[Lilly Endowment](https://lillyendowment.org)

March 25, 2026: Interest Form and one-page Letter of Interest deadline | May 18, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline

Up to $2.5 million per grant for up to five years; approximately 60 grants anticipated.

Supports U.S. charitable organizations in developing or enhancing programs that help diverse individuals explore and engage in Christian practices to nourish faith and build community.

--- ## Description The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative, offered by Lilly Endowment, aims to expand opportunities and increase access for individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore and engage in Christian practices. This open, competitive grant program invites U.S.-based charitable organizations to propose innovative strategies for helping people address spiritual interests, build community, nourish their religious lives, and grow in faith. Proposals should thoughtfully address which groups to reach, which Christian practices are most nourishing, and how to create or expand settings that make these practices more accessible both inside and outside congregations. --- ## Due Dates - March 25, 2026: Interest Form and one-page Letter of Interest deadline - May 18, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline Award decisions are expected to be announced in December 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant amount: Up to $2.5 million per award - Grant duration: Up to five years - Approximately 60 grants will be awarded --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be U.S.-based charitable organizations that are tax-exempt public charities under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). - Organizations must demonstrate a clear interest in nurturing Christian faith and life. - Only organizations with a valid IRS determination letter are eligible. - Both new and existing programs are eligible, provided they align with the initiative’s aims. --- ## Application Process 1. **Interest Form and Letter of Interest**: Submit an Interest Form and a one-page Letter of Interest by March 25, 2026, via the [initiative webpage](https://lillyendowment.org/exploring-practices/). 2. **Full Proposal**: Eligible organizations will be invited to submit a complete proposal by May 18, 2026. The proposal submission form will be available starting March 26, 2026. 3. **Required Materials**: - Completed online forms - One-page Letter of Interest (PDF) - Supporting documentation (e.g., IRS determination letter) - Budget documentation (see Guide to Budget Preparation) 4. **Resources**: - [Request for Proposals (RFP)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/exploring-practices-rfp-2026.pdf) - [FAQs](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/exploring-practices-2026-faq.pdf) - [Information Form](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/one-page-information-form-fillable-r.pdf) - [Budget Guide](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/guide-to-budget-preparation.pdf) - [Exempt Status Form](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/fillable-2026-exempt-status-charity-foundation-status-form.pdf) - [Sample IRS Letter](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/irs-determination-letter-sample.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Multiple virtual information sessions are available in February 2026; registration is required and limited to two participants per organization. - The initiative welcomes proposals from a broad spectrum of Christian traditions and encourages creative, contextually grounded approaches. - Programs can take place in a wide variety of settings, including but not limited to congregations, retreat centers, homes, parks, and community spaces. --- ## External Links - [Exploring Christian Practices Initiative Program Page](https://lillyendowment.org/exploring-practices/) - [Request for Proposals (PDF)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/exploring-practices-rfp-2026.pdf) - [FAQs (PDF)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/exploring-practices-2026-faq.pdf) - [Guide to Budget Preparation (PDF)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/guide-to-budget-preparation.pdf) - [All Open Initiatives](https://lillyendowment.org/open-initiatives/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |----------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [exploringpractices@lei.org](mailto:exploringpractices@lei.org) | | Phone | 317-924-5471 | | Web Contact | [Lilly Endowment Contact Page](https://lillyendowment.org/contact/) | | Address | 2801 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208-4712, United States | ---

Exploring Christian Practices Initiative

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