DePauw Stories

In partnership with the City of Greencastle, DePauw is pleased to announce a $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative. The grant will support joint development projects that will enhance the quality of life for city residents and foster a vibrant, inclusive community.

Recognizing that colleges and universities often serve as anchors of their communities and play a crucial role in their vitality, Lilly Endowment launched the CCC initiative in 2023 to support collaboration between institutions and diverse stakeholders for the benefit of local residents, businesses, faculty, staff and students. The significant grant will partially fund "Growing Green and Gold Together," a community development project that will shape the next chapter for downtown Greencastle.

“We believe DePauw has a responsibility to both our students and to our greater community,” said President Lori S. White. “Any investment in the future of DePauw is an investment in the future of Greencastle, and vice versa; we thrive and flourish together. Lilly Endowment’s commitment to education in Indiana and the grant to DePauw is critical to our collaborative efforts to enhance the city of Greencastle for the benefit of our neighbors, students and employees.”

The "Growing Green and Gold Together" project will significantly boost local businesses in downtown Greencastle. The development of new residential units and public spaces will increase foot traffic and economic activity in the area, benefiting existing businesses and attracting new entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the Downtown Small Business Incubator Fund will directly support the growth and success of small businesses, fostering growth in the thriving local economy. The addition of amenities, such as an indoor aquatics facility, will enhance the quality of life for Greencastle and Putnam County residents.

“While varied in scope and reach, the proposed initiatives and projects reflect a commitment by stakeholders, inclusive of faculty, staff and students from these institutions, business leaders, government officials, and community leaders, to create vibrant communities where all residents can thrive,” said Jennett M. Hill, president of the Endowment. “The Endowment looks forward to seeing all the projects in the CCC initiative evolve. We are enthusiastic about the prospects for both the institutions and communities and are eager to see these institutions and their community stakeholders collaborate to breathe life into their promising projects.”

"Growing Green and Gold Together" is a comprehensive project designed to address critical community needs through four key components:

Seminary Square Mixed-Use Development: This project will transform two city blocks into a mixed-use development featuring new residential units, commercial space, and parking. The development will offer a range of housing options to serve existing community members, while helping to attract and retain young professionals and families. By prioritizing communal green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets, the area will reflect a more human-centric infrastructure that empowers spontaneous social connection.

Downtown Public Space Enhancement: This component focuses on revitalizing public spaces that facilitate major community events in and around Courthouse Square, the iconic center of downtown Greencastle. With the addition of new streetscapes, public spaces and a parking garage to support community activities and local businesses, these improvements make the area more conducive to events and gatherings as well as increasing its accessibility via pedestrian traffic from the campus of DePauw University.

Downtown Small Business Incubator Fund: Aimed at fostering local entrepreneurship, this fund will provide support for small business development and growth, contributing to the economic vitality of downtown Greencastle. As a partnership between Main Street Greencastle, the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center and DePauw’s School of Business and Leadership, this endeavor will open doors for training and support on topics such as developing a business plan, small business finance and effective marketing, in addition to providing financial resources to current and future small business owners.

Putnam County YMCA and Natatorium: This project will assist in the establishment of a state-of-the-art YMCA facility with a natatorium, providing year-round aquatic access for recreation, exercise, therapy and community gatherings. The facility will cater to the needs of seniors, families and residents with disabilities, promoting health and well-being across the community. The proposed natatorium will likely incorporate features such as a zero-entry ramp, therapeutic benches, a flat area for aqua aerobics, swim lanes and an area for young children.

The total cost to fund the "Growing Green and Gold Together" project is estimated to be more than $109 million. In addition to the Lilly Endowment grant, funding will come through a combination of developer investments, private donations and public support from the City of Greencastle.

Dr. Andrea Young, vice president for finance and administration at DePauw University and grant co-principal investigator, stated: "We are incredibly grateful to Lilly Endowment for their generous support. This grant will enable us to make transformative changes in our community, promoting the welfare and well-being of all residents.”

Dr. Dionne Jackson, vice president for institutional equity at DePauw University and grant co-principal investigator, added: “This opportunity enables DePauw and the Greencastle community to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment. We look forward to working closely with our community partners to bring these projects to fruition. For 187 years, the City of Greencastle and DePauw University have partnered. This opportunity is yet another example of what we can accomplish together."

“Growing Green and Gold Together” builds upon DePauw University's strong partnerships with the City of Greencastle and local organizations. Over the years, these collaborations have fostered a sense of community and enabled impactful projects that have benefited residents and students alike. By leveraging these well-established relationships and bringing in new partners like the YMCA of Wabash Valley, the project ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of the Greencastle community.

The project will be overseen by an executive leadership team comprising representatives from DePauw University and the City of Greencastle. The team will ensure effective communication and collaboration with community stakeholders throughout the project’s implementation.

Mayor Lynda Dunbar of Greencastle added: "This partnership with DePauw University and the support from Lilly Endowment will have a lasting impact on the vitality of our community. The planned developments will not only improve our infrastructure and public spaces but also strengthen our community bonds and support local businesses."