The Lilly Endowment in Indianapolis has announced the launch of a $300 million initiative designed to strengthen the quality of life and place in Indiana.

Through a two-phase process, the College and Community Collaboration will support 35 eligible colleges and universities in their efforts to engage in collaborative projects with stakeholders to enhance community development efforts. In phase one, higher education institutions can apply for noncompetitive planning grants of up to $250,000, and in phase two, institutions will be eligible for competitive implementation grants of up to $25 million.

“We have heard from many Indiana college and university leaders that their institutions are increasingly interested in collaborating with various leaders and organizations to improve the economic, cultural, and social vitality in their surrounding neighborhoods and communities,” said Lilly Endowment president Jennett M. Hill. “We believe that such collaborations can enhance their communities for the benefit of residents and local businesses as well as for the college or university’s faculty, staff, and students.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Purdue9394)