In 2025, Lilly Endowment announced the ninth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX) community foundation initiative. This initiative is based upon the Endowment’s longstanding belief that community foundations are uniquely positioned to play central roles in supporting and strengthening communities throughout Indiana.

The Endowment has allocated up to $271.5 million for this initiative, which aims to support Indiana’s community foundations in their efforts to strengthen their capacities to respond to local challenges and opportunities, both now and in the future.

GIFT IX Funding Opportunities Overview

  1. Community Support Grants totaling up to $135.75 million will help community foundations support in the near-term projects, programs or initiatives that address local needs or enhance the quality of life in their communities. Eligible community foundations may submit proposals requesting grants ranging from $750,000 to $15 million based on the population of the counties they serve. Community Support Grant proposals were due by November 6, 2025.
  2. Matching Grants totaling up to $135.75 million will help community foundations develop unrestricted assets and support projects and programs that address community needs. Eligible community foundations may submit proposals requesting grants ranging from $750,000 to $15 million based on the population of the counties they serve. Matching Grant proposals must be submitted by noon (ET) on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The application form for Matching Grants will open for submissions on June 1, 2026.

Eligibility

Funding opportunities through GIFT IX are only open to eligible Indiana community foundations who have satisfactorily participated in any previous GIFT phase or program or received special authorization from the Endowment to participate. Please see the GIFT IX Proposal Guidelines for additional information about eligibility requirements.

Questions
Email gift@lei.org.

GIFT IX Initiative Resources
GIFT IX Proposal Guidelines GIFT IX FAQ GIFT IX Eligible Funding by County Document GIFT IX Grants Submission Checklist GIFT IX Public Support Worksheet GIFT IX Matching Fund Grant Reporting Form GIFT IX News Release
All Open Initiatives