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

March 2026

Nearly $4.3M awarded in 2025 across 266 programs; typical grants support program costs, capital improvements, and related activities.

Supports Marion County organizations to provide safe, enriching summer experiences for youth ages 4–24 through diverse programs and modest capital projects.

For organizations serving youth in Marion County, Indiana only.

--- ## Description Indy Summer Youth Programs, funded by the Lilly Endowment and partner organizations through the Summer Youth Program Fund, are designed to provide safe and positive summer experiences for children and teens in Marion County, Indiana. Grants support a wide variety of organizations—including community centers, religious congregations, theaters, and parks—to offer overnight and day programs, academic and artistic enrichment, youth employment, sports, camping, arts, community service, and tutoring. Funding may also support modest capital improvements, family meal boxes for participants, and training and educational awards for youth and staff. The initiative emphasizes access, enrichment, and support for youth ages 4–24, especially those from underserved communities. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - In 2025, the fund awarded nearly $4.3 million in program support to 266 programs. - Lilly Endowment grants included $3.2 million to 262 programs, with $1.2 million directed to 41 organizations for modest capital improvements. - Typical awards support a range of program costs, capital needs, and related activities. - Award sizes may vary depending on project scope and organizational needs. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants are organizations serving youth ages 4–24 in Marion County, Indiana. - Supported organizations include: - Nonprofits, community centers, religious congregations, theaters, and parks. - Programs must provide summer enrichment, academic or artistic activities, youth employment, sports, camping, community service, or tutoring. - Funding may also support modest capital improvements, family meal boxes, and staff/youth training. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the CICF Collaborative Grants Portal. - Required materials typically include: - Detailed program description - Budget and funding request - Documentation of organizational eligibility and impact - Review the [Indy Summer Youth Programs grantee portal](https://indysummeryouthprograms.org/for-grantees/) for current application instructions and templates. - Early deadlines may apply for capital requests; monitor the portal for updated guidance. --- ## Additional Information - The fund is a collaboration of Lilly Endowment and eight other local charitable funders. - The initiative emphasizes accessibility—many programs offer free or low-cost enrollment, scholarships, and healthy meals. - Training and educational awards are available for youth and staff. - For questions or assistance, organizations can contact the Marion County Commission on Youth. --- ## External Links - [Lilly Endowment Summer Youth Program Fund page](https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/summer-youth-program-fund) - [Indy Summer Youth Programs main site](https://indysummeryouthprograms.org/) - [CICF Collaborative Grants Portal](https://cicf.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [For Grantees – Application Info](https://indysummeryouthprograms.org/for-grantees/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Lilly Endowment | [Contact page](https://lillyendowment.org/contact/) | | Marion County Commission on Youth | [mccoyouth.org](http://mccoyouth.org/) / (317) 921-1288 | | General Email | communications@lei.org | | General Phone | 317-924-5471 |

Indy Summer Youth Programs

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