Ignite Generosity: Making an Impact Over Time

There are many ways to give to an organization. To Olivia Fellows, one of the most important things she can offer is her time. Although she’s been volunteering her whole life, she didn’t connect her volunteerism to the idea of philanthropy, at first. But the more involved she became, working with volunteer-run organizations and giving more of her own time on boards and committees, she realized that her definition of philanthropy had expanded beyond just giving dollars.

“It’s also about continued commitments to organizations that need it,” said Olivia, “So philanthropy, for me, has been the evolution of understanding that there are so many ways you can do it.”

When Olivia, a Kentucky native, decided to stay in Muncie after finishing graduate school at Ball State, she knew the best way to settle in and feel connected to her new community was to get involved in the community – patronizing local businesses, joining community groups, going to the farmer’s market. She initially directed the Guardian Scholars program at Ball State, providing support for students who experienced foster care, and now serves as the Lead Advisor for the Indiana University School of Medicine at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, advising and mentoring medical students.

As a first-generation college student and having built a career in student support, Olivia is passionate about higher education. Her job also gives her an affinity for human services, especially foster youth, inspired by her work with Guardian Scholars. She continues to support young professionals in the Muncie community. She also loves animals. She has given her time and talents in many areas throughout the Muncie community, including The Community Foundation. She has served on the Grants Committee of the Board since 2020.

“It's so easy to engage, and I didn't realize how easy it would be to engage with The Community Foundation. However, working on the committee, I realized it was just that simple,” Olivia shared.

Knowing she could give more than just time, Olivia decided to set up a recurring gift to The Unrestricted Fund of The Community Foundation. A monthly gift is a simple way to make a big impact over time. “It wasn't until I got involved that I could see how I could be a donor. I think that it's important for people to understand how they can be donors. It’s perfectly acceptable to do it in a small way.”

She was drawn to the simplicity of the process and the ongoing support it provides to the Foundation. And, having seen firsthand the work being done, she trusts the Foundation to address the ever-changing needs of the community. Her involvement with the Foundation has helped her see the bigger picture of what’s happening in Muncie and Delaware County and how her contributions make a difference.

“Being involved in this community continues to inspire me,” Olivia concluded, “I'm very thankful and grateful that I took the chance, and that Muncie gave me the chance, to stay here and be involved in some way.”

Legacy Newsletter

This story was featured in the April 2024 issue of The Community Foundation’s Legacy Newsletter. In this edition of Legacy, you’ll read about an investment that encourages community engagement through the arts by The Community Foundation. We also list grant recipients from the first quarter of 2024. Read the full newsletter for more stories from the Foundation!