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

Charitable organisations working with Christian congregations to address community needs have an opportunity to access substantial funding through the Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative, launched by Lilly Endowment Inc.

The initiative is designed to strengthen partnerships between Christian congregations and charitable organisations, enabling them to combine their knowledge, resources, networks, and community relationships to improve the quality of life of individuals and families.

Through this initiative, Lilly Endowment anticipates awarding implementation grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organisations. The programme follows a two-stage application process, beginning with concept papers and planning grants of up to $50,000, followed by implementation grant proposals from organisations invited to advance to the second stage.

The initiative has two closely connected goals. First, it seeks to improve community well-being by encouraging Christian congregations and charitable organisations to work together to address local needs and priorities. Second, it aims to deepen Christian faith and strengthen congregational vitality by creating opportunities for Christians to express their faith through practical acts of love, service, and care for their neighbours.

Potential projects may address hunger, domestic violence, youth development, educational enrichment, mental health, homelessness, community engagement, arts and cultural activities, and outdoor recreation, among other community priorities.

However, this is not a general-purpose grant for every nonprofit organisation or an individual church seeking funding for its existing programmes. The initiative is designed for eligible charitable organisations that can support and coordinate collaborations involving Christian congregations and local community organisations.

The deadline for submitting concept papers is 19 January 2027. Organisations selected to receive planning grants will subsequently have an opportunity to develop their concepts and submit implementation proposals, with a separate deadline of 19 July 2027 for invited applicants.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare the required organisational documentation, and ensure their proposed programmes align with the initiative’s objectives.

1. Overview of the Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Grant

The following table summarises the essential information about the initiative.

The funding figures represent maximum award amounts, not guaranteed grants for every applicant. Organisations must first pass the concept paper stage before they can be considered for implementation funding. Receiving a planning grant does not guarantee that an organisation will subsequently receive an implementation grant.

2. About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the United States.

Established in 1937 by J. K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J. K. Lilly Jr., the foundation supports initiatives in three principal areas: community development, education and youth, and religion.

The foundation supports programmes intended to strengthen communities, improve educational opportunities, and nurture religious life.

Its Serving Neighbors initiative builds on its interest in strengthening Christian congregations and supporting projects that improve the quality of life of individuals and families.

The initiative responds to growing interest among Christian congregations in expanding their community outreach beyond traditional church activities. It recognizes that congregations often have established relationships with residents, volunteers, and local communities, while charitable organisations may possess specialized expertise, established service-delivery systems, and experience addressing particular social challenges.

By bringing these strengths together, the initiative seeks to encourage more coordinated, effective, and sustainable community programmes. Lilly Endowment

Why Has Lilly Endowment Introduced the Serving Neighbors Initiative?

Christian congregations frequently play important roles in supporting people experiencing hardship. Churches may provide food assistance, organise youth activities, support vulnerable families, mobilize volunteers, and respond to emergencies within their communities.

At the same time, charitable organisations may already be working on similar challenges through specialized services and established community programmes.

When these groups operate independently, opportunities for cooperation can be missed.

For example, a congregation seeking to support young people might establish an after-school programme without fully understanding the work of existing youth-serving organisations in its area. A local charitable organisation may have the expertise to deliver such a programme but lack the community relationships or volunteer networks that congregations can offer.

The Serving Neighbors initiative seeks to bridge these gaps by helping congregations and charitable organisations build relationships, identify shared priorities, design collaborative programmes, and coordinate their efforts.

The objective is not simply to encourage organisations to share resources. It is to develop partnerships in which each organisation understands and contributes its distinctive strengths.

This approach can help participating organisations avoid duplication, strengthen community trust, expand outreach, and develop services that are better suited to local needs.

3. The Two Main Goals of the Serving Neighbors Initiative

The initiative has two complementary goals that should guide the design of proposed programmes.

Goal One: Improve the Quality of Life of Individuals and Families

The first goal is to encourage Christian congregations and charitable organisations to work together to address pressing community needs.

Rather than developing isolated interventions, participating organisations are encouraged to identify existing community priorities and develop joint responses that make effective use of their respective resources.

These collaborations may focus on:

• Supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
• Improving access to educational opportunities.
• Expanding services for children and young people.
• Addressing hunger and food insecurity.
• Responding to domestic violence and other social challenges.
• Improving mental health support and community well-being.
• Addressing homelessness through appropriate support services.
• Creating opportunities for arts, culture, sports, and recreation.
• Strengthening community participation and neighborhood relationships.
• Improving local parks and outdoor recreational amenities.
• Developing community-building activities that bring residents together.

These examples illustrate possible areas of collaboration rather than an exhaustive list of eligible activities.

The proposed programme should be grounded in an understanding of the community’s actual needs. Applicants should demonstrate how congregations and charitable organisations will work together to identify priorities and design appropriate interventions.

Goal Two: Deepen Christian Faith and Strengthen Congregational Vitality

The second goal focuses on the religious and community life of Christian congregations.

Lilly Endowment recognizes that congregations can provide opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love, service, compassion, and care for others.

The initiative therefore seeks to strengthen congregational vitality by helping churches develop meaningful, outward-facing relationships with the communities around them.

Through collaborative service, congregations can create opportunities for members to participate in activities that respond to real human needs.

This may include volunteering, mentoring young people, supporting vulnerable families, participating in community improvement projects, or working with established charitable organisations to deliver services.

The emphasis is on connecting faith with practical action while recognizing the expertise and contributions of community partners.

Applicants should explain how their proposed programmes will advance both the community well-being objective and the initiative’s interest in strengthening Christian congregational life.

4. The Four Objectives of the Serving Neighbors Initiative

The Request for Concept Papers identifies four objectives that should guide proposed programmes.

Organisations preparing applications should explain how their concepts will contribute to these objectives.

Objective 1: Help Christian Congregations Identify Community Needs

The initiative seeks to help congregations identify and explore pressing human and social needs within their neighbourhoods and local communities.

Some congregations may recognise that their communities are experiencing challenges but may not have a complete understanding of the causes, existing services, or most appropriate responses.

A collaborative programme can help church leaders listen to residents, consult community organisations, assess local priorities, and understand where their involvement could make a meaningful contribution.

Examples of needs that congregations may explore include:

• Hunger and food insecurity.
• Violence reduction.
• Educational enrichment.
• After-school opportunities for children and young people.
• Homelessness and related support needs.
• Outdoor recreation.
• Community-building events.
• Other human and social needs identified by residents and local organisations.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed programmes will help congregations move from a general desire to serve their neighbours towards a clearer understanding of specific community needs and potential responses.

Objective 2: Help Congregations Build Relationships With Community Organisations

The second objective is to strengthen relationships between Christian congregations and organisations already working to address identified community needs.

Depending on the project, these partners may include human service agencies, youth-serving organisations, arts and cultural organisations, neighbourhood associations, parks and recreational organisations, and other charitable or faith-based organisations.

Building effective relationships requires more than identifying possible partners.

Organisations need opportunities to understand each other’s missions, responsibilities, working methods, resources, and limitations.

A proposed programme might therefore include partnership meetings, community consultations, joint planning sessions, networking activities, or facilitated discussions.

Applicants should explain how these activities will help participating organisations establish productive relationships and identify opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

Objective 3: Guide Partners Through a Collaborative Planning Process

The third objective focuses on helping congregations and charitable organisations develop joint programmes.

The initiative recognises that sustainable partnerships require deliberate planning.

Churches and community organisations may have different operational structures, organisational cultures, service-delivery approaches, and motivations. A structured planning process can help them understand these differences and develop a shared approach.

Such a process may involve:

1. Identifying participating congregations and community organisations.
2. Exploring local needs and determining shared priorities.
3. Reviewing the strengths and resources of each partner.
4. Agreeing on the objectives of the proposed collaboration.
5. Developing a joint programme design.
6. Defining partner responsibilities and contributions.
7. Identifying the resources needed for implementation.
8. Establishing ways to measure progress and evaluate results.
9. Considering how successful activities could continue beyond the grant period.

Applicants should describe how their proposed programmes will facilitate this process and help participating organisations develop realistic plans.

Objective 4: Support the Launch and Long-Term Sustainability of Collaborations

The fourth objective is to help congregations and charitable organisations turn their plans into practical activities and, where successful, sustain those activities into the future.

The initiative is interested not only in helping organisations establish partnerships but also in supporting their ability to implement and maintain effective collaborative programmes.

This may involve providing technical assistance, planning resources, programme-development support, evaluation guidance, or help identifying additional funding and community resources.

Applicants should explain how their programmes will support participating organisations during implementation and how successful collaborations might continue after the grant period.

Sustainability should be considered from the beginning rather than treated as an issue to address only when funding is about to end.

A strong concept should demonstrate how the proposed programme can help partners develop the relationships, organisational capacity, and resources needed to continue serving their communities.

5. Funding Opportunities: Planning Grants of Up to $50,000

The Serving Neighbors initiative follows a two-stage funding process.

The first stage involves submitting a concept paper describing a proposed programme and explaining how it would advance the initiative’s goals and objectives.

Lilly Endowment anticipates awarding planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organisations whose concept papers demonstrate the greatest promise.

The anticipated planning grant awards will be announced by the end of March 2027.

What Is the Purpose of the Planning Grant?

The planning grant is intended to help selected organisations develop their initial concepts into detailed programmes suitable for implementation.

A concept paper does not need to present every operational detail of a fully developed programme. Instead, it should communicate a compelling and realistic idea that aligns with the initiative’s objectives.

If selected, an organisation may use the planning period to refine its concept, consult prospective partners, conduct research, convene community and congregational leaders, and prepare an implementation grant proposal.

Planning activities may include:

• Consulting Christian congregations about community needs.
• Identifying charitable organisations that could participate in the programme.
• Conducting community assessments or other relevant research.
• Organising meetings between prospective partners.
• Engaging consultants to support programme design.
• Developing implementation strategies.
• Clarifying partner roles and responsibilities.
• Refining the programme budget.
• Establishing monitoring and evaluation approaches.
• Preparing the implementation grant proposal.

Planning grant funds may be used for a period of up to one year.

Applicants should prepare a realistic planning budget that reflects the activities required to develop their proposed programme.

Important: The planning grant is not the same as the implementation grant. Organisations receiving planning funding must still develop and submit an implementation proposal if they wish to be considered for the larger award.

6. Funding Opportunities: Implementation Grants of Up to $5 Million

The second stage offers selected organisations an opportunity to apply for implementation grants of up to $5 million each.

These grants are intended to support the execution of programmes developed during the planning stage.

Implementation grants may be used for a period of up to four years.

Lilly Endowment anticipates awarding approximately 60 implementation grants through the initiative.

However, organisations should understand that receiving a planning grant does not automatically guarantee implementation funding. Each implementation proposal must be assessed on its merits, and the Endowment retains discretion over the final funding decisions.

What Can Implementation Funding Support?

The proposed programme should explain how the funding will support collaborative activities that advance the initiative’s objectives.

Potential programme components may include:

• Coordinating collaborations among groups of Christian congregations.
• Establishing partnerships with community service organisations.
• Expanding outreach to vulnerable individuals and families.
• Developing or strengthening youth-serving programmes.
• Supporting educational enrichment activities.
• Improving access to appropriate community services.
• Developing joint responses to hunger or domestic violence.
• Organising community engagement and neighbourhood improvement initiatives.
• Providing resources and support for collaborative programme implementation.
• Evaluating programme effectiveness and refining activities.
• Helping partners develop plans for continued collaboration.

These examples are illustrative. Applicants must ensure that their proposed activities comply with the official programme requirements.

The initiative permits proposals for programmes that require less than the maximum $5 million award. There is no stated minimum amount for an implementation grant.

Organisations should therefore request a level of funding appropriate to their programme design, capacity, anticipated outcomes, and available resources.

If a proposed programme requires funding from other sources in addition to a potential Lilly Endowment grant, applicants should identify the expected sources and estimated amounts as accurately as possible. Organisations invited to the second stage will need to confirm other funding sources and include them in their programme budgets where applicable.

7. Potential Areas of Collaboration and Eligible Community Projects

The Serving Neighbors initiative encourages applicants to develop programmes that respond to the needs and priorities of the communities they intend to serve.

Rather than requiring every applicant to work in one predetermined sector, the initiative allows eligible organisations to develop concepts around a broad range of human, social, educational, cultural, and recreational needs.

The following are examples of potential programme areas.

A. Hunger Relief and Food Security

Organisations could develop collaborations to strengthen food assistance programmes and improve support for families experiencing food insecurity.

For example, a network of Christian congregations could work with an established food bank or community service agency to expand food distribution through local food pantries.

The collaboration might focus on improving coordination, strengthening volunteer participation, identifying unmet needs, and making better use of available resources.

B. Youth Development and After-School Programmes

Youth-serving organisations could work with congregations to expand opportunities for children and young people.

Potential activities may include:

• After-school programmes.
• Mentoring and leadership development.
• Academic support and tutoring.
• Social-emotional development activities.
• Career exploration.
• Youth recreation and sports.
• Programmes that support young people’s mental well-being.

The initiative is particularly interested in collaborations that bring together organisations with complementary expertise and community relationships.

C. Domestic Violence and Other Social Challenges

Community organisations working on domestic violence or other human and social needs may explore collaborative approaches involving congregations.

Potential programmes could strengthen awareness, improve connections with appropriate support services, and help communities coordinate responses to identified needs.

Any proposed activities should be designed with appropriate safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional service-delivery arrangements.

The initiative does not simply seek isolated outreach activities. It encourages partnerships that understand the complexity of community challenges and work together to address them effectively.

D. Mental Health and Family Support

Organisations could explore collaborative programmes that connect individuals and families with relevant community resources.

For example, congregations might work with qualified service providers and community organisations to improve awareness of available support, strengthen referral relationships, or develop appropriate community well-being activities.

Applicants should ensure that proposed services are appropriate to the expertise of the participating organisations.

E. Arts, Culture, and Community Engagement

Arts and cultural organisations may collaborate with congregations to increase access to cultural activities and create opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

Potential projects could include community arts activities, cultural events, and initiatives that bring residents together around shared interests.

Such programmes may help strengthen relationships, increase participation, and create inclusive spaces for community engagement.

F. Parks, Outdoor Recreation, and Neighbourhood Improvement

Congregations and community development organisations could work together to improve neighbourhood environments and access to recreational opportunities.

Potential activities include community beautification, park improvement initiatives, outdoor recreation, and collaborative community events.

The emphasis is on identifying community priorities and developing joint activities that make a meaningful contribution to local quality of life.

G. Support for Vulnerable Families

Collaborations could focus on helping vulnerable families access appropriate services and community resources.

For example, a network of congregations might work with a community development organisation or social service agency to coordinate support for families experiencing hardship.

The programme could focus on improving service coordination, strengthening community relationships, and helping participating organisations use their respective resources more effectively.

Important Exclusion: Affordable Housing and Property-Related Challenges

The official Request for Concept Papers states that applicants may not submit concepts focused on affordable housing or other property-related challenges.

The Endowment explains that affordable housing initiatives require substantial capital investment and specialised knowledge of housing development regulations and procedures, which fall outside the scope of this particular initiative.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed programmes focus on eligible community needs rather than affordable housing development or other property-related challenges.

8. Who Is Eligible to Apply for the Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Grant?

This is one of the most important considerations for prospective applicants.

The initiative is designed for eligible charitable organisations with tax-exempt public charity status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code that are interested in supporting Christian congregations and local charitable organisations in developing or strengthening collaborative programmes.

Eligible organisations should also have knowledge of, and the ability to work effectively with, groups of congregations and local charitable organisations.

The programme is not open to individuals applying in their personal capacity, nor is it intended to provide direct funding to individual congregations or local charitable organisations simply seeking money for their own existing programmes.

Examples of Potentially Eligible Organisations

The Endowment identifies several types of organisations that may be eligible to apply.

1. National and Regional Denominational Agencies

Denominational agencies may be well positioned to coordinate groups of Christian congregations and support collaborative programmes across multiple communities.

Their experience working with congregations may help them identify shared priorities, establish partnerships, and provide guidance for programme development.

2. Faith-Based Service Organisations

Faith-based service organisations may be eligible if they satisfy the programme’s legal and organisational requirements and have the necessary experience and commitment to supporting collaborative community initiatives.

Their experience in social services, community engagement, or outreach may help congregations connect with existing support systems.

3. Church Associations and Networks

Associations and networks of churches may be suitable applicants when they can coordinate participating congregations and help establish relationships with local charitable organisations.

A network could, for example, help congregations in several communities identify shared needs and collaborate with service providers working in those areas.

4. Theological Schools

Eligible theological schools may be able to support the development of collaborations involving congregations and charitable organisations.

Their experience in religious education, leadership development, and engagement with Christian communities may be relevant to the initiative’s objectives.

5. Church-Related Colleges and Universities

Church-related colleges and universities may be considered if they meet the applicable eligibility conditions and are positioned to support the development of collaborative programmes.

6. National or Regional Community Development Organisations

Community development organisations may be eligible when they have the required charitable status and are knowledgeable about and comfortable working with churches and other faith-based organisations.

These organisations may have expertise in community assessments, partnership development, service coordination, and programme implementation.

The Endowment’s list is illustrative rather than exhaustive. Other organisations may qualify if they satisfy the official eligibility conditions. Lilly Endowment

Are Individual Churches Eligible to Apply Directly?

Individual congregations and local charitable organisations seeking resources for their own programmes and services are not eligible to apply directly through this initiative.

The programme is intended to support organisations capable of helping groups of congregations and community organisations develop and strengthen collaborations.

A local congregation may therefore need to explore participation through an eligible organisation that can serve as the applicant and coordinate the wider programme.

Prospective applicants should review the official requirements carefully before investing time in preparing a concept paper.

Can an International NGO Apply?

The initiative is not a general international grant programme.

The official eligibility requirements specify tax-exempt public charity status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. The initiative is focused on collaborations involving Christian congregations and community organisations in the United States.

An NGO registered in another country should not assume that its local nonprofit registration makes it eligible.

Organisations based outside the United States would need to establish whether they meet the Endowment’s specific legal and organisational eligibility requirements before considering an application. The official guidelines should be consulted for clarification of any unusual organisational or tax-status circumstances.

9. What Makes a Strong Serving Neighbors Concept Paper?

The Endowment evaluates concept papers based on the quality and promise of the proposed programmes.

The selection criteria consider the strength of the concept, the organisation’s relevant experience and relationships, the feasibility of the proposed programme, and its capacity to execute and sustain the work.

The estimated size of the implementation grant requested does not itself give an organisation an advantage. Applicants should focus on the quality and feasibility of the programme rather than automatically requesting the maximum available funding.

Demonstrate Clear Alignment With the Initiative’s Objectives

The concept paper should explain how the proposed programme advances the initiative’s goals and objectives.

Applicants should show how the programme will help congregations identify community needs, establish relationships with community organisations, develop collaborative responses, and sustain successful partnerships.

Demonstrate Relevant Experience and Relationships

Applicants should explain their experience working with Christian congregations, local charitable organisations, and, where appropriate, other faith-based organisations.

Existing relationships may help demonstrate that the organisation understands the communities involved and is well positioned to coordinate a collaborative programme.

Show a Strong Understanding of Community Needs

A compelling concept should identify the communities it intends to serve and explain the needs or priorities the proposed programme will address.

Applicants should describe their knowledge of those needs and explain how the proposed approach will build on existing relationships, services, and community resources.

Present a Realistic and Feasible Programme

The proposed programme should be achievable within the organisation’s capacity and the anticipated funding period.

Applicants should explain the programme’s purpose, potential activities, proposed collaborators, expected outcomes, and the process through which participating organisations will develop their collaboration.

Demonstrate Organisational Capacity and Sustainability

Applicants should explain why they are well positioned to develop and implement the proposed programme.

They should also consider how the collaboration could continue beyond the implementation grant period if it proves successful.

A credible sustainability approach may include strengthening partner relationships, building local capacity, identifying other potential resources, and establishing realistic plans for continued collaboration.

These considerations should be reflected in the concept paper rather than left until the implementation stage.

10. Required Documents for the Concept Paper Application

Organisations applying during the first stage must submit a concept paper together with the required supporting documents.

The documents must be organised in the order specified by the Endowment and combined into one PDF file for online submission.

The application materials include the following.

1. Official Request Letter

Applicants must provide a one-page official request letter signed by both the organisation’s chief executive officer and the chair of its governing board.

The letter should comply with the requirements set out in the official application guidance.

2. Concept Paper Information Form

Applicants must complete the information form provided on the initiative’s official website.

The form requests information about the organisation, the proposed concept, and the individuals who would be responsible for planning activities if the organisation receives a planning grant.

3. Concept Paper Narrative

The concept paper narrative must not exceed five pages.

The official guidelines require the narrative to use 12-point font, single spacing, and one-inch margins.

The narrative should address the organisation’s profile, the rationale for developing the programme, the proposed concept, the anticipated funding level, and the planning activities that would be undertaken if a planning grant is awarded.

Further details about these components are provided below.

4. Planning Grant Budget

Applicants must submit a budget covering proposed planning activities.

The planning grant budget must not exceed $50,000.

The budget should describe the projected expenses associated with developing the concept and preparing the implementation proposal. A budget narrative should explain how the organisation calculated its proposed budget items.

Applicants should use the budget format and guidance supplied by the Endowment.

5. Letters of Support

Applicants may include up to three optional letters of support from prospective collaborators.

These letters should describe the anticipated role of each collaborator and demonstrate their interest and capacity to participate in the proposed programme.

Although the letters are optional at the concept paper stage, they may help explain the practical foundation of the proposed collaboration.

Organisations invited to submit implementation grant proposals will be required to provide updated letters of support or endorsement.

6. Current-Year Operating Budget

Applicants must provide a copy of their organisation’s operating budget for the current fiscal year at the time of submission.

This document helps the Endowment understand the organisation’s financial position and operational scale.

7. Annual Financial Statements

Applicants must submit the organisation’s most recently completed annual audited financial statements.

If audited financial statements are unavailable, the official guidelines allow the organisation to submit reviewed financial statements prepared by a certified public accounting firm.

Applicants should ensure that the submitted documents satisfy the requirements set out in the official guidance.

8. Exempt Status and Charity/Foundation Status Information Form

The form helps the Endowment verify the organisation’s legal and charitable status for the purpose of receiving a grant from a private foundation.

Applicants should complete the form accurately and ensure that the information is consistent with the organisation’s supporting documents.

9. IRS Exempt Status Determination Letter

Applicants must provide a copy of the organisation’s Internal Revenue Service exempt status determination letter.

This document helps verify the organisation’s tax-exempt status and applicable public charity classification.

Some denominationally related organisations may be covered by a group exemption rather than holding an individual determination letter. The official guidelines explain that such organisations should provide evidence that they are covered by the relevant group exemption ruling.

The Endowment states that grants will not be awarded until the appropriate tax status has been confirmed. Lilly Endowment

Application Document Checklist

Before submitting the application, organisations should confirm that their combined PDF contains the following documents in the required order:

1. Official request letter, signed by the chief executive officer and governing board chair.
2. Completed Concept Paper Information Form.
3. Concept paper narrative of no more than five pages.
4. Planning grant budget of up to $50,000.
5. Up to three optional letters of support.
6. Current-year organisational operating budget.
7. Most recently completed annual audited financial statements or qualifying reviewed financial statements.
8. Exempt Status and Charity/Foundation Status Information Form.
9. IRS exempt status determination letter or qualifying evidence of group exemption coverage.

The official submission form accepts PDF documents with a maximum file size of 256 MB.

Applicants should check the complete document order and submission requirements against the official guidelines before uploading the file.

11. What Should the Concept Paper Narrative Include?

The five-page narrative is a central part of the application.

It should explain the organisation’s background, the reason for proposing the programme, the concept itself, the anticipated funding level, and the planning activities that would follow an award.

A. Organisational Profile

Provide a brief description of the organisation.

This section should explain:

• The organisation’s mission and history.
• Its major programmes and activities.
• Its annual operating budget.
• Its experience working with Christian congregations.
• Its experience working with local charitable organisations.
• Its knowledge of community needs and priorities.

The objective is to demonstrate that the organisation has the relevant experience and capacity to coordinate the proposed programme.

B. Rationale for the Proposed Programme

Explain why the organisation is interested in developing a Serving Neighbors programme.

Identify the communities the programme intends to serve and describe the needs or priorities that could be addressed through collaboration.

Applicants should also explain how the concept builds on existing relationships with congregations and charitable organisations.

Faith-based applicants should explain how the proposed concept aligns with their mission, current activities, and theological tradition where relevant.

C. Description of the Proposed Concept

Describe the programme the organisation would like to develop.

This section should explain:

• The proposed programme’s aim and objectives.
• The potential activities and strategies.
• The communities and congregations that may participate.
• The prospective charitable partners.
• The process for bringing leaders together.
• How relationships between the partners would be developed.
• The anticipated outcomes.
• How the programme would advance the initiative’s objectives.

Applicants should explain how the proposed programme will move beyond general networking to help partners design and implement collaborative responses to community needs.

D. Anticipated Funding Level

Explain the estimated cost of implementing the proposed programme and indicate the amount of funding the organisation expects to request if invited to submit an implementation proposal.

Applicants should justify why the proposed funding level is appropriate for the programme’s activities and organisational capacity.

If other funders are expected to contribute, identify those sources and provide estimated amounts where possible.

Organisations should also describe the resources they currently have available, the capacities they would need to develop, and how those capacities could be sustained.

E. Planning Grant Activities

Explain how the organisation would use a planning grant to develop its concept and prepare an implementation proposal.

Potential activities may include research, consultations, convening congregational and community leaders, engaging consultants, developing programme strategies, and preparing the implementation grant application.

The planning activities should be realistic, clearly connected to the proposed programme, and supported by an appropriate budget. Lilly Endowment

12. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Grant

The application process begins with the submission of a concept paper.

Organisations should follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the Official Initiative Website

Start by reviewing the official Serving Neighbors Initiative webpage.

Read the initiative’s objectives, eligibility requirements, funding stages, and submission instructions.

Download the Request for Concept Papers and the supporting forms.

Step 2: Confirm Organisational Eligibility

Check whether your organisation satisfies the applicable charitable and public charity status requirements.

Confirm that your organisation has the experience and capacity to support collaborations involving Christian congregations and local charitable organisations.

Remember that individual churches and local charitable organisations seeking funding for their own programmes are not eligible to apply directly through this initiative.

Step 3: Develop the Programme Concept

Identify the community needs your proposed programme would address.

Determine which congregations and charitable organisations might participate, how they could work together, and what support they would need to develop effective collaborative activities.

Ensure that the concept advances the initiative’s goals and four objectives.

Step 4: Prepare the Concept Paper Narrative

Develop the required five-page narrative.

Explain the organisation’s background, the rationale for the programme, the proposed concept, the anticipated funding level, and the planning activities you would undertake if awarded a planning grant.

Follow the required formatting instructions.

Step 5: Prepare the Planning Grant Budget

Develop a realistic budget for the planning period.

The requested planning grant must not exceed $50,000.

Prepare the budget narrative and ensure that the proposed expenses are appropriate for the planning activities described in the concept paper.

Step 6: Collect the Supporting Documents

Obtain the required financial statements, current-year operating budget, exempt status documentation, and other supporting materials.

Secure the signatures required for the official request letter.

If appropriate, obtain letters of support from prospective collaborators.

Step 7: Combine the Documents Into One PDF

Organise the documents in the order specified by the official checklist.

Ensure that the concept paper narrative does not exceed five pages and that the combined PDF meets the file size requirements.

Review the document for missing pages, incomplete forms, and inconsistent information.

Step 8: Submit the Concept Paper Online

Use the official concept paper submission form on the Serving Neighbors Initiative webpage.

Complete the requested organisational information and upload the combined PDF.

Step 9: Submit Before 19 January 2027

The concept paper deadline is 19 January 2027.

Organisations should allow enough time to obtain the necessary signatures, prepare financial documentation, and review the final submission.

Step 10: Prepare for the Planning Stage if Selected

Lilly Endowment anticipates notifying organisations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Selected organisations may then use their planning grants to refine their concepts and prepare implementation grant proposals.

Organisations should remember that advancement to the second stage does not guarantee an implementation award.

13. Important Application Deadlines and Key Dates

Applicants should distinguish between the concept paper deadline and the later implementation proposal deadline.

The first-stage deadline applies to organisations submitting concept papers.

The second-stage deadline applies only to organisations selected to receive planning grants and invited to submit implementation proposals.

Organisations should not wait for the implementation stage before developing their initial concept. The first-stage submission is the entry point to the funding process. Lilly Endowment

14. Information Sessions for Prospective Applicants

Lilly Endowment has announced virtual information sessions to explain the initiative’s aims and objectives and review the concept paper submission guidelines.

The official initiative page lists the following sessions:

• Monday, 2 November 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time: The session is listed as full.
• Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Tuesday, 10 November 2026, at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time.

Interested organisations should consult the official website for registration availability and any updates to the sessions.

These sessions may be particularly useful for organisations that need clarification about the application process, programme design expectations, or required documentation.

Prospective applicants should still read the official Request for Concept Papers because it contains the detailed requirements governing the application. Lilly Endowment

15. Frequently Asked Questions About the Serving Neighbors Grant

What is the Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Initiative?

It is a grant initiative designed to help Christian congregations and charitable organisations develop collaborations that improve community well-being and create opportunities for Christians to practise their faith through service.

How much funding is available?

The initiative offers planning grants of up to $50,000 and implementation grants of up to $5 million.

The larger grants are available only to organisations invited to submit implementation proposals after the planning stage.

How many organisations will receive grants?

Lilly Endowment anticipates awarding planning grants to approximately 60 organisations and making approximately 60 implementation grants.

These are anticipated award numbers, not guarantees that every eligible applicant will receive funding.

Can a local church apply directly?

Individual congregations and local charitable organisations seeking funding for their own programmes and services are not eligible to apply directly.

The initiative is designed to support eligible organisations that can help groups of congregations and community organisations establish collaborative programmes.

Can a general nonprofit organisation apply?

Potentially, if it satisfies the applicable charitable and public charity status requirements and is knowledgeable about and capable of working with Christian congregations and local charitable organisations.

Simply being a nonprofit organisation does not automatically establish eligibility.

Can an organisation based in Kenya apply?

The initiative is focused on eligible charitable organisations operating within the United States and requires qualifying US tax-exempt public charity status.

A Kenyan-registered NGO should not assume that it is eligible based solely on its nonprofit status. It would need to establish whether it meets the Endowment’s specific requirements before pursuing the opportunity.

Can the planning grant be used for up to one year?

Yes. The official guidelines state that planning grant funds may be used for a period of up to one year.

How long can implementation funding last?

Implementation grants may support programmes for up to four years.

Does receiving a planning grant guarantee an implementation grant?

No. Organisations must submit implementation proposals, and the Endowment retains discretion over the final funding decisions.

What is the concept paper deadline?

The deadline is 19 January 2027.

When are implementation grant proposals due?

Implementation proposals are due 19 July 2027, but only organisations invited to the second stage may submit them.

Where can organisations obtain the official application documents?

All official instructions, forms, and supporting resources are available through the Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Initiative webpage.

Conclusion

The Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative presents a substantial funding opportunity for eligible charitable organisations that can help Christian congregations and local community organisations work together to address pressing social and community needs.

With planning grants of up to $50,000 and potential implementation grants of up to $5 million, the initiative is designed to support both the development and execution of collaborative programmes.

Its approach emphasises identifying community priorities, building relationships between congregations and charitable organisations, designing joint interventions, and providing support to help successful collaborations continue into the future.

Potential programme areas include hunger relief, youth development, educational enrichment, domestic violence response, mental health, homelessness-related support, arts and culture, recreation, and neighbourhood improvement. Affordable housing and other property-related challenges are explicitly excluded from the scope of proposed collaborative projects.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to eligible organisations with established relationships with Christian congregations, experience in community development, and the capacity to coordinate partnerships across multiple organisations.

However, prospective applicants must pay close attention to the eligibility requirements. The initiative is not a general international grant programme, and organisations must satisfy the Endowment’s specific charitable and public charity status conditions.

The application process begins with a concept paper, supported by the required organisational, financial, and tax-status documentation.

The first-stage application deadline is 19 January 2027. Organisations selected for planning grants will subsequently be invited to develop implementation proposals, which are due by 19 July 2027.

Eligible organisations should review the official Request for Concept Papers, assess their capacity to coordinate meaningful collaborations, and prepare a realistic concept that demonstrates how the proposed programme will improve community well-being and strengthen relationships between Christian congregations and charitable organisations.

Official application portal: Lilly Endowment Serving Neighbors Initiative.

Explore more global Grant opportunities on OFY HERE.