RICHMOND, Ind. (June 8, 2026) — The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County has launched the READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program, a competitive funding initiative aimed at driving commercial redevelopment, housing creation, and private investment across Wayne County’s downtown districts.

Backed by funding from Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 through Lilly Endowment Inc. funding, along with Wayne County and Consolidated EDIT funds, the program is expected to leverage nearly $17 million in total public and private investment.

The first application round opens June 8 and closes July 27. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners, for-profit businesses, and property tax-paying nonprofit organizations located within designated downtown districts in Boston, Cambridge City, Centerville, Dublin, East Germantown, Fountain City, Greens Fork, Hagerstown, Milton, Mount Auburn, Richmond, and Spring Grove.

Grant awards are available for projects with a minimum investment of $20,000. Applicants may request up to $200,000 for projects and require a 75/25 match. Eligible projects include façade improvements, upper-story residential development, commercial rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades, and other investments that strengthen commercial districts. A look-back period to Aug. 1, 2024, allows eligible completed and ongoing projects to be considered for funding.

The program builds on the momentum of Wayne County’s previous downtown revitalization efforts through the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), which generated strong demand for redevelopment funding across the county.

“The continued revitalization of our downtowns is essential to building thriving, connected communities,” said Valerie Shaffer, president of the EDC of Wayne County. “This program will help preserve the character of our city and towns while encouraging private investment, supporting local businesses, creating new housing opportunities, and strengthening the economic vitality of communities across Wayne County.”

The initiative is designed to stimulate private investment, support housing development, reduce commercial vacancies, preserve historic assets, and enhance quality of place throughout Wayne County.

Program guidelines, eligibility maps, FAQs, and application materials are available at whywaynecounty.com/downtown-grant

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About the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County

The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County (EDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to leading business and community development efforts in Wayne County, Indiana, by attracting new investment, retaining and expanding existing businesses, and improving the county’s quality of place.

Learn more at whywaynecounty.com

About the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County

The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County (EDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to leading business and community development efforts in Wayne County, Indiana, by attracting new investment, retaining and expanding existing businesses, and improving the county’s quality of place.

Learn more at whywaynecounty.com