Q&A: Thrive35 Community Collaboration

Community Impact

The Community Foundation of Huntington County and the Huntington County Commissioners are pleased to announce the launch of Thrive35, a countywide collaboration designed to bring together people, partnerships and resources around a shared vision for Huntington County’s future. Named for the number on every Huntington County license plate, Thrive35 symbolizes a collective commitment to help all 35 thrive: every town, every neighborhood, every resident.

Thrive35 builds upon the foundation established by Elevate Huntington County, an initiative originally launched by the Commissioners to coordinate community and economic development across the county. Over the next two years, the County Commissioners will provide transitional funding as the program moves underneath the Foundation. After that period, the Foundation will sustain and grow Thrive35 as part of its ongoing mission of connecting people and resources to address local challenges and opportunities.

“Elevate was launched to help move countywide priorities forward,” said Rob Miller, Huntington County Commissioner. “Thrive35 keeps that momentum going with the Community Foundation as a long-term partner.”

Erik Long, who has led Elevate Huntington County, will continue leading this work at the Community Foundation as Director of Thrive35. He will coordinate the day to day of Thrive35 and support partner engagement across the initial strategic pillars:

Community Infrastructure & Development
Partnerships & Community Alignment
Quality of Life & Community Identity
Economic Vitality & Innovation
Leadership & Talent Growth

We understand the news of this transition may spark both excitement and questions from our valued community. We strive for transparency and are pleased to provide more detailed information regarding Thrive35 in the form of a Q & A below. Keep reading to learn more about this impactful collaboration!

Q: What is Thrive35?

A: Thrive35 is a countywide collaboration that supports partners, ideas and investments to help every corner of Huntington County thrive. It is designed to align with and support community priorities that emerge through countywide planning efforts so that local voices and shared vision continue to guide the work as it evolves.

Q: Why is Elevate Huntington County transitioning to Thrive35?

A: The transition to Thrive35 reflects a natural next step. As the work expanded, the Foundation became the best-suited long-term home for sustainability. The reimagined name reflects that the effort belongs to the entire county, rather than one organization, and will evolve as the community’s shared vision evolves.

Q: Why “Thrive35”?

A: “Thrive35” was inspired by the number on every Huntington County license plate. It’s a unifying symbol that represents all communities within the county: every town, every neighborhood and every resident. Also, we love a good rhyme!

Q: Is this just a rebrand?

A: Nope, this is more than a name change! It’s a transition in structure and sustainability. The Foundation will manage Thrive35, further expanding its reach, partnerships and funding base while keeping the spirit of collaboration that started underneath the Commissioners’ direction.

Q: Why is the Foundation now leading Thrive35?

A: The Foundation is a trusted, neutral convener with deep experience connecting people and resources to address local challenges and opportunities. Transitioning Thrive35 underneath the Foundation ensures continuity, long-term stability and the ability to adapt as new ideas and priorities emerge from ongoing community conversations.

Q: What role will the County Commissioners assume going forward?

A: The Commissioners will remain important partners and have committed two years of transitional funding to support Thrive35. Their leadership and partnership will continue to be essential to the collaboration’s long-term success.

Q: How is Thrive35 funded?

A: After two years of transitional funding provided by the County Commissioners, the Foundation will sustain Thrive35 through a mix of endowment support, grants and private donations dedicated to strengthening Huntington County.

Q: Who will lead Thrive35 day to day?

A: Erik Long will assume the role of Director of Thrive35 within the Community Foundation. As former Director of Elevate Huntington County, Erik brings a wealth of knowledge and experience focused on community development. His new role will focus on coordinating partnerships, engaging local leaders and ensuring community input directly impacts the work of Thrive35.
Get to know Erik!

Q: How is Thrive35 different from existing community organizations?

A: Thrive35 doesn’t replace or compete with existing organizations. In alignment with its strategic pillars, Thrive35 will provide a dedicated space where partners can come together, build meaningful collaborations and accelerate shared goals through resources and support.

Q: Does Thrive35 already have a plan for the county’s future?

A: Nope! Thrive35 is not a plan — it’s a framework. It provides structure for collaboration and coordination, but the priorities and projects will continue to be shaped by community input, including the forthcoming countywide Quality of Life Plan. Thrive35 exists to help put those shared ideas into action once they’re identified.

Q: How will the community see results?

A: Progress will be guided by the five strategic pillars. Each pillar will have goals that grow as residents and partners help identify priorities. Updates and progress reports will be shared publicly as projects move forward.

Q: How can residents, businesses and organizations get involved?

A: Everyone has a role in helping Huntington County thrive. Residents, businesses and organizations can take part by joining community conversations, volunteering or collaborating on projects that align with Thrive35’s pillars. Opportunities for engagement will continue to expand as planning and implementation efforts unfold.

Q: How will Thrive35 work with the upcoming Quality of Life Plan?

A: The Quality of Life Plan will play a key role in identifying community priorities. Thrive35 is designed to complement that process by providing the structure and partnerships to help turn those community-driven ideas into coordinated action. Stay tuned for more to come!

“Thrive35 is a long-term commitment to working together,” added Matt Ditzler, Community Foundation Executive Director. “Along the way, this will stay community-led and partner-driven, focused on steady progress where our county needs it most.”

Together, We Thrive

Thrive35 is a shared invitation to build Huntington County’s future together. Everyone has a role to play in this work. Whether you lead a business, serve in local government, volunteer or simply care about where you live, your voice matters. Stay connected with the Foundation for updates on Thrive35 and join us in shaping what’s next for our county. Together, we thrive!

The Foundation is proud to support several Community Collaborations. Interested in learning more or getting involved with Thrive35? Reach out to Erik Long, Director of Thrive35 at erik@huntingtonccf.org

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