READI 2.0 and the Lily Endowment Initiative (LEI) have launched! In September 2023, the State of Indiana and the Indiana Economic Development Corp (IEDC) announced the timeline and application process for READI 2.0 funding. This is another incredible opportunity to fund large, transformational opportunities in the Evansville Region!
Through the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s $250 million gift, the IEDC is proud to launch an additional component of READI called the Redevelopment & Arts Initiative to advance and support two transformative initiatives focused on: (1) systemic community challenges associated with deteriorating, vacant, abandoned and/or blighted properties statewide; and (2) elevating the vitality of Indiana’s arts and cultural community through regional investments that benefit every resident’s quality of life, retain citizens and attract future generations of Hoosiers.
Blight Reduction & Redevelopment: $185,000,000
• Consists of project funding, administration and technical assistance, and Development Fellowship Program.
The Redevelopment Initiative funds will not be allocated to each region in lump sums. READI 2.0 regions will present priority projects that align with all relevant criteria, and awards will be issued on a project-by-project basis.
Please note that survey submission does not guarantee READI 2.0 or LEI funding, and once award announcements are made to regions, additional information and updates will likely be required. E-REP acknowledges that this is early in the process, so project leads are providing the most accurate information possible, but numbers, timelines, and other details may need to change in the coming months. Any such changes should be communicated to E-REP immediately and could impact award decisions.
The READI 2.0 awards are being funded by the State of Indiana. Please review the Policy Requirements and Application Questions before submitting this form to make sure your project is in line with the policy before continuing.
The form does not save the work if you leave and come back to it at a later time.
IEDC Evaluation Framework:
The IEDC and the state will evaluate proposed projects and include outside counsel when warranted. Projects should:
• Have the potential to deliver the greatest public benefit
• Embody transformational change
• Align with the region’s overall plan and READI 2.0 KPIs
• Advance quality of place at a high level with a focus on attracting and retaining people
• Directly benefit entrepreneurs, creatives and the creative economy in the region
• Leverage existing assets, including natural assets such as trails, parks, rivers
• Facilitate partnerships with public and private stakeholders
• Focus on Indiana’s rural and disadvantaged communities
• Demonstrate capacity and commitment to maintain and sustain proposed investments
• Demonstrate potential to spark additional development or investment in the region.