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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$75.2M

As of November 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