Applications for the Compelling Preaching Initiative were due by May 15, 2023. Funding decisions are expected to be made in fall 2023.

Through the Compelling Preaching Initiative, Lilly Endowment seeks to cultivate practices among aspiring and active preachers that can help them to proclaim the gospel to a variety of audiences in more engaging and effective ways. Eligible charitable organizations in the United States were able to submit proposals to develop new and/or enhance existing programs that present promising strategies to further the aim of the initiative.

Eligible organizations were able to submit proposals for up to $1.25 million to be used for up to a five-year period to plan and implement their programs. The Endowment anticipates awarding approximately 60 grants to charitable organizations that submit the most promising and compelling proposals.

Eligibility

Charitable organizations in the United States with Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and public charity status were eligible to apply. The Endowment was especially interested in proposals from theological schools, colleges and universities, church resource providers, parachurch organizations and networks, national and regional denominational judicatories, and other religious organizations. Please read the request for proposals for details.

Learn more about programs funded through a previous phase of the Compelling Preaching Initiative here.