Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Grant 2027: Apply for Planning Grants of Up to $50,000 and Implementation Grants of Up to $5 Million

Overview

The Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative is launched by Lilly Endowment Inc. to provide substantial funding for charitable organisations working with Christian congregations. The programme aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and families by strengthening partnerships between congregations and charitable organisations, combining their knowledge, resources, networks, and community relationships. Additionally, it seeks to deepen Christian faith and strengthen congregational vitality through practical acts of love, service, and care. Potential projects may focus on hunger, domestic violence, youth development, educational enrichment, mental health, homelessness, community engagement, arts and cultural activities, and outdoor recreation. The initiative follows a two-stage application process consisting of concept papers, planning grants, and subsequent implementation grant proposals for invited organisations.

What you get

The programme awards planning grants of up to $50,000 during the initial concept stage. Approximately 60 charitable organisations that advance to the second stage are anticipated to receive implementation grants of up to $5 million each.

Requirements

Eligible applicants must be charitable organisations capable of supporting and coordinating collaborations involving Christian congregations and local community organisations. The initiative is not intended as a general-purpose grant for every nonprofit organisation or individual church seeking funding for existing programmes. Proposed programmes must align with the objectives of improving community well-being and strengthening congregational vitality.

How to apply

Applicants must submit concept papers as the first stage of the application process. Organisations selected to receive planning grants will have the opportunity to develop their concepts and submit implementation proposals for the second stage.

Key dates

The deadline for submitting concept papers is 19 January 2027. A separate deadline of 19 July 2027 applies for invited applicants submitting implementation proposals.