Catalyzing Entrepreneurial Energy to Improve Our Community

A thriving campus and local community will make Taylor an even better place to live, work, and study. Pursuing creative partnerships with local community leaders and private investors will lead to a robust ecosystem of care that will develop and strengthen our community. A $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. coupled with $24.5 million received in public and private investment propels the Main Street Mile Initiative.

By promoting creative business ventures and new ministry endeavors, Taylor will contribute to job growth and economic development in our local community and worldwide.

Address our physical and IT infrastructure needs, which will support modern learning and bolster our students' learning and living experience.
Make investments in our local community and the health of Grant County.
Explore interest in private investments in the area.
Develop a Collegiate Inn.

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$63.1M

As of April 2024

$115M Goal

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Leveraging Tools to Solve Societal Problems Collaboratively

The Center will address the growing demand of students for entrepreneurial experiences, unify innovation and entrepreneurship on campus, better coordinate business development locally and within the State of Indiana, and help faculty, staff, and students to address the most pressing problems of today and tomorrow’s discoveries.

Create a dedicated space for entrepreneurship.
Develop external partnerships with entrepreneurial networks.
Launch academic and summer programs for pre-collegiate and traditional students to hone entrepreneurial skills.

Community Investments

Spurring Economic and Community Development

Taylor University was awarded $30 million through an initiative of Lilly Endowment called, College and Community Collaboration. Taylor University and the Town of Upland will partner in a comprehensive renewal project titled the Main Street Mile Initiative.

The grant—the largest donation in Taylor’s history—will help spur economic and community development in Upland, Grant County, and the wider region. It will draw private and public dollars to Upland for a total investment of more than $100 million over five years.

Community Development and Investments—Transforming the quality of life and improving the economic outlook of our region through public and private investments.
Collegiate Inn
Master Planned Community
Kershner Commons, Housing Units, Spencer & 2nd Street Residential Area
Main Street Improvements, Downtown Mixed-Use Spaces, Upland Town Square, Ivanhoes Drive-In Expansion
1846 Enterprises for Community Development
Childcare Center

Related Initiatives

Taylor University Broadcasting

Create a plan for WBCL to support the larger work of the University.

Classroom Technology and IT Infrastructure

Strategic investments to improve security, secure cost savings, and streamline work.

Upland Health Center and Invitation Program

Incremental improvements to the Health Center services and investments that benefit our community and students in the health professions.

Recent Updates

Transforming a Town, Igniting a Community

Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded Taylor University $30 million that will enable the Main Street Mile Initiative. The largest donation in Taylor’s history, the grant will help spur development in Upland, Grant County, and beyond.

Taylor University Releases Plan to Invest $100 Million on Campus, Additional Investments for Local Community

Taylor University has released an innovative and future-looking Master Plan outlining a significant slate of investments that will be made on its Upland, Indiana campus over the next five years.

WBCL 90.3 Rated Number 1 Radio Station in Fort Wayne

WBCL 90.3, a radio ministry of Taylor University, received the title of most-listened-to radio station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by Nielsen ratings.

Taylor University Secures $250,000 Planning Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

The grant will help the University seek up to $25 million in additional funding to support transformational work in the community of Upland and Grant County.

Exercise Science Majors Help Kids Live Well

Junior Ian Hunt began working with pediatric clients in the Live Well program as a freshman, first presented research at a kinesiology conference as a sophomore, and isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Taylor Students, Hartford City Community Health Providers, Partner for Healthy Living Events

Taylor University students, in partnership with local health organizations, will host two events to promote opportunities for healthy living in Hartford City on April 30.

CDC Recognizes Invitation Program, Creates More Opportunities for Students

Invitation was recently awarded a $10,000 grant, which will be used to train more students in becoming certified Life Coaches. Invitation is on track to become a CDC-certified diabetes prevention program.