Indy Summer Youth Programs
Indy Summer Youth Programs support organizations offering safe, affordable summer enrichment and employment for Marion County youth, helping them learn, develop interests and connect with friends.
Funder: Lilly Endowment
Due Dates: September 11 (Summer Youth Program Fund orientation)
Funding Amounts: Nearly $4.75 million in program support awarded across 283 programs in 2026
Summary: Supports organizations providing safe, affordable summer enrichment and employment opportunities for Marion County children and youth.
Key Information: Programs serve Marion County youth ages 4 to 24 at little or no cost to families.
Description
Indy Summer Youth Programs are supported through the Summer Youth Program Fund, a collaboration involving Lilly Endowment and other local funders. The initiative helps organizations provide safe, positive summer experiences for children and youth in Marion County, Indianapolis. It supports overnight and day programs, academic and artistic enrichment, and youth employment, with an emphasis on access at little or no cost to families.
Participating providers include religious congregations, community centers, theaters and parks. Activities encompass sports, overnight camping, arts and culture, community service, tutoring, nutrition and STEM. Programs offer opportunities to learn, develop interests, connect with friends and engage in emotional and educational enrichment. Lilly Endowment also supports modest capital improvements and resources for participating programs, including family meal boxes, staff training and evaluation.
