By Andi Anderson
Purdue Extension has received a transformative $5 million gift from The Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust to establish the Downing Endowment for Community Vitality.
This endowment will empower Purdue Extension to expand its support of Indiana’s rural communities through education, research, and development programs.
The connection began with a phone call from John Gardner, a trustee of the Downing Trust, to Michael Wilcox, Purdue Extension’s assistant director for community development. Gardner and his fellow trustees were seeking a way to invest in rural Indiana.
After learning about Purdue Extension’s comprehensive support—from soil testing for apple orchards to food marketing and branding—the trustees recognized Purdue’s unique role.
Jean and Bernas Downing, both from rural backgrounds and former Eli Lilly employees, dedicated their lives to community service. Inspired by the Lilly Endowment’s mission, the Downings focused their charitable efforts on local growth.
Their trust has supported several Indiana community foundations, which often partner with Purdue Extension to fulfill local needs.
Purdue Extension’s work in four main areas—4-H youth development, agriculture and natural resources, health and human sciences, and community development—directly aligns with the goals of the Downing Trust. Projects will focus on grant writing, nonprofit training, childcare, housing, wellness, and food access.
“Our role is to help communities make informed decisions using Purdue research,” Wilcox said. The endowment ensures Purdue Extension can continue serving all 92 counties, helping rural areas grow through action-oriented, science-based initiatives.
“This gift will help communities implement real change while honoring the Downing family’s legacy,” said Angela Abbott, interim director of Purdue Extension. As Engel, Dean of Agriculture, noted, “Purdue Extension bridges higher education and real-world solutions for Indiana’s future.”
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Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle