Committed to Community

For Dave and Deb Heeter, Muncie isn’t just a place to live—it’s a community where they’ve raised family, grown friendships, built careers, and made an impact.

Dave and Deb’s connection to Muncie runs deep. Dave was born here, and Deb came to Ball State after high school. Their involvement in community service started early. Inspired at a young age by her mother’s involvement in nonprofit work, Deb has continued to volunteer, is an active member of Psi Iota Xi social and service club, and even spent a portion of her career as a program director for a local nonprofit, YMCA of Muncie. Dave’s journey into philanthropy began during his career at Mutual Federal Savings Bank, where community responsibility was a core value. Today, he serves on a variety of nonprofit boards in the community, including the Board of The Community Foundation.

“Initially, we gave our time,” Dave explains. “Now, we’re in a position to give financially, which allows us to make a different kind of impact.” Their support has extended to numerous organizations, including the YWCA of Central Indiana, Ball State University, Muncie Community Schools, Heart of Indiana United Way, the YMCA of Muncie, and of course, The Community Foundation.

From Volunteering to Endowment Building

The YMCA of Muncie has played a special role for the Heeters. Deb has served the organization professionally. Dave has childhood memories of Camp Crosley, managed by the YMCA. Their children participated in youth sports, and Dave and Deb continue to utilize the Y’s resources to help maintain their physical health. Supporting the YMCA’s Capital Campaign for a new facility was an easy decision for the Heeters.

In late 2023, they announced a gift that would both support the facility construction today and support the YMCA forever. Dave and Deb included a $100,000 endowment gift in their campaign pledge. The generous gift will benefit the YMCA of Muncie Fund at The Community Foundation and serve as a match to encourage others to give support to the YMCA.

Their recent gift to the YMCA of Muncie exemplifies their commitment to the community. “We wanted to do something impactful,” Deb explains. “Our gift is not just a one-time donation. It’s a challenge match to encourage others to give, ensuring that the YMCA can continue to serve our community today, tomorrow, and always.”

Dave underscores the importance of endowment funds in sustaining community organizations. “Endowments ensure that these organizations can weather any storm,” he says. “They provide a steady stream of income that allows programs to thrive.”

Establishing a Lasting Legacy and Inspiring Others

As a Board Member, Dave sees firsthand the power of endowment through the Community Foundation. When a special matching opportunity became available for named unrestricted funds, Dave and Deb decided this was a unique opportunity to serve the community they care about, more broadly, forever. The Heeter Family Fund will be used by The Community Foundation to support Community Grants.

Their decision to establish a named unrestricted fund at The Community Foundation was driven by a desire to ensure their impact endures. “The Community Foundation ensures that funds are used in perpetuity,” Dave affirms. “It’s about creating a legacy that supports community needs long into the future.”

Dave and Deb hope their story inspires others to see that their own philanthropy can make a big difference, strengthening the community for generations to come. They remain optimistic about Muncie’s future, believing that we live in a community that rises to the occasion in the face of challenges. Deb concludes, “It’s about creating a ripple effect of giving that strengthens our community for generations to come.”

Legacy Newsletter

This story was featured in the September edition of The Community Foundation’s Legacy Newsletter. Read the full newsletter for more stories of unrestricted giving, 2024 grants, and the impact of caring donors in the community.

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