Become A Donor

When you give to The Community Foundation, you’re investing in the future of Muncie and Delaware County. Your gift goes beyond a one-time donation — it becomes part of the community’s endowment - an enduring source of charitable support that grows over time. We pool gifts together and carefully invest them, so the impact lasts for generations. 

But it's not just about the numbers — it’s about creating opportunities for Muncie and Delaware County. Through grants, scholarships, and community leadership, your gift supports vital programs that improve education, enhance the arts, strengthen human services, and so much more. 

By giving through The Community Foundation, you can: 

• Support a variety of causes you care about with one gift. 

• Create a lasting legacy that benefits the community today, tomorrow, and always. 

• Join forces with other donors to amplify your impact. 

Your gift becomes part of a shared effort to build a community where people choose to live, work, and play. Together, we can make Muncie and Delaware County a better place for all. 

At The Community Foundation, we believe in sustainable, long-term impact. Here’s how we make sure your gift continues to create change for generations to come: 

• Endowment Model: When you give to an endowed fund, your gift is invested carefully to grow over time. A portion of the earnings is used to support community needs each year, while the original gift remains intact — meaning your impact lasts forever. 

• Thoughtful Stewardship: Our Board of Directors and volunteer committees oversee how funds are used, ensuring each grant, scholarship, or investment aligns with community needs and donor intent. 

• Accountability & Transparency: We provide regular updates and reports on the impact of your gift. You’ll see how your generosity fuels local change through grants, scholarships, and community initiatives. 

Your gift doesn't just make a difference today — it creates a legacy that will support future generations. By trusting The Community Foundation with your philanthropy, you’re ensuring that Muncie and Delaware County will continue to grow, thrive, and adapt to new challenges over time. 

The Community Foundation is committed to funding projects that enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. Nonprofits can apply for funding through our Community Grants Program, which supports projects in five key areas: 

• Arts & Culture 

• Community Betterment 

• Economic Development 

• Education 

• Human Services 

Grant applications are thoughtfully reviewed by volunteer committees of residents who live or work in Delaware County. These volunteers bring diverse perspectives and community knowledge to the process. After review, the committee recommends funding to our Board of Directors. Each year, The Community Foundation awards more than $1.5 million in Community Grants. 

Community Grants are funded through a combination of unrestricted funds (gifts that give us flexibility to respond to emerging community needs) and field of interest funds (gifts designated to support specific areas of impact, like education or the arts). 

In addition to Community Grants, the Foundation also facilitates funding tied directly to donor intent. This includes: 

• Scholarships that support students on their educational journeys 

• Designated Endowments that benefit specific nonprofit organizations 

• Donor-Advised Funds, where donors recommend grants to causes they care about 

Through each of these funding opportunities, we ensure that your generosity creates meaningful, lasting impact in the community. 

Using the Foundation to give is personal, simple and flexible. Because the legal tools are already in place, and existing forms are available, a fund can be established - and all applicable tax advantages can be obtained - in a very short time.

There are many ways to give to the Foundation. Working with your professional advisors and our staff, we can help you identify how your resources can best be put to use to provide you with financial benefit and meet your charitable goals. Utilizing specific types of gifts such as life insurance, charitable trusts and establishing certain types of funds like unrestricted or donor advised funds can provide financial benefits and tax advantages.

Just as each of our donors is unique, each donor’s giving decisions impact their financial and tax benefits. Contact us today to discuss the ways that we can help maximize your advantages through your gift.

The Community Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors — nine community-minded volunteers who live right here in Delaware County. They provide thoughtful oversight and approve investment policy and grantmaking decisions to ensure your gifts are making the biggest impact. 

We also have volunteer committees made up of individuals with specialized expertise and lived community experience. These respective committees carefully review investment performance and grant requests, offering recommendations to the Board as an added layer of guidance and accountability. 

Together, these committed volunteers ensure your generosity fuels meaningful change in Muncie and Delaware County — today, tomorrow, and always.How can I stay updated on the impact of my gift and the Foundation’s work? 

Your generosity is making a lasting impact, and we want you to see it in action! Here’s how you can stay connected: 

Weekly Email Updates: Sign up here to receive inspiring stories and timely updates directly to your inbox.

Social Media: Follow us on Facebook for real-time highlights, community success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Quarterly Print Publications: Prefer something in hand? Contact us here to receive our quarterly print newsletter, filled with stories of local impact and donor recognition.

We’re committed to showing you the difference your generosity makes — today, tomorrow, and always. 

Creating a fund with The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on the community you care about. Here’s why it’s a smart and meaningful choice: 

1. Enduring Impact: Your fund becomes a part of a permanent endowment, ensuring your charitable legacy supports the community today, tomorrow, and always. 

2. Flexibility and Customization: We work with you to create a fund that reflects your values, passions, and giving priorities. Whether you want to support a specific cause or provide broad community support, we’ll tailor the fund to meet your goals. 

3. Professional Stewardship: Our experienced team handles all administrative details, from managing investments to processing grants, so you can focus on the joy of giving. 

4. Local Expertise: As a trusted local partner, we have deep insight into the needs and opportunities in Muncie and Delaware County. Your giving will have the greatest possible impact. 

5. Tax Benefits: Gifts to The Community Foundation qualify for maximum tax advantages, helping you make the most of your generosity. 

6. Community Connection: Join a network of local philanthropists who believe in the power of collective giving. Together, we’re building a community where people choose to live, work, and play. 

By establishing a fund with The Community Foundation, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re creating a legacy. Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more.