In August 2024, IWU was awarded a $24.3 million grant, the largest in school history, from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to partially fund The 29 Project. This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life and place in our community, specifically in the areas of early learning and community wellness. While IWU was awarded the grant, several strategic partners in the Grant County community will facilitate projects in collaboration with the university.

John Jones, Vice President for University Advancement, sees the grant as an opportunity for now and years to come. He said, “At the heart of The 29 Project is strengthening community relationships between several organizations that are joining together to make the Marion community a great place now and well into the future. It is a true honor to partner with so many wonderful organizations in our local community as we work together with a common vision.”

Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Grant County called the grant a “huge win” and said, “This financial investment, along with the collaborative projects planned between IWU and the community, will have positive ripple effects for generations!” The project will begin unfolding this year and carry through 2029.

The 29 Project’s name was inspired by the words of Jeremiah 29:4,7: “This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile: ‘seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.’”

The grant aligns with IWU goals set out in the Momentum Plan. Jones attests, “IWU will make significant financial investments in programs and facilities on the Marion campus to enable initiatives emerging from the new IWU Momentum strategic plan to become reality. Investments in a new early childhood education center, basketball arena, and hospitality program will make a positive impact on the local Marion community and advance IWU’s mission in powerful ways.”