Thrive35
Community Collaboration
Thrive35’s mission is to support partners, ideas and investments to help every corner of Huntington County thrive. Named for the number on every county license plate, it represents a collective commitment to help all 35 thrive: every town, every neighborhood, every resident.
Under the Community Foundation, Thrive35 serves as a flexible framework for collaboration and investment. 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.
Elevate was launched to help move countywide priorities forward. Thrive35 keeps that momentum going with the Community Foundation as a long-term partner.
Rob Miller — Huntington County Commissioner
Thrive35 Strategic Pillars
Thrive35 is committed to five strategic priorities:
- Community Infrastructure & Development: building strong foundations for thriving, connected communities.
- Partnerships & Community Alignment: uniting partners around shared goals and coordinated action.
- Quality of Life & Community Identity: celebrating place, culture and connection across Huntington County.
- Economic Vitality & Innovation: strengthening local economies through collaboration, creativity and investment.
- Leadership & Talent Growth: cultivating leaders who shape Huntington County’s future.
Meet Erik Long, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Erik Long, Director of Strategic Initiatives, spearheads the Thrive35 collaboration. As former Director of Elevate Huntington County, Erik possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience focused on community development. His role focuses on coordinating partnerships, engaging local leaders and ensuring community input directly impacts the work of Thrive35.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thrive35?
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.
Why “Thrive35”?
“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!
What inspired the transition from Elevate Huntington County transitioning to Thrive35?
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.
Why is the Foundation leading Thrive35?
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.
What is the County Commissioners' role in Thrive35?
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.
How is Thrive35 funded?
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.
How is Thrive35 different from existing community organizations?
Thrive35 doesn’t replace or compete with existing organizations. In alignment with its strategic pillars, Thrive35 provides a dedicated space where partners can come together, build meaningful collaborations and accelerate shared goals through resources and support.
Does Thrive35 already have a plan for the county’s future?
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.
How will the community see results?
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.
How can residents, businesses and organizations get involved?
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.
How will Thrive35 work with the upcoming Quality of Life Plan?
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.
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 and join us in shaping what’s next for our county. Together, we thrive!
Connect with Thrive35
Interested in learning more or getting involved with Thrive35? Reach out to Erik Long, Director of Strategic Initiatives at erik@huntingtonccf.org
Thrive35’s mission is to support partners, ideas and investments to help every corner of Huntington County thrive.
