Red-tail Board Treasurer Earns Governance Award
Cindy Sollars received the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award from the Ball Brothers Foundation.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Ball Brothers Foundation presented Cindy Sollars with the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner on Nov. 4. The foundation also awarded Red-tail Land Conservancy $10,000.
Why it matters
The award recognizes board-level financial leadership at a Delaware County nonprofit, where Sollars has helped guide planning, budgeting and operations. Her work reflects the governance role that supports a growing land conservation organization in the Muncie area.
Red-tail Land Conservancy has expanded from 13 to 18 nature preserves since Sollars joined its board in 2021. The Ball Brothers Foundation awarded the conservancy $10,000 for operations or board development.
The players
Ball Brothers Foundation
A Muncie-based philanthropic foundation that supports community and nonprofit organizations in east central Indiana.
Red-tail Land Conservancy
A Muncie-area land trust that protects and manages nature preserves in Delaware County and surrounding areas.
Cindy Sollars
A certified public accountant and longtime finance professional who serves as treasurer and finance committee chair of Red-tail Land Conservancy.
The details
Sollars, a CPA with more than 30 years of experience, serves as treasurer and finance committee chair of Red-tail. Her contributions include helping develop the organization's first multiyear budget and five-year strategic plan, leading its move to online accounting software, and helping retain a seasonal employee who became permanent staff.
Timeline
2021: Sollars joined Red-tail Land Conservancy's board.
2026: Executive Director Nick Borgmann retired, and Red-tail's five-year strategic plan took effect.
Nov. 4, 2026: The award was presented at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner.
Market Landscape
Local foundations in east central Indiana increasingly recognize volunteer board leaders whose financial stewardship sustains community nonprofits. This award places Red-tail's governance work within that regional pattern of philanthropic support for land conservation.
For residents of Muncie and Delaware County, the award highlights how local nonprofit finances are managed by volunteer board members. Those who support or visit Red-tail's preserves may see continued operational investment as the organization follows its five-year strategic plan.
The takeaway
Strong financial governance, often provided by volunteer board members with professional backgrounds, helps conservation groups expand their work. Community members interested in local nonprofits can look to board leadership and published strategic plans as indicators of organizational health.
Further reading
Explore more local giving stories in the Philanthropy section for Muncie nonprofits and foundations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star Press.
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