Jasper, Indiana— Christian Blome of Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation has been selected as a member of the 2026 class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Launched by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance in 2021, the Mutz Institute provides a leadership training experience to skill-up professionals serving in board and executive roles at foundations, corporations and social impact organizations across Indiana.

Blome successfully completed a competitive application process to gain one of 22 spots in this year’s class.

Since assuming the role of President in January 2025, Blome has led the Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation through strategic planning, launched its first competitive grant cycle, and focused on aligning philanthropic investments with community-identified health and wellness priorities. “I’m honored to join the 2026 Mutz Institute cohort,” said Blome. “This opportunity will strengthen my ability to lead thoughtfully, learn from peers across the state, and ensure our Foundation continues to invest strategically in the long-term health and well-being of our region.”

“It is imperative that Indiana cultivates a generation of sharp leaders ready to forge significant advancements in critical sectors such as education and economic development,” said IPA Vice President and Mutz Institute Director Maddison Miller. “Through this program, we celebrate the visionary legacy of John Mutz and his foundational role in establishing IPA, all while fostering a dynamic and diverse cohort of philanthropic pioneers for the future.”

The Mutz Institute is named for former Indiana Lieutenant Governor, past Lilly Endowment Inc. president, IPA founder, corporate CEO and Indiana visionary John M. Mutz.

“We want to imbue the individuals who graduate from our program with a lot of knowledge and wisdom,” shared John Mutz. “But more importantly, what we want to do is build a fire under philanthropy, and under government, and under business in this state so we can be better than we are.”

Go here for a full listing of those accepted into the class of 2026 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute: https://www.inphilanthropy.org/Mutz

About John M. Mutz

Born in Indianapolis, John M. Mutz is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in advertising and business management. He had a long career in business, including managing a chain of restaurants and serving as president of PSI Energy (now Duke Energy). Elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1967 and to the state Senate in 1970, he was instrumental in introducing the set of legislative reforms that came to be known as Unigov, the creation of IUPUI and the White River Park Commission, among others. From 1980-1988, he served as the 45th Lieutenant Governor, serving under Governor Robert D. Orr. Mutz later served as president of Lilly Endowment Inc. and chairman of the Lumina Foundation board of directors.

About Indiana Philanthropy Alliance

Indiana Philanthropy Alliance is a nonprofit membership organization that serves as a collective voice and resource for Indiana’s philanthropic sector. IPA supports effective philanthropy through high-impact professional development opportunities, robust networking-building events, proactive advocacy efforts, and insightful research. Learn more about their mission and impact at www.inphilanthropy.org.

The Mutz Institute is an IPA program. Classes begin in January and meet once a month until October. For more information, visit www.inphilanthropy.org/Mutz

About Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation
The Being for Others (BFO) Health and Wellness Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a culture of health and wellness for the betterment of communities in Southwest Indiana. Established through a generous $20 million endowment made possible by the affiliation between Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and Deaconess Health System in 2024, the foundation serves eight counties: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Martin, Orange, Perry, Pike, and Spencer.

Focused exclusively on grant-making, the foundation collaborates with local organizations, agencies, and other funders to promote health and wellness initiatives that inspire our communities to Be Well. Be Healthy. Be for Others.

For more information contact us at 812-556-0400, info@beingforothers.org or visit www.beingforothers.org.