Collabora recently received a $1.5 million grant from Indiana Wesleyan University to fund furnishings for its new building at 100 S. Washington St., which will house six nonprofits.
According to its website, Collabora’s strategic vision is to leverage the collective strength and values of the nonprofits to help Grant County succeed in areas such as revitalizing downtowns, enhancing green spaces, reducing poverty, boosting employment, supporting a vibrant local economy, and fostering a community where people with diverse beliefs, faiths, and purposes can participate, lead, and thrive.
On Sept. 6, Indiana Wesleyan University presented Collabora with a check for $1.5 million to assist with furnishings and equipment for the new building.
“Indiana Wesleyan was able to apply for a grant from Lilly Endowment called the College and Community Collaboration (CCC) Grant. They specifically wanted colleges to partner with community entities on projects that would benefit both the college and the community,” Dawn Brown, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Grant County, said.
The Community Foundation is one of Indiana Wesleyan’s partners in providing innovative ideas and solutions to help grow Grant County.
“Our project aims to establish more community leadership and demonstrate collaboration among us and these other nonprofits,” Brown said.
The new building will serve the six nonprofits and will also be available for Indiana Wesleyan students and others to use conference rooms for collaboration and meetings.
“With the CCC Grant, we had to provide matching funds to secure the grant,” Brown said. “Now that we have it, we are committed to ensuring we have the best equipment ready for public use.”
Kylie Jackson, president and CEO of Greater Grant County, one of the nonprofits partnering with Collabora, believes this project is an important step for the community.
“It’s vital for our organization to be involved in this project; it’s a great opportunity for our community to collaborate,” Jackson said. “I look forward to sharing space, ideas, and resources with the other organizations. I think it will be dynamic for all of us.”
Jackson noted that all six organizations are already doing valuable work for the community, and having them under one roof will provide even more resources and ideas.
Collabora has hired Halstead Architects to oversee the building’s renovation and construction at 100 S. Washington St. According to Brown, the project is on track to be completed by 2026.
Ultimately, the Community Foundation aims to provide a physical location for Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau, creating a welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike.
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