Ball State University Kicks Off Annual Employee United Way Campaign

Topics: Community Engagement, Giving, Muncie, President, Faculty

September 16, 2025

Ball State University employees and retirees are once again joining together to support the Heart of Indiana United Way through the University's annual United Way campaign, which began Sept. 15 and continues through Nov. 21.

This year's campaign coincides with a historic milestone-the 100th anniversary of the Heart of Indiana United Way. Ball State's employee campaign is consistently one of the largest in the area, providing crucial support to programs that improve health, education, and financial stability across East Central Indiana.

In 2024, Ball State employees and retirees donated approximately $121,000 to support the Heart of Indiana United Way. With additional matching funds from Ball Brothers Foundation, the overall impact of the campaign grew to more than $267,000. Early pledges again this year will qualify for matching support from Ball Brothers Foundation, amplifying the power of every donation. For 2025, Ball Brothers Foundation has pledged up to $80,000 in matching funds, including a special $2-to-$1 match for new unrestricted gifts.

Employees and retirees can participate in several ways, including secure online giving, payroll deduction, paper pledge forms, and non-cash options such as gifts of stock, donor-advised funds, IRA rollovers, and planned giving.

"Ball State University has a proud history of supporting the Heart of Indiana United Way, and I am deeply grateful to the many employees and retirees who contribute their time, talent, and resources to this important cause," said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. "Together, we are helping our friends and neighbors in Muncie and across East Central Indiana to build thriving futures."

This year's campaign is chaired by Dr. Jim Buss, dean of Ball State's Honors College, who has seen the impact of United Way programs both on campus and in the community.

"I am humbled to serve as campaign chair because I have seen firsthand the impact of United Way programs-whether through Honors College students volunteering with the Read and Achieve literacy program or through my own experience as a first-generation college student from a rural community," Dr. Buss said. "This campaign is about extending the spirit of Beneficence to support children, families, and individuals across our region, ensuring the Heart of Indiana United Way continues to make a difference for the next 100 years."

This year's campaign follows Ball State's participation in the United Way Day of Action on Sept. 12, when employees volunteered for community projects at organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, Muncie Mission, and Recovery Café MAX.

The Heart of Indiana United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities while creating a culture of giving, advocating, and volunteering. With deep local roots across Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison, and Randolph Counties, the organization addresses critical needs such as early childhood literacy, family financial stability, access to healthcare, and meeting basic needs. By uniting people, resources, and organizations, the Heart of Indiana United Way works to close gaps and open opportunities so that every individual and family can thrive.