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Lilly Endowment Religion Program grants range from $50,000 to over $1,000,000 and aim to deepen and enrich religious life in the United States. Funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., this program supports initiatives focused on pastoral leadership development, congregational vitality, strengthening theological and religious institutions, and fostering greater public understanding of religion.
Eligible applicants include religious congregations, seminaries, theological schools, and nonprofits engaged in faith-based programming and scholarship. No specific deadline is listed, as the Endowment typically operates by invitation or solicited proposals.
This grant is best suited for established religious organizations and educational institutions with demonstrated capacity to advance meaningful, community-rooted religious practice and leadership.
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Religion | Lilly Endowment Inc. Strengthening Indianapolis Major Community Development Initiatives Higher Education and Workforce Readiness Higher Education and Intellectual Capital Strategic Community Advancement Initiatives Major Education & Youth Initiatives Strengthening Pastoral Leadership Enhancing Congregational Vitality Strengthening Religious Institutions and Networks Improving the Public Understanding of Religion Major Religion Initiatives Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program Indy Summer Youth Programs More Resources and Opportunities Strengthening Indianapolis Major Community Development Initiatives Higher Education and Workforce Readiness Higher Education and Intellectual Capital Strategic Community Advancement Initiatives Major Education & Youth Initiatives Strengthening Pastoral Leadership Enhancing Congregational Vitality Strengthening Religious Institutions and Networks Improving the Public Understanding of Religion Major Religion Initiatives Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program Indy Summer Youth Programs More Resources and Opportunities A primary aim in religion is to deepen and enrich the religious lives of Christians in the United States, principally by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations.
We value a broad range of Christian communities and traditions and endeavor to support their efforts to carry forward their missions in a wide variety of contexts. We believe that the long-term health of congregations depends on excellent pastoral leadership, and we seek to ensure that all types of congregations have leaders who are prepared to meet the needs of diverse communities across the nation.
We work to strengthen theological schools as well as religious institutions and networks that nurture pastors and support the ministries of congregations. We support efforts that help Christians draw on the wisdom of their theological traditions as they strive to understand and respond to contemporary challenges and live their faith more fully.
We are especially interested in efforts that nurture the religious lives of children, youth and young adults and share the beauty and vibrancy of Christian faith with a new generation. We also work to foster public understanding about religion.
While we seek to lift up the contributions that people of all religious faiths make to our greater civic well-being, we also encourage fair and accurate portrayals of both the negative and positive effects of religion on the world.
Strengthening Pastoral Leadership Enhancing Congregational Vitality Strengthening Religious Institutions and Networks Improving the Public Understanding of Religion Thirty-five historic Black churches across the United States received grants in January 2023 to help them not only protect and preserve their buildings, but also tell their stories of resiliency and hope and carry their missions into the future.
In 2022, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation launched the Preserving Black Churches project to celebrate Black churches for their contributions in American life, culture and history by providing grants and other support for their physical spaces and their future sustainability.
The January 2023 grants were just the first round of grants. Notre Dame receives $50 million grant from Lilly Endowment for the DELTA... This grant will fund the further development of a shared, faith-based ethical framework that scholars, religious leaders, tech leaders, teachers, journalists, young people and the broader public can draw upon to discern appropriate uses of artificial intelligence, or AI.
Grants will help strengthen regional denominational organizations and church... Lilly Endowment approved 37 grants to help strengthen the capacities of regional denominational organizations and church networks in Indiana to help their congregations thrive and contribute to quality of life in the local communities they serve. Lilly Endowment grants to theological schools will fund major collaborations...
Lilly Endowment has approved a new round of grants to help theological schools in the United States and Canada work collaboratively with other schools and church-related organizations to strengthen their preparation and support of ordained and lay pastoral leaders for congregational leadership now and in the future. Grants support efforts to collect and share compelling stories about...
Lilly Endowment has approved 48 grants to help a wide variety of organizations engage in projects to share stories that illuminate the vitality of Christian faith and life in congregations and communities throughout the country. The American Revolution explores the country's founding in six-part... The series, which has been in production for nearly a decade, was directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.
It examines how thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence and established a new form of government. Lilly Endowment continues support for theological schools through its...
Lilly Endowment has approved grants to 58 theological schools in the United States and Canada as they work to strengthen their educational and financial capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders for Christian congregations now and into the future. Grants will support efforts to strengthen congregations in small towns and...
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded grants to 20 organizations across the United States to provide resources to help churches in rural areas and small towns enhance the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of the pastors and lay leaders who guide them. Grants will support efforts nationwide to engage youth and young adults in...
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded grants to 12 organizations across the United States to help them nurture and deepen the faith of Christian young people. Funding will support storytelling about the vibrancy and hope of Christian...
The Endowment's National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life invites faith-based agencies, denominations, educational institutions, congregations, publishers, and media groups to identify, produce and share stories that portray the vitality and hope that many Christians experience through their faith. Lilly Endowment elects John Witvliet to its board of directors Lilly Endowment has elected Dr. John D.
Witvliet to serve on its board of directors. He is the founding director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and professor of worship, theology and congregational and ministry studies at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary. Grants Will Help Cultural Institutions Foster Greater Understanding of...
The Endowment has awarded grants to 33 museums, libraries, historic sites and other organizations to develop exhibitions and education programs and engage in other related activities that fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of the role religion has played and continues to play in the U.S. and around the globe.
Initiative Seeks to Strengthen Theological Schools for the Future Lilly Endowment is providing new funding opportunities through the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative 2025 to help theological schools strengthen their ability to prepare and support ordained pastors and lay ministers for Christian churches. © 2026 Lilly Endowment Inc. 2801 N. Meridian St.
, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Religious organizations, theological schools, and colleges/universities across the United States. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $50,000 - $1,000,000+ Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
National Clergy Renewal Program is a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. that funds intentional periods of renewal and reflection for Christian pastors, allowing them to step away from the persistent obligations of daily ministry. Administered through Christian Theological Seminary, the program is designed for congregations and pastors who share a strong, trusting relationship and are committed to continued ministry together. Renewal periods are not vacations but structured times for exploration and spiritual refreshment aimed at renewing enthusiasm and creativity for congregational leadership. Awards range from $15,000 to $60,000. Eligible applicants are Christian congregations in all 50 U.S. states except Indiana, and Puerto Rico.
Lilly Endowment Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Initiative is a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. that funds Indiana colleges and universities to explore and respond to the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for higher education. The initiative helps institutions develop or enhance strategies to improve student educational outcomes, workforce preparation, and long-term success in an AI-shaped future. The Endowment has allocated up to $500 million for this multi-year initiative. Eligible applicants are Indiana colleges and universities invited to participate by the Endowment. Institutions invited to participate may request planning grants and implementation grants at varying levels. The deadline for the current invitation cycle is May 1, 2026.
Lilly Endowment AI in Higher Education Initiative is a grant from Lilly Endowment that funds Indiana colleges and universities in developing strategies to address the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in higher education. With up to $500 million allocated across multiple years, the initiative supports both planning and implementation phases. Phase 1 planning grants range from $125,000 to $300,000 based on student enrollment; Phase 2 implementation grants range from $5 million to $25 million. Eligible applicants are Indiana colleges and universities only, with award tiers determined by enrollment. The Phase 2 implementation grant deadline is May 1, 2026.
The Lilly Endowment Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education (AIHE) Initiative is a landmark $500 million multi-year program to help Indiana colleges and universities develop strategies for integrating AI into higher education. Phase 2 Implementation Grants of $5 million to $25 million (scaled by enrollment) fund institutional plans to enhance student educational outcomes and workforce preparation in an AI-shaped future. Phase 2 also includes Collaboration Grants from a $200 million pool for groups of institutions working together on shared AI challenges. Phase 1 Planning Grants of $125,000 to $300,000 were awarded in late 2025. Implementation grant proposals are due by noon ET on May 1, 2026. Collaboration grant concept papers are also due May 1, 2026, with invited full proposals due September 25, 2026. This is one of the largest single-funder investments in AI for education in the United States, representing a significant commitment by Lilly Endowment to preparing Indiana's higher education system for an AI-transformed future.