Lilly Endowment Launched National College Grant Programs

The foundation has allocated $300 million to support campus ministries at institutions across the United States.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Financial Aid

Screen-print poster illustration showing an open architectural book on a plinth with an arched building behind, evoking support for collegiate ministry. — The Lilly Endowment has launched two new grant initiatives totaling $300 million to expand and support Christian campus ministries at colleges across the United States. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should private foundations prioritize funding for religious ministries at public and private colleges?

The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment has announced two new national initiatives to strengthen college student ministries. The program provides substantial funding to bolster religious engagement and student participation in worship activities.

Why it matters

Ministry leaders recently reported a significant uptick in student interest regarding religious activities on campus. These grants aim to leverage that momentum by providing resources to expand student ministry efforts at colleges nationwide.

Lilly Endowment is offering up to $2.5 million to four-year colleges for chaplaincy and up to $7.5 million to ministry organizations. The foundation anticipates awarding approximately 60 chaplaincy grants and 20 ministry organization grants.

The players

Lilly Endowment

This Indianapolis-based private foundation, established in 1937, provides significant philanthropic funding to support education, community development, and religious programs.

The details

Colleges and Christian organizations are invited to submit competitive grant applications to enhance their existing student ministry efforts. A portion of the funding may be directed toward providing financial support to local Christian campus ministries.

The Lilly Endowment was established in 1937.
The Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities was founded in 1991.
The NetVUE network was founded in 2009.
The new grant initiatives were announced on October 2, 2026.

Roadmap

These initiatives follow a long-standing history of the foundation supporting religious education and college-related networks. This move strengthens the existing infrastructure of faith-based campus support systems across the nation.

Students at participating colleges may see an increase in religious programming and the availability of campus worship resources. These changes could influence daily extracurricular involvement for students seeking faith-based community activities on their respective campuses.

The takeaway

These grants provide a major financial boost to organizations fostering religious life among the student population. Institutions that secure these funds will be better positioned to expand their ministry services and accommodate growing student participation in worship.