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Find similar grantsReligion Grants is sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc.. Lilly Endowment Inc. focuses on enriching the religious lives of Christians in the U. S.
by supporting diverse congregations and theological education.
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Religion | Lilly Endowment Inc. 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. Grants will help strengthen the capacity of faith-based organizations to... Lilly Endowment has approved 30 grants to help faith-based organizations enhance their efforts to provide aid to those affected by disasters in communities throughout the United States.
New initiative seeks to encourage individuals to explore Christian practices Lilly Endowment is inviting faith-based organizations to enhance and multiply the opportunities they offer individuals to learn about and engage in Christian practices that can help them explore spiritual questions and interests, cultivate experiences of awe and wonder, build community and grow in faith.
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.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Christian organizations, theological schools, and religious institutions in the United States and Canada. Prioritizes initiatives in Indiana, but considers national projects. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Religion Grants is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Indiana. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
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.
Sacred Places Indiana Fund is sponsored by Indiana Landmarks (supported by Lilly Endowment Inc.). This program offers matching planning and capital grants to eligible congregations in Indiana that have identified significant capital needs at their historic houses of worship and are ready to undertake a capital campaign. It also provides intensive training in landmark stewardship, community engagement, and fundraising.
Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) IX - Matching Grants is sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc.. The ninth phase of the GIFT initiative supports Indiana community foundations in strengthening their capacities to respond to local challenges. Matching Grants help foundations develop unrestricted assets and support projects that address community needs. Geographic focus: Indiana Focus areas: Community Development, Philanthropy, Capacity Building
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.
The Families First Community Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) offering approximately $27 million in funding to support nonprofit organizations serving low-income Tennessee families. Grants fund programs across four priority areas: education, health, economic stability, and family well-being, aligned with TANF goals of promoting self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Tennessee that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged families. The 2025 application cycle closed July 10, 2025. This program reflects Tennessee's broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment in local organizations that address the root causes of poverty.
The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation's 2026 Open Call opened June 1 and closes July 3, across three focus areas: Global Health, K-12 STEM Education, and Economic Mobility. But two of the three only fund Marion County, Indiana. Here is how to read the geographic fine print, why the funder's commercial identity shapes what wins, and how to position a proposal that actually fits.
Read articleThe Lilly Foundation's 2026 Open Call accepts pre-applications June 1 through July 3. Its three priorities — Global Health, K-12 STEM Education, and Economic Mobility — look national, but the education and mobility tracks concentrate heavily in Marion County, Indiana, while the health track funds cardiometabolic work abroad. Here's how to read the geography before you spend a week on a pre-application you can't win.
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