Lilly Endowment Launched Faith-Based Grant Initiative
Non-profits and congregations can now apply for up to $5 million to support local service partnerships.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment has initiated a new program to fund collaborations between Christian congregations and charitable organizations. The Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative seeks to provide 60 grants to support community-focused service projects.
Why it matters
This initiative provides significant capital for faith-based entities to scale service operations and enhance community engagement. By funding deep partnerships, the program aims to improve local quality of life while simultaneously strengthening organizational reach and congregational vitality.
The program will award 60 implementation grants of up to $5 million each, with projects slated for a four-year execution cycle. The total capital commitment supports partnerships between denominations, church associations, and service organizations.
The players
Lilly Endowment
An Indianapolis-based private foundation that manages significant assets to support religion, education, and community development.
The details
The grant structure follows a multi-stage application process requiring interested parties to submit a concept paper for initial review. Successful applicants will first receive planning grants before moving to the final implementation proposal stage. The program is designed to facilitate deeper integration between charitable service organizations and Christian congregations, shifting current operational models toward collaborative delivery of community resources.
Timeline
The Lilly Endowment was originally created in 1937.
The Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative was announced on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the long-standing precedent of the Lilly Endowment focusing on institutional capacity building within the religious sector. It represents a shift toward sustained, four-year collaborative partnerships rather than the short-term, isolated grant models common among many foundations.
Eligible faith-based organizations and service agencies should begin drafting concept papers to leverage this multi-year funding opportunity. Leadership should consult with board members or accountants to ensure their operational structure aligns with the rigorous reporting requirements of a four-year grant cycle.
The takeaway
The Serving Neighbors initiative represents a significant influx of capital for cross-sector partnerships aimed at community impact. Operators should monitor the application portal for concept paper submission windows to prepare their fiscal planning for the next four years.
Further reading
For more information on trends in grant distribution and organizational funding, visit the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Religion News Service.
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