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Lilly Endowment Inc. was founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. for the “promotion and support of religious, educational or charitable purposes.” Throughout its history, the Endowment has sought to nurture the human spirit, intellect and character. When once asked what the main purpose of the Endowment should be, Eli Lilly said, “I hope we could help improve the character of the American people.”

Our founders viewed character and human development in the context of community and encouraged unselfish concern for the welfare of others. The value they placed on philanthropy, which was in large part motivated by their religious faith, was expressed by Eli Lilly when he said: “Owing everything we are to the past and present generations, each of us must be willing to give unstinted help to others.”

Open Initiatives:

Pathways for Tomorrow 2025:  Through a new round of its Pathways initiative, the Endowment seeks to help theological schools strengthen and sustain their institutional capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders for Christian churches. Pathways 2025 will offer funding opportunities for Individual School Grants and for Large-scale Collaboration Grants. Learn more

Marion County K-12 Schools Initiatives:  Through two multi-year initiatives the Endowment seeks to help eligible public and private schools in Indianapolis  (Marion County) initiate, enhance or expand compelling programs and projects that show promise to improve academic achievement and the prospects for post-secondary success.

  • Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative Learn more
  • Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative LEARN MORE
Grants Will Help Cultural Institutions Foster Greater Understanding of Religion

Grants Will Help Cultural Institutions Foster Greater Understanding of Religion

Lilly 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 world.

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National Park Foundation Receives $100 Million Grant

National Park Foundation Receives $100 Million Grant

The National Park Foundation, which Congress created in the 1960s to support national parks, has received the largest grant in its history, $100 million, from Lilly Endowment Inc. The money will be used to address the needs of the country’s more than 400 national park sites.

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2023 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report

Lilly Endowment has found that bringing together various organizations that are participating in one of the Endowment’s initiatives for mutual learning and encouragement can enhance and expand the impact of their efforts and thereby result in more significant progress toward the overall aims of the initiative.

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