The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest was selected to receive a grant from ArcelorMittal in the second year of its special community investment initiative, “Building Resilience: Investing in Nonprofit Sustainability.”
The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest was one of 14 nonprofit organizations nationwide that were awarded a share of $325,000 in grant funds from ArcelorMittal.
The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest will use its portion of the grant on developing a strategic plan for the organization. The Society of Innovators transitioned in 2018 to become an affiliated organization with Purdue University Northwest.
The society has taken ownership of the innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives identified in the Northwest Indiana Forum’s Ignite the Region Plan–A Regional Strategy for Economic Transformation. Merging these commitments and other goals into a documented execution plan, including resource development, is a high priority and an expected outcome of developing a strategic plan, according to university officials.
“We appreciate that Arcelor Mittal chose to invest in the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest at this key stage of our development,” said Executive Director Sheila Brillson. “Under the leadership of Chancellor Thomas L. Keon, Purdue Northwest has committed to being a major force in economic and community development throughout the region.”
As the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest develops a strategic plan, the plan will clarify a growth strategy to move the organization forward. Brillson said the society aims to work with partners at ArcelorMittal, a leader in regional innovation, and other stakeholders to position the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest for success in economic development to ensure that it enhances, champions and drives the culture of innovation in Northwest Indiana.
Launched in 2017 as a pilot program, the Building Resilience program extends ArcelorMittal’s corporate giving strategy to focus on the sustainability and resiliency of its existing nonprofit partners.
ArcelorMittal received more than 55 applications for the 2018 grants.
