Dec. 10, 2025
Contact: Judith Cebula
317.916.7327 | communications@lei.org
Grants will help strengthen the capacity of national organizations
that serve members of the U.S. military and veterans
and their families
INDIANAPOLIS – Lilly Endowment Inc. has approved 18 grants totaling more than $116.5 million to help build the capacity of military service organizations and veterans service organizations that provide direct support to members of the U.S. military and veterans and their families.
The grants, which range from $1 million to $15 million, will help organizations that are dedicated to supporting active duty service members, veterans and their families in a variety of ways. They provide emergency financial assistance to service members and veterans facing economic hardship; refer service members and families to various support organizations and one another to build communities of mutual support; help service members and families navigate military life; assist veterans with disabilities and surviving spouses and partners with tailored programs and services; connect veterans to mentors, job training and educational opportunities; support the mental health and wellness of service members, veterans and families; and assist individuals and families in their transition from active duty to civilian life.
With this funding from the Endowment, the organizations will take a variety of approaches to build their capacity to serve military members and veterans and their families more effectively and efficiently. These approaches include, among others, improving:
- Technology and cybersecurity systems
- Fundraising and marketing and communications efforts
- Recruitment and training of volunteers
- Professional development for leadership and staff
- Strategic planning, research and program evaluation
“Military service members, veterans and their families are extremely resilient,” said Ronni Kloth, the Endowment’s vice president for community development. “We are pleased to be able to help these organizations enhance and expand the crucial support they provide for our country’s military service members, veterans and their families.”
See the grants list here.
The grants further the Endowment’s longstanding interest in helping organizations whose missions include honoring and supporting those who have served and are now serving in the U.S. military by improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. Although the Endowment maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana, it also funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion.