Forge ECI

02/27/2026

When it comes to arts & culture funding, the most competitive projects tend to share a few key traits.

They are:
• Built on strong partnerships
• Designed for long-term impact—not one-time events
• Connected to workforce, tourism, or downtown vitality
• Supported by local leadership and community alignment
• Able to demonstrate regional benefit

Competitive doesn’t mean complicated. It means thoughtful, collaborative, and intentional.

As communities across East Central Indiana consider future opportunities, focusing on these fundamentals can make all the difference. Access the grant portal here!

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02/25/2026

You may be hearing more about READI 2.0—especially as it relates to arts and culture.

At its core, READI is about regional investment.

It supports projects that:
• Strengthen quality of place
• Encourage collaboration across communities
• Deliver measurable, long-term impact

This isn’t about checking boxes or rushing ideas. It’s about aligning vision, partnerships, and purpose.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue breaking this down—clearly, simply, and with communities in mind.

LEI Grants At Governor Holcomb's State of the State address on January 9, 2024, he announced that Lilly Endowment Inc. had gifted $250 million to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), marking the largest award given to a single organization in Lilly Endowment’s more than 85 year his...

02/23/2026

County Spotlight: Randolph County

Readiness isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about alignment, momentum, and the willingness to collaborate.

In Randolph County, local partners are building toward long-term impact through community collaboration, placemaking efforts, arts initiatives, downtown revitalization, and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen both the county and the region.

This kind of groundwork matters. It positions communities to pursue opportunities that create lasting value—not just short-term wins.

When counties prepare together, East Central Indiana competes stronger.

02/20/2026

County Spotlight: Grant County

East Central Indiana’s strength comes from the diversity of its communities—and Grant County plays an important role in that shared story.

With assets that include local culture, downtown character, industry, community partnerships, the county contributes to the region in ways that extend beyond its borders.

These local strengths help shape a region that is competitive, connected, and positioned for long-term growth.

Regional success is built one community at a time—and sustained when we work together.

Welcome to Grant County, Indiana Contact Information | 401 S. Adams Street | Marion, IN 46953 | 8 AM - 4 PM Mon-Fri | suggestions@grantcounty.in.gov Contact Us Previous Slide Next Slide Grant County Resource Guide View Guide Holiday Schedule View Schedule Welcome to Grant County, Indiana!Located in....

02/19/2026

Did you miss the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative Informational Webinar last week?

No worries — we’ve got you covered.

The webinar slides are now posted, and a full recording of the session is available for anyone who would like to review the details, revisit key guidance, or share with partners.

This opportunity includes $65 million statewide to support arts & culture investments that strengthen quality of place and long-term community impact.

📅 Applications will be accepted until April 15.

Now is a great time to gather partners, align your project with the regional Arts & Culture Plan, and begin preparing a strong submission.

This is "READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative - Kick-Off Webinar 2.10.2026" by Indiana Economic Dev Corp on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos…

02/18/2026

Arts and culture are often thought of as “extras.” In reality, they are economic drivers.

Across East Central Indiana, investments in arts, culture, and place help:
• Attract and retain talent
• Strengthen downtowns and community identity
• Support tourism and small business growth
• Improve overall quality of place

These assets shape how people experience a community—and whether they choose to live, work, and invest there.

That’s why arts and culture aren’t separate from economic development. They’re part of the strategy.

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02/16/2026

Opens Today: A major opportunity for arts & culture in East Central Indiana.

In the weeks ahead, communities across the region will have the chance to explore a significant funding opportunity focused on arts, culture, and quality of place—key drivers of economic vitality and talent attraction.

This investment isn’t just about projects. It’s about people, places, and regional impact.

We’ll be sharing more, including what this opportunity means for communities and how to start thinking ahead.

Now is a great time to start the conversation though. Check out our regional plan here!

https://grow.forgeeci.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-Forge-ECI-Plan-Full.pdf

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02/13/2026

County Spotlight: Wayne County

Every county in East Central Indiana brings something unique to the region—and that diversity is a strength.

From its local identity and community pride to the partnerships that support growth, Wayne County plays an important role in shaping our shared future.

Whether through placemaking efforts, cultural assets, or collaborative leadership, counties like this help position the region for long-term success. Regional economic development starts locally—but it grows when communities work together.

We’re excited to continue highlighting the people, places, and potential across East Central Indiana.

The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, Indiana

02/11/2026

Economic development doesn’t stop at county lines. And the opportunities shaping East Central Indiana shouldn’t either.

At Forge ECI, our role is simple—but powerful:
to bring communities together, align priorities, and help our region compete for transformational investment.
From workforce and quality of place to arts, culture, and innovation, regional collaboration is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing:

• How our counties are building readiness
• What major funding opportunities are ahead
• Why collaboration is the region’s greatest advantage

East Central Indiana is building momentum—and we’re just getting started.

02/10/2026

Did you know we are building satellites in Central Indiana? NearSpace Education is sharing their passion with our young people. Sign your student up today!

🚀 Summer 2026 Camps Are Filling Fast 🚀
Do not miss an incredible summer with NearSpace Education. Students will explore hands-on STEM in our new makerspace, build real experiments, and launch them on a high-altitude balloon to the edge of space.

Learn more:
https://nearspaceeducation.org/camps-clubs/

Spots are limited. Reserve your spot before camps fill up.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/nse-2025-summer-camp-application-form

02/05/2026

Calling East Central Indiana creatives and community builders!

The READI 2.0 LEI Arts & Culture Grants Program is officially preparing to launch—and it brings exciting opportunities to invest in creativity, place, and people across our region.

The IEDC READI team and the Indiana Arts Commission will host a Kick-Off Webinar to walk through program goals, eligibility, application requirements, and evaluation criteria. This session is designed for any organization or project interested in applying.

📅 Tuesday, February 10
🕒 3:00 PM ET
🔗 Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_ceobarqaQbaTuP1WWyIvgA

Can’t attend live? No worries—the webinar will be recorded and shared on IndianaREADI, along with additional application resources.

At Forge ECI, we’re incredibly optimistic about what this investment in arts and culture can mean for East Central Indiana—strengthening communities, enhancing places, and supporting the creatives who make our region thrive.

Please help us spread the word, and feel free to reach out with questions!

We Make Things Here In 2021, Governor Eric Holcomb launched READI 1.0, allocating $500M to all of Indiana’s 92 counties. 2023 brought READI 2.0 with a focus on Quality of Life, Quality of Place, and Quality of Opportunity. It encouraged regions to include arts and culture initiatives in their p...

02/04/2026

This honor from Healthgrades highlights exceptional care outcomes across the board — from critical care to pulmonary services and cardiac surgery — showcasing Reid Health’s dedication to elevating health care standards every single day. We are blessed to have Reid in East Central Indiana.

For the third year in a row, Reid Health is among the nation’s top 5% of hospitals for overall clinical excellence. It’s just the latest honor Reid has earned from Healthgrades – the No. 1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital – for 2026.