but every day is shaped by our commitment to being relevant, representative, and responsive to our community’s needs. Whether it’s funding a critical project, guiding a donor’s philanthropic vision, or convening leaders to tackle big challenges, our work is fueled by the generosity of our neighbors, people like you
Let’s take a look at what a single day of impact might look like.
8:30 AM | Grantmaking: Turning Generosity into Action
The day starts with a meeting of our Grants Committee, where local volunteers carefully review applications from nonprofit organizations. This morning, the committee reviews 14 applications for important community programs and projects, like PathStone’s Homeownership Initiative. Through the program, PathStone provides a voice and opportunity for low- to moderate-income neighbors. Because of unrestricted gifts, The Community Foundation can respond to this need today, building a more resilient community for tomorrow.
One committee member remarks, "This is what it’s all about—helping neighbors in real, tangible ways.” Following two hours of discussion, a final recommendation for the quarter’s Community Grants is prepared for Board approval, ensuring that resources go where they are needed most.
11:00 AM | Donor Relations: Connecting Passion with Purpose
Down the hall, a donor stops by to learn more about establishing a family fund. Inspired by their parents' lifelong commitment to giving, they want to create a legacy that supports education. After learning about the flexibility of the unrestricted funds to ensure the Foundation is relevant within the community now and forever, they decided to establish an unrestricted fund—trusting the Community Foundation to direct their support where it will have the greatest long-term impact.
As they leave, they share, “We want to make sure Muncie is strong for generations to come. This feels like the best way to do that.”
2:00 PM | Community Leadership: Bringing People Together for Change
Later in the afternoon, our team joins a roundtable discussion on the creative sector as a tool for economic development in Delaware County. City officials, nonprofit leaders, and developers are in the room, working together to find solutions that reflect the desires of the community.
Because the Community Foundation is deeply rooted in the community, we serve as a convener—connecting the right people and resources to move solutions forward. The conversation is tough, but collaboration is key. We take notes, ask questions, and identify where philanthropy can play a role in creating lasting change.
4:30 PM | Reflecting on a Day of Impact
As the day winds down, we reflect on the work that was done—and the work still ahead. Because of you, we are able to respond to needs, represent the voices of our community, and remain relevant as challenges and opportunities evolve.
This is the power of philanthropy. This is the impact of giving.
From funding local nonprofits to strengthening donor connections and convening community leaders, every day at The Community Foundation is shaped by generosity and action. It takes us all to make this a better community today, tomorrow and always.
Make a Difference
Caring, giving donors are key to developing an enduring source of charitable assets to benefit our community today, tomorrow, and always.