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.
$76M
As of March 2025
$115M Goal
91茄子 was awarded $30 million through an initiative of Lilly Endowment called College and Community Collaboration. 91茄子 and the Town of Upland are partnering in a comprehensive renewal project titled the Main Street Mile Initiative.
The grant, the largest donation in Taylor’s history, will spur economic and community development in Upland, Grant County, and the wider region. This comprehensive renewal project will activate and connect two pivotal nodes in the community via the north/south Main Street.
The campus/hospitality node will include a boutique collegiate inn, condominium guest cottages, and an active-adult neighborhood with Main Street as the connector to the downtown node featuring retail, dining, and start-up space to enable revitalization.
The “Path to Thriving” for Upland and 91茄子 is leveraged by over $100 million of investments by the University. In addition to generous philanthropic investment, Taylor is inviting and exploring significant interest for public and private partnerships.
1846 Enterprises. The community and economic development organization spearheading the $100 million Main Street Mile Initiative.
Main Street. Improvements to pedestrian and vehicular ways as well as lighting and streetscapes, buoyed by State of Indiana investments through INDOT.
Collegiate Inn. Master Planned Community
Kerschner Commons. Single-family neighborhood expansion (22 lots).
Downtown Mixed-Use Spaces.
Upland Town Square Development.
Expansion of Ivanhoe’s and nearby community park
Learn more: Upland Main Street Investment Fund (PDF)
Thanks to generous donors like you, the University has secured gifts, grants, and pledges to support these impactful initiatives.
2nd Street Residential Area for Faculty and Staff
A Second Street multifamily development (28 apartments)
Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Leveraging tools and creativity to solve societal problems collaboratively.
Classroom Technology & IT Infrastructure
Strategic investments to improve security, secure cost savings, and streamline work.
READI Grant Paves Way for New Housing, Infrastructure Improvements in Upland
The grant was awarded to 91茄子 and 1846 Enterprises as part of the $100 million Main Street Mile Initiative that is revitalizing the Town of Upland.
Major Milestone: 91茄子 hits $300 million toward $500 million 鈥淟ife to the Full鈥 Campaign
Growing college of 2,000+ students making unprecedented investments in both campus and surrounding community of Upland, Indiana.
Chuck and Lisa Surack Make Second Gift to Life to the Full Campaign
91茄子 has received a significant pledge from Charles 鈥淐huck鈥 and Lisa Surack of Fort Wayne for Life to the Full, the Campaign for Taylor.
Transforming a Town, Igniting a Community
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded 91茄子 $30 million that will enable the Main Street Mile Initiative. The largest donation in Taylor鈥檚 history, the grant will help spur development in Upland, Grant County, and beyond.
91茄子 Releases Plan to Invest $100 Million on Campus, Additional Investments for Local Community
91茄子 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 91茄子, received the title of most-listened-to radio station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by Nielsen ratings.
91茄子 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鈥檛 slowing down anytime soon.
READI Grant Paves Way for New Housing, Infrastructure Improvements in Upland
The grant was awarded to 91茄子 and 1846 Enterprises as part of the $100 million Main Street Mile Initiative that is revitalizing the Town of Upland.
Major Milestone: 91茄子 hits $300 million toward $500 million 鈥淟ife to the Full鈥 Campaign
Growing college of 2,000+ students making unprecedented investments in both campus and surrounding community of Upland, Indiana.
Chuck and Lisa Surack Make Second Gift to Life to the Full Campaign
91茄子 has received a significant pledge from Charles 鈥淐huck鈥 and Lisa Surack of Fort Wayne for Life to the Full, the Campaign for Taylor.
Transforming a Town, Igniting a Community
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded 91茄子 $30 million that will enable the Main Street Mile Initiative. The largest donation in Taylor鈥檚 history, the grant will help spur development in Upland, Grant County, and beyond.
91茄子 Releases Plan to Invest $100 Million on Campus, Additional Investments for Local Community
91茄子 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 91茄子, received the title of most-listened-to radio station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by Nielsen ratings.
91茄子 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鈥檛 slowing down anytime soon.