News release from the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership:
Cole Foundation Commits $1 Million to Regional Cities Initiative Projects
(June 22, 2015) – The Cole Foundation Board has adopted a resolution committing $1 million over a three year period to be utilized as matching funds for Regional Cities Initiative Projects.
“We’ve been watching with great interest over the last few weeks the development of the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority in pursuit of the Regional Cities Initiative funding,” said Mac Parker, president of the Cole Foundation. “The Foundation has had a long-standing interest in regional collaboration, and has made numerous grants over the years to assist with this endeavor. We want to encourage other foundations, businesses and the private sector to step up and show that Northeast Indiana is committed to doing what it takes to create the quality of life that will attract young talent to our region.”
The goal of the Regional Cities Initiative is to make Indiana a magnet for talent attraction by creating a national identity for Indiana cities. Regions have been invited to compete for up to $42 million in state matching funds by submitting proposals with a slate of game?changing, quality of life projects (amenities and attractions that will attract and retain young talent).
“This bold commitment by the Cole Foundation is an outstanding example of the type of progressive leadership that defines Northeast Indiana,” said John Sampson, president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “Our leaders know that the contribution of many trumps the success of the individual every time. I commend them for seizing this opportunity to invest in our collective success as a region.”
The Cole Foundation focuses its grant making on DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties, so eligible projects will need to be located either within those four counties or have a direct impact on the residents of those counties. To be eligible for funding assistance from the Foundation, specific projects must be selected for implementation by the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority and be recipients of an Indiana Regional Cities Fund project award.
To find out more about the Regional Cities Initiative, go to www.neindiana.com/regionalcities.
About the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership was formed in 2006 to help build a globally competitive economy in Northeast Indiana. It is a public-private partnership creating business investment by generating business leads, developing product and fostering regional collaboration. In 2010, the Partnership launched Vision 2020 to bring the region together around five key areas for economic growth: 21st Century Talent, Competitive Business Climate, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure and Quality of Life. The 10 counties of Northeast Indiana include Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley. For more information, visit www.NEIndiana.com.About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc.’s main focus is on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. To learn more, visit www.GreaterFortWayneInc.com.
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