Community Vitality Program

community painting crosswalk bright colorsPurdue Extension, through the Downing Endowment for Community Vitality, is excited to announce the inaugural cohort of the Community Vitality Program. This partnership opportunity aims to cultivate thriving Indiana communities by delivering research-based education and resources that strengthen economic opportunity, enhance personal and family well-being, foster environmental stewardship, and build inclusive leadership capacity, creating vibrant places where all can flourish.

Program Information

Once selected communities are announced, local teams in each community will begin the process by participating for free in Purdue Extension programs that support communities in planning together and completing community projects. Two well-known offerings include Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing (BGGW) and Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces (EVPS).
  • BGGW teaches those new to grant writing (or desiring review) how to create a proposal and seek financial support from funders. More information about the BGGW program.
  • EVPS guides communities through public conversations to create an action plan focused on placemaking and creating a healthier community. This plan will guide the local teams’ efforts to address one of five thematic areas in their community. More information about the EVPS program.

Local teams will finish these programs with an action plan and grant proposal. Purdue Extension staff will provide coaching in implementing projects, securing funding for projects, and building community support for remainder of the year long program. Projects will be focused in one of the five thematic areas listed on the Community Vitality landing page.

For the Community Vitality Program, community is defined as a group of people who share a readiness to act on a community need/opportunity and a shared geography. Examples of shared geography may include an unincorporated area in a township, partnering towns, a neighborhood association, a single city, or adjoining counties.

In 2026, we accepted applicants from communities in the following counties: Benton, Blackford, Delaware, Fountain, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Tippecanoe, Warren, and Wayne. We expect to open eligibility to communities across Indiana in 2027.

The application window for the Community Vitality Program is currently closed.

To be considered, communities must submit a letter of intent and an application. This two-step process allows time to assist communities interested in applying to the Community Vitality Program. An informational webinar about the Community Vitality Program was held during the 2026 application window. If you would like to view the recording please use the link below.

Recording of Informational Webinar

All Community Vitality Program applications are being carefully considered by a review panel of Purdue Extension staff and external partners. Scoring is guided by a rubric that communities could request and review during the application window. Communities applying for the inaugural cohort of the Community Vitality Program will be informed of their selection status in April 2026.

If you have any questions about the Community Vitality Program please contact:

Jeff Walker, Community Vitality Specialist
walke526@purdue.edu
859-553-4117