COVID Relief to Churches & Grassroots Organizations

February 2021:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many community-serving organizations and congregations have experienced a high demand for their services and outreach. New Direction Church has been serving the eastside of Indianapolis for many years. But, during the pandemic it has increased efforts to help families and individuals, including opening the church food pantry for additional hours each week.

The church received a $75,000 Lilly Endowment grant to further expand its efforts.

In January 2021, the Endowment announced COVID-19 relief grants to New Direction Church and seven other African American churches and grassroots organizations in Indianapolis. New Direction was chosen because if its outreach efforts during the pandemic to help meet basic needs in high-poverty neighborhoods.  Thirty other organizations received grants, too: 15 community and multi-service centers, 13 organizations working to address homelessness and domestic violence; and two organizations that provide food assistance. These grants totaled more than $17 million and are part of the nearly $210 million in grants that Lilly Endowment has made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020. Learn more about the Endowment’s COVID-19 funding.

View the list of the eight Indianapolis churches and grassroots organizations below.

• Eastern Star Church/Eastern Star Jewel Human Services Corporation ($75,000)
• Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church ($50,000)
• Kheprw Institute ($50,000)
• Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ($75,000)
• Mt. Carmel Baptist Church ($75,000)
• Mt. Zion Baptist Church ($50,000)
• New Direction Baptist Church ($75,000)
• Ross Foundation ($25,000)