Grant Writing: “Building Blocks to Grant Writing”
This educational initiative was designed to strengthen local organizations’ capacity to secure funding by teaching the fundamentals of grant development, budgeting, and project management. Hosted in collaboration with the Innovation Connector, the series offered hands-on sessions where participants learned how to craft competitive proposals, align projects with funder priorities, and build sustainable community partnerships. The program aims to empower emerging leaders and nonprofits across East Central Indiana to become more self-sufficient and strategically equipped to meet their community’s evolving needs.
Back-to-School Golf Outing Fundraiser
In partnership with Hearts for Hands, this annual fundraiser supports local school-aged children by raising money for essential back-to-school supplies across East Central Indiana. Hosted at the Portland Golf Club, the event brought together community members, sponsors, and local businesses for a day of fun and philanthropy featuring team play, prizes, and sponsorship opportunities. Proceeds directly benefit families in need, helping ensure that every child begins the school year with the tools for success.
Winter Clothing Drive: “Clean Out Your Closet for a Cause”
In partnership with the Muncie Mission, this community initiative encourages residents to donate gently used coats, sweaters, shoes, and accessories throughout the winter months. By hosting drop-off collections at 1208 W. White River Blvd, the drive promotes warmth, dignity, and community care across Delaware County. The project highlights ECIRPD’s commitment to connecting resources with compassion while fostering a culture of giving in East Central Indiana.
First Annual Jay County Bridge Dinner
ECIRPD proudly contributed $1,000 to support the very first Jay County Bridge Dinner, held on September 25, 2025. This collaborative event brought together residents, local leaders, and community partners for an evening filled with local food, music, and family-friendly activities that celebrated unity and connection. By providing both funding and on-site support, ECIRPD helped ensure the success of this new community tradition, strengthening partnerships, promoting local engagement, and highlighting the shared spirit of Jay County.
Trunk or Treat: “Candy, Community, and Connection”
Hosted in collaboration with the Innovation Connector, this family-friendly Halloween event invited local businesses, organizations, and families to decorate trunks, hand out candy, and celebrate community spirit in a fun and festive setting. The Trunk or Treat aimed to create a safe, inclusive environment for children while promoting local engagement and business participation. The event showcased ECIRPD’s commitment to building community connections through creativity and collaboration.
Muncie Altrusa Foundation Grant
ECIRPD received $500 from the Muncie Altrusa Foundation to support its Internship Program in Delaware County. This funding provides valuable resources for interns to gain professional experience in community planning, research, and public administration.
Wal-Mart Spark Good Grant
A $1,500 award from Wal-Mart’s Spark Good Program supported back-to-school initiatives in Delaware County. The funds were used to purchase essential classroom supplies for children and families in need, furthering ECIRPD’s mission of educational access and community equity.
Ball Brothers Foundation Grant
The Ball Brothers Foundation awarded $30,000 to enhance ECIRPD’s Internship Program, helping to expand workforce readiness and leadership development opportunities for local college students while providing local governments and organizations support for various project initiatives. The grant strengthens ECIRPD’s capacity-building efforts across the entire East Central Indiana Region.
Meijer Community Grant
Meijer contributed $500 through its Community Giving Program to support back-to-school efforts in Muncie. This partnership helped supply local students with backpacks, notebooks, and learning materials, promoting educational preparedness and community engagement.
Three Rivers Foundation Grant
Three Rivers Foundation awarded $1,000 in support of ECIRPD’s Financial Literacy outreach across Delaware County. This grant funds workshops that empower residents to build financial stability and personal well-being.
Portland Foundation Grant
The Portland Foundation provided $2,200 in funding to support the Portland Rotary’s community initiatives in Jay County. This collaboration strengthened ECIRPD’s regional impact by supporting local volunteer-driven programs and civic engagement.
Ball Brothers Rapid Grant
A $5,000 Rapid Grant from the Ball Brothers Foundation supported the purchase of a new basketball goal for the Boys & Girls Club where ECIRPD acted as the grant writer in this collaboration. This small but meaningful project reflects ECIRPD’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth development and recreation in Delaware County.
Indiana Arts Commission: Portland Mural Project
Through the Indiana Arts Commission’s Project Support grant, ECIRPD secured $4,000 to fund a community mural at the Jay County Resource Building. The project celebrates local culture and creativity while promoting beautification and civic pride across the region.
