Nonprofit Support Network Leadership

Nonprofit Support Network Welcomes New Relationship and Resource Director

Jena Ashby is the new Relationship and Resource Director for Nonprofit Support Network.

Nonprofit Support Network is excited to announce Jena Ashby as the new Relationship and Resource Director. With extensive nonprofit work and volunteer experience, and a wealth of experience convening diverse groups to build authentic, collaborative relationships, Ashby is well-prepared to lead Nonprofit Support Network in expanding opportunities to strengthen nonprofits in Muncie and Delaware County.

This transition also allows us to celebrate Carly Acree King, whose leadership helped launch Nonprofit Support Network as a vital service organization for Muncie and Delaware County.

“Jena has a proven ability to listen and respond to the needs of those she is serving, a skill that will serve the Nonprofit Support Network as it continues to grow and serve the community,” said Marcy Minton, president and CEO of The Community Foundation. “Jena will be able to build upon the strong foundation established by Carly as the first Relationship and Resource Director of NSN.”

Nonprofit Support Network is a separate organization with shared governance by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. It meets the Foundation’s strategic priority to support nonprofits beyond grantmaking. Nonprofit Support Network is a vital partner to philanthropy in Delaware County.

“The nonprofit sector plays an important role in making Muncie a great place to call home,” said Ashby. “It’s a tremendous honor to use my passion, knowledge, experience, and skills at Nonprofit Support Network.”

Ashby will begin with Nonprofit Support Network on Monday, November 18. Under Ashby’s leadership, Nonprofit Support Network continues into an exciting phase of growth and collaboration, with exciting plans ahead to further strengthen our programs and ensure a healthy, well-supported, and sustainable nonprofit sector in Muncie and Delaware County.

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About The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.:

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has been serving the local community since 1985, supporting philanthropy, assisting donors in building a permanent source of charitable assets, and investing in initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. With an endowment of over $93 million, the Foundation has distributed nearly $68 million in grants and scholarships to date.

About Nonprofit Support Network:

Nonprofit Support Network is a capacity-building organization that provides support to ensure a healthy, well-supported, and sustainable nonprofit sector in Muncie and Delaware County. Our community is best served when nonprofits have the resources to focus on their mission. Nonprofit Support Network helps connect nonprofits with the tools, resources, and training they need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why was this leadership change made?

  Carly Acree King announced her resignation in early October. She made a personal and professional decision to transition into a new leadership role within the community after serving as Relationship and Resource Director of the Nonprofit Support Network for more than two years, following four years as Program Officer at The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

• How does The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County connect to Nonprofit Support Network?

  Nonprofit Support Network is a separate organization with shared governance by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. It meets the Foundation’s strategic priority to support nonprofits beyond grantmaking. The Relationship and Resource Director reports to the President and CEO of The Community Foundation.

• How was the new leader selected?

  The Community Foundation utilized a quiet search to fill the Relationship and Resource Director position. A committee of staff evaluated the candidate based on professional and volunteer experience working with nonprofit organizations, leadership skills, knowledge and skill in program development and execution.

• What is the background of the new leader?

  Jena Ashby was most recently Director of Muncie Scholar House where she helped to launch a new program location for Heartland Scholar House including establishing a local advisory committee, providing family advocacy services to program participants, and coordinating partnerships with a variety of supportive organizations. Prior to her most recent role, Jena managed the 8twelve Coalition, a collective impact initiative working with residents and 25 multi-sector partners to strengthen two Muncie neighborhoods. Her work with the 8twelve Coalition included organization management, fundraising, data assessment, community building, resident listening, volunteer coordination, building relationships with vendors, consultants, and experts, and directing and connecting resources for residents and partners. Additional experience in the nonprofit sector includes professional positions at Habitat for Humanity and A Better Way Services, and volunteer board and committee experience for the YMCA of Muncie Board (current), Ball State University Social Work Department Advisory Committee (current), Ivy Tech Arts and Sciences Advisory Committee (current), Corinth Church Board and committees (current), Second Harvest Food Bank Board (past Board Chair), Teamwork for Quality Living Board (past), and Step Ahead Preschool (past). Jena holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Ball State University.

• What qualities and skills does the new leader bring to the organization?

  Jena Ashby brings decades of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has worked with a broad range of partners including individuals in need of services, local nonprofit organizations, and local, state, and national funders. She has successfully managed coalitions and collaborations. Her ability to listen and respond to the needs of those she is serving is known across the community.

• Will there be changes to current projects, programs, or initiatives?

  Programming is planned through Q2 2025 and will continue as scheduled. Just as in its first three years, Nonprofit Support Network will continue to evaluate existing programs and continue to identify opportunities for additional opportunities to support the nonprofit sector in Muncie.

• Will the organization’s mission or values change with this new leadership?

  Nonprofit Support Network exists to provide support to nonprofits in Delaware County to ensure a healthy, well-supported, and sustainable nonprofit sector. The new leadership will uphold this mission.

• How will the organization maintain stability during this transition period?

  The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County will continue to provide support to the Nonprofit Support Network during the transition period.

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Beyond Grantmaking

Nonprofit Support Network is a separate organization with shared governance by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. It meets the Foundation’s strategic priority to support nonprofits beyond grantmaking. Nonprofit Support Network is a vital partner to philanthropy in Delaware County.