Community Relations

In the fall of 2024, Hanover College received a grant of $30 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration. The grant, administered by the College, will support “Jefferson Together,” a holistic community development strategy that begins to address the economic, social, cultural, and connectivity needs of residents in Jefferson County by leveraging community partnerships and funds to pursue a vision of a thriving, connected region.

“To enact this bold vision for the future, we will collaborate with key partners, including the Town of Hanover, the City of Madison and many other organizations. We will be assisted in this effort through an advisory board of community partners, the Jefferson Together Advisory Board. We know all too well that a more robust Jefferson County only strengthens Hanover College and makes recruiting and retaining top students, faculty and staff that much more effective. Hanover College is honored and thrilled to be entrusted to steward this amazing grant.”

Hanover President Lake Lambert

Grant Pillars

Connecting Places

Connecting places includes projects to support completion of the Hanover-Madison Connector Trail, streetscape and sidewalk improvements in Hanover, and an event trolley to run between Hanover and Madison.

Creating Spaces

The creating spaces pillar will support revitalizing the Hanover historic corridor, enhancements to the Community Garden, park and recreation improvements and a community performing arts center on the main floor of Parker Auditorium.

Cultivating Growth

Cultivating growth includes projects to increase utility and housing capacity, construction of an electric vehicle charging center, the expansion of the Hanover College Child Development Center, and additional funding to support the College’s Good Neighbor internship program.