Purdue Extension’s Community Vitality Program helps Indiana communities thrive through education and resources that grow economies, support well-being, and build inclusive leadership.
What We Do
Community vitality happens when communities create and pursue shared goals! By bringing Purdue Extension's educational offerings and community coaching we empower communities to plan and take action together.
We're excited to announce the inaugural cohort of the Community Vitality Program. Interested communities can find more information and links to the letter of intent and application using the link below. To apply communities must submit a letter of intent by 5 pm ET on February 20, 2026 and an application by 5 pm ET on March 20, 2026. Two communities will be selected for the program's inaugural year.
Community Vitality Program Info & Application
We’re looking forward to this new way of engaging with communities and ever grateful to the Downing Family Charitable Trust for supporting these efforts through the creation of the Downing Endowment for Community Vitality.
How We do It
Community vitality is the dynamic process through which communities pursue shared aspirations. It can be thought of as the engine or capacity that allows a community to produce community well-being. The Community Vitality Program works alongside communities in five thematic areas. Please select the drop for each to learn more about each theme:
Energizes local economies through integrated approaches to personal financial empowerment, business development, and community economic growth. Builds pathways to prosperity by connecting individual success with broader economic opportunities, creating resilient economic systems that benefit all community members.
Activates comprehensive approaches to health and wellness that connect individual well-being with community health systems. Creates environments and opportunities that make healthy choices accessible and sustainable for all community members while building robust support systems for physical, mental, and social health.
Strengthens individual and family well-being through integrated, research-based approaches that address development and relationships across the lifespan. Creates supportive environments and educational opportunities that enhance physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being for all family members while building capacity for healthy relationships, positive parenting, and successful aging. Connects families with evidence-based resources that strengthen intergenerational bonds and promote resilient family systems within diverse community contexts.
Advances community sustainability through integrated planning, resource management, and environmental stewardship approaches. Empowers communities to create and maintain healthy, resilient environments that support current needs and future generations while enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
Cultivates dynamic community leadership and civic engagement through capacity building that strengthens proven approaches to governance, organizational effectiveness, and civic participation. Builds the capacity of communities to address challenges collaboratively, fostering a culture of active citizenship and shared responsibility for community success.