Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic 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. A strong sense of identity and values draws from a churchs theological and ecclesial tradition. We then help the organizations realize this potential by providing funding, consulting and technical assistance, research and evaluation support, and connections to other organizations with relevant aims and experience. SMU is one of 92 organizations funded through Lilly Endowments Thriving Congregations Initiative. [5], J. K. Lilly Sr. initially served on the foundation board and became its largest contributor. Thriving Congregations Coordination Program [email protected] INDIANAPOLIS The Rev. Fuller Seminary Receives $1.25M Gift for innovative children's worship These range from using new technologies to extend worship services and keep members connected with each other to understanding and responding to demographic shifts and welcoming new neighbors in their communities. K?{E--+X03B8-)aLn1bWxh>GT4d^w#Nv8:@gA? He also plays a leadership role in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The Endowment-funded initiative was developed by Dukes Hispanic House of Studies to provide Hispanic-Latino/a pastors and other church leaders with practical training in ministry and pastoral leadership. Learn More About Boston University School of Theology, Learn More About Instituto de Formacion Fe y Vida, Learn More About Hood Theological Seminary, Learn More About Convencin Bautista Hispana de Texas, about Kimberly R. Daniel: Christian innovation must change the status quo to help the marginalized, Navigate to Kimberly R. Daniel: Christian innovation must change the status quo to help the marginalized. Pope open to helping return Ukrainian children in Russia The principal aim of the endowments grantmaking in religion is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen their pastoral and lay leadership. With the exception of the Eli Lilly and Company stock that the foundation holds in its portfolio, the Lilly Endowment is not linked to the Lilly pharmaceutical company. In April, the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP released a plan to address the academic achievement gaps between Black students and their White classmates. In all, 114 charitable organizations were awarded grants of up to $1 million each to help congregations adapt to changing social and cultural contexts, clarify their values and mission, and draw on Christian practices. She is committed to developing faithful Christian practices within communities, eliminating barriers to resources for Christian communities and pastors at the margins, and including young people in all aspects of life in the church.