Collaboration focusing on Anderson University area

Anderson University has received a $250,000 planning grant from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc.’s College and Community Collaboration Initiative.

The effort, the partners said Tuesday, will involve exploration of a variety of infrastructure and programming projects to enhance the neighborhood surrounding the university and complement planned developments to the east corridor of of downtown Anderson. 

The university said funds will be used to contract with project consultants, engineers, and program developers. Additional funds will be allocated to support university administration of the grant and the development of a community partnership center that would serve as the collaboration center for the grant.

“The key to this grant is working collaboratively with our many city and Madison County partners to present a clear and compelling proposal that will help us improve the lives of families and individuals who will benefit from additional educational opportunities and quality of life improvements,” said Anderson University President John Pistole.

Pistole said once the planning phase is complete, the university will then compete for an implementation grant of up to $25 million.