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 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 $135.25 million were awarded in 2025. Grants ranged from $500,000 to $15 million to 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.
  2. Matching Grants totaling $124.5 million were awarded in 2026. Grants ranged from $250,000 to $13 million to help community foundations develop unrestricted assets and support projects and programs that address community needs.

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
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