Lilly Endowment Inc
Historical FunderIndianapolis, Indiana · EIN 35-0868122 · Private foundation · Website
Grants paid (2025)$3.9B
Organizations funded2,160
Typical grant$100,000
Total assets$105.9B
Half of its grants to organizations were between $15,000 and $1,000,000.
From the return
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | PROGRAM OFFICE |
|---|---|
| Address | LILLY ENDOWMENT INC, 2801 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, INDIANAPOLIS IN 46208 |
| Phone | 3179245471 |
| Form and materials | GRANT GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES, FORMULATED OVER THE YEARS BY OUR FOUNDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS, GOVERN OUR GRANTMAKING DECISIONS. WE CONSIDER PROPOSALS IN THREE MAIN PROGRAM AREAS: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND YOUTH, AND RELIGION. AREAS OF INTEREST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTMAKING HAS A KEY FOCUS ON ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIANAPOLIS AND INDIANA. WE GRANT FUNDS FOR HUMAN AND SOCIAL NEEDS, CITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION, LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING, AND ARTS AND CULTURE IN INDIANAPOLIS. WE SEEK TO ADVANCE THE PROSPERITY OF ALL RESIDENTS, INCLUDING RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY POVERTY AND OTHER SOCIETAL CHALLENGES. ON A STATEWIDE LEVEL, WE ROUTINELY OFFER INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS AND UNITED WAYS. NATIONALLY, THE ENDOWMENT PROVIDES SUPPORT ON AN INVITATIONAL BASIS FOR COMPELLING OTHER CAUSES THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH OUR AREAS OF INTEREST, SUCH AS DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY EFFO |
| Deadlines | APPLICATION PROCESS IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION HAS A REQUEST THAT FITS WITHIN OUR G |
| Restrictions | LIMITATIONS THE ENDOWMENT GENERALLY DOES NOT SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - LOANS OR CASH GRANTS TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS. VIRTUALLY ALL GRANT MONEY IS AWARDED TO CHARITABLE ENTITIES. WE DO NOT ASSIST INDIVIDUALS WITH PERSONAL OR BUSINESS-RELATED FINANCES. - REQUESTS TO DISCHARGE PRE-EXISTING DEBTS OF INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS. - HEALTHCARE PROJECTS. - MASS MEDIA PROJECTS. THE ENDOWMENT DOES NOT TYPICALLY FUND MASS MEDIA PROJECTS AND LIMITS CONSIDERATION TO PROJECTS ON AN INVITATIONAL BASIS THAT FALL SQUARELY WITHIN OUR SPECIFIC PROGRAM AREAS. - ENDOWMENTS OR ENDOWED CHAIRS. THE ENDOWMENT DOES NOT FUND ENDOWMENT OR ENDOWED CHAIRS, EXCEPT IN SPECIAL INITIATIVES OR IN UNUSUAL CASES INVOLVING LONGSTANDING GRANTEES. - PUBLIC LIBRARIES. EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL INITIATIVES, THE ENDOWMENT REGULARLY DECLINES GRANTS TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES OUTSIDE MARION COUNTY, IND. REQUESTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS OUTSIDE OF INDIANAPOLIS THAT INVOLVE BUILDING CAMPAIGNS, ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY EDUCATION, ARTS AND CULTURE, HUMAN SE |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
33% of grants went outside Indiana.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Community Develpmntprojects | Indianapolis, IN | Statewide community parks initiative | $400,000,000 |
| Indiana Lifelong Learning Projects | Indianapolis, IN | Indiana K-12 schools initiative | $400,000,000 |
| Feeding America | Chicago, IL | Capacity building for natl network | $75,000,000 |
| National Geographic Society | Washington, DC | Archives preservation | $57,036,726 |
| University of Notre Dame Du Lac | Notre Dame, IN | Delta network: an ai project | $50,868,725 |
| Indiana Youth Institute Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Strengthening youth programs in in | $48,000,000 |
| Cicp Foundation Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Cicp charitble educl & scientfc prog | $44,000,000 |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | Forum for congregational life proj | $40,000,000 |
| Perry Township Schools | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $40,000,000 |
| State of In-Department of Educatn | Indianapolis, IN | K-12 education programs and projects | $40,000,000 |
| Wake Forest University | Winston Salem, NC | Educating character initiative | $35,000,000 |
| Church Benefits Association | Minneapolis, MN | Clergy health and wellness hub proj | $30,000,000 |
| Msd of Warren Township | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $30,000,000 |
| Franklin Township Community School | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $29,553,117 |
| Msd of Pike Township | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $25,501,863 |
| Christel House Academy Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $25,000,000 |
| Goodwill Education Initiatives Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $25,000,000 |
| Herron High School Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $25,000,000 |
| Kipp Indianapolis Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $25,000,000 |
| Phalen Leadership Academies Indiana | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $25,000,000 |
| Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors | New York, NY | More perfect init for americas 250th | $25,000,000 |
| City Seminary of New York | New York, NY | Ministry in the city hub project | $24,837,000 |
| Archdiocese of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $22,562,012 |
| American Indian College Fund | Denver, CO | Tcu futures project campaign | $20,000,000 |
| Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | Calvin inst of christian worshp prog | $20,000,000 |
| Aspen Institute Inc | Washington, DC | Weave: the social fabric project | $19,000,000 |
| Independent Colleges of Indiana | Indianapolis, IN | Community scholarship program 2027 | $18,500,000 |
| Indianapolis Center for Congregatns | Indianapolis, IN | Regionl centers for in congregations | $17,500,000 |
| Council of Independent Colleges | Washington, DC | Vocation in undergraduate educ prog | $17,000,000 |
| Fuller Theological Seminary | Pasadena, CA | Tenx10 collaboration project | $17,000,000 |
| Msd of Decatur Township | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $16,693,673 |
| Community Fdn of St Joseph County | South Bend, IN | Indiana community fdn init-gift | $16,000,000 |
| Legacy Foundation Inc | Merrillville, IN | Indiana community fdn init-gift | $16,000,000 |
| Indianapolis Foundation Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Indiana community fdn init-gift | $15,000,000 |
| Neighborhood Charter Network Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $15,000,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project Inc | Jacksonville, FL | Capacity bldg-natl military serv org | $15,000,000 |
| Adelante Schools Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $14,400,000 |
| Christian Theological Seminary | Indianapolis, IN | Clergy renewal programs support | $14,100,000 |
| Christian Theological Seminary | Indianapolis, IN | Clergy renewal programs support | $14,100,000 |
| Purdue Polytechnic High School | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $13,264,308 |
| Wabash College | Crawfordsville, IN | Wabash ctr-teaching & learning prog | $12,500,000 |
| Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $12,000,000 |
| Cathedral Trustees Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $12,000,000 |
| Oaks Academy Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $12,000,000 |
| Park Tudor Foundation Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $12,000,000 |
| Victory College Prep Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $11,163,800 |
| Indiana Math and Science Academy | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $10,816,219 |
| Indianapolis Public Schools | Indianapolis, IN | Marion county K-12 education init | $10,532,000 |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | Thriving congregations initiative | $10,387,846 |
| Army Emergency Relief | Arlington, VA | Capacity bldg-natl military serv org | $10,000,000 |
| Biola University Inc | LA Mirada, CA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $10,000,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of America | Atlanta, GA | Capacity building support | $10,000,000 |
| Camp Fire | Kansas City, MO | Youth character development programs | $10,000,000 |
| Childrens Museum of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | Centennial capital campaign | $10,000,000 |
| Fisher House Foundation Inc | Rockville, MD | Capacity bldg-natl military serv org | $10,000,000 |
| Fuller Theological Seminary | Pasadena, CA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $10,000,000 |
| Garrett-Evangelical Theological Sem | Evanston, IL | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $10,000,000 |
| Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Food relief efforts across indiana | $10,000,000 |
| Indiana Assoc of United Ways | Indianapolis, IN | Support for special programs | $10,000,000 |
| Indiana Departmt of Naturalresource | Indianapolis, IN | Support for indiana state parks | $10,000,000 |
Showing the 60 largest of 2,160 grants to organizations.
The return also lists 125 grants to individuals ($1,813,309). We do not publish the names of individual recipients.
Grants approved for future payment
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cicp Foundation Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Cicp charitble educl & scientfc prog | $6,000,000 |
| Bethany Theological Seminary Inc | Richmond, IN | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Concordia Seminary | St Louis, MO | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Howard University | Washington, DC | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Indigenous Pathways US Inc | Bath, ME | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Logos Evangelical Seminary | El Monte, CA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Northwest Nazarene University Inc | Nampa, ID | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Seabury Western Theological Sem | Chicago, IL | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Fresno Pacific University | Fresno, CA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $4,950,000 |
| Wesley Biblical Seminary | Ridgeland, MS | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $4,500,000 |
| St Mary Seminary & Graduate School of Theology | Wickliffe, OH | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $4,449,611 |
| President-Bot Santa Clara College | Santa Clara, CA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $4,363,015 |
| North Park University | Chicago, IL | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $4,000,000 |
| Northwest Baptist Theo College | Langley, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $4,000,000 |
| Covenant Theological Seminary | St Louis, MO | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $3,925,000 |
| Mind Trust Inc | Indianapolis, IN | Summer learning labs project | $3,834,525 |
| Hellenic College Inc | Brookline, MA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $3,700,000 |
| Trinity Episcopal Schl for Ministry | Ambridge, PA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $3,500,000 |
| Campbell University Inc | Buies Creek, NC | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $3,000,000 |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $3,000,000 |
| Grace Mission University | Fullerton, CA | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $3,000,000 |
| Mount Angel Abbey | Saint Benedict, OR | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,710,495 |
| Atlantic School of Theology | Halifax, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,500,000 |
| Baylor University | Waco, TX | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,500,000 |
| Vancouver School of Theology | Vancouver, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,500,000 |
| Austin Presbyterian Theological Sem | Austin, TX | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,476,094 |
| Aspen Institute Inc | Washington, DC | Weave: the social fabric project | $2,400,000 |
| Loyola University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,353,264 |
| Heritage Theological Seminary | Cambridge, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,190,000 |
| Eden Theological Seminary | St Louis, MO | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $2,000,000 |
| Eskenazi Health Foundation Inc | Indianapolis, IN | G.s. fehribach ctr internship progrm | $2,000,000 |
| Interfaith America | Chicago, IL | Interfaith leadership-higher ed proj | $2,000,000 |
| University of Notre Dame Du Lac | Notre Dame, IN | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $1,600,480 |
| Knox College | Toronto, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $1,500,000 |
| Roberts Wesleyan University | Rochester, NY | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $1,500,000 |
| Ambrose University | Calgary, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $1,000,000 |
| Gift of Black Theological Education & Black Faith Traditions Collaborative | Philadelphia, PA | Support for capacity building proj | $1,000,000 |
| St Marks College | Vancouver, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $1,000,000 |
| Waterloo Lutheran Seminary | Waterloo, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $1,000,000 |
| St Peters Seminary | London, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $987,854 |
| St Augustines Seminary of Toronto | Scarborough, | Pathways for tomorrow initiative | $979,659 |
| Purdue Research Foundation | West Lafayette, IN | Military family research inst prog | $683,218 |
| Central Christian College of Bible | Moberly, MO | Supporting hoosier churches init | $600,000 |
| Indiana Annual Conference of UMC | Indianapolis, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $600,000 |
| State Convention of Baptists in in | Martinsville, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $600,000 |
| American Baptist Churches of In-Ky | Franklin, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $500,000 |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | Everything happens initiative | $500,000 |
| Indiana Dist Ccl-Assemblies of God | Indianapolis, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $500,000 |
| Midwest Food Bank NFP | Indianapolis, IN | Capital campaign | $500,000 |
| St Thomas the Apostle | Chicago, IL | Thriving congregations initiative | $500,000 |
| Synod of Lincoln Trails | Indianapolis, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $500,000 |
| Indianapolis Neighbd Housingpartner | Indianapolis, IN | General operating support | $450,000 |
| Christian Church in Indiana | Indianapolis, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $400,000 |
| Connectional Ccl-Global Methodistch | Lubbock, TX | Supporting hoosier churches init | $400,000 |
| Crossroads Dist of Wesleyan Church | Marion, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $400,000 |
| Indiana Conf of Seventh-Day Advent | Carmel, IN | Hoosier churches initiative | $400,000 |
| Indiana-Kentucky Conference of Ucc | Indianapolis, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $400,000 |
| Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Elca | Indianapolis, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $400,000 |
| Indiana Ministries of Church of God | Fishers, IN | Supporting hoosier churches init | $350,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,864,431,404 | 2,379 |
| 2024 | $2,260,591,222 | 1,911 |
| 2023 | $1,527,002,818 | 2,016 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 15, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202641359349103099
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 35-0868122
- Profile updated Nov 4, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.