Community Development

The Foundation for Thriving Communities

Rural Planning Organization Programs

Small Urban and Rural Transportation Planning Assistance Program (SURTP) 

Our organization serves as the Rural Planning Organization for our region. Each year, Thrive submits a proposal to INDOT for SURTP resources for our local communities.

The program breaks down into four parts with each focusing on transportation-related activities. The four parts are as follows:

  • Traffic Counting Program
  • Planning Support to Local Governments
  • Planning Support to INDOT (Central Office and District offices)
  • Planning Capacity Enhancements

This program, in partnership with INDOT and our local communities, is beneficial to local communities because of the added resources it puts towards the regional communities and counties. Through support from INDOT, smaller regional areas are able to get planning support at a far less cost than they would by using any typical planning firm. With INDOT’s support of the plan 80% of the cost is covered by INDOT, and the last 20% of cost is what is required by local government.

If you would like to learn more about SURTP activities or are a community that would like to utilize this program, please contact us.

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    OCRA Grant Opportunities

    The Office for Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid rural communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development. Through our strong partnership with OCRA, our organization helps communities think and act regionally for opportunities in economic and community success.

    Community Development Block Grants

    These funds help rural communities with a variety of projects to include sewer and water systems, community centers, health and safety programs, and many others.

    Program Information

    Historic Renovation Grant Program

    This program is focused on preserving and rehabilitating historic properties in order to further incentivize downtown economic development.

    Program Information

    Indiana Main Street Program

    This program encourages economic development, redevelopment, and improvement of downtown areas of Indiana cities and towns.

    Program Information

    Indiana Site Certified Program

    The Indiana Site Certified program certifies sites that are ready for economic development. Communities of any size may apply for the designation through OCRA.

    Program Information

    Quick Impact Placed (QuIP) Grant

    This grant is designed to fund the type of space enhancement and community transformation that sparks community wide conversation and creativity.

    Program Information

    Stellar Communities program

    The Stellar Communities Program provides resources for transformative quality of place, community and regional improvements by fostering regional collaboration.

    Program Information

    If you would like to speak to a member of our staff about doing a possible ORCA grant in your area please reach out to us.

    Regional Trails

    Thrive’s Crossroads Trails app is now available for download!  Thrive is so excited to share this tool to help navigate West Central Indiana’s rich network of trails and outdoor amenities. Download it for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

    Click here to access an online version of our regional trails map!

    Digital Inclusion

    Thrive’s is partnering with the Indiana Farm Bureau to build an accurate understanding of our Internet capabilities across our region.   Please take a moment to run the test.  Just click on the speediest button and follow their steps.

    Emerging Stronger

    A webinar series to help communities THRIVE

    Promised Growth.

    Dedicated Quality of Life.

    Dedicated Care.