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

September 8, 2026 (proposal submission deadline, 6 p.m. ET)

Up to $15,000 per recipient | ~150 fellowships awarded | 18-month project period

Supports Indiana K-12 educators with funding for personal and professional renewal projects to foster creativity and enhance classroom innovation.

--- ## Description The Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program offers K-12 educators in Indiana the opportunity to pursue meaningful personal and professional renewal through self-designed projects. The program aims to help educators regain enthusiasm for their careers, foster innovative teaching practices, and inspire creative thinking in their students. Renewal projects can take many forms, focusing on exploration, reflection, and growth, and are meant to be intellectually enriching and personally fulfilling—distinct from typical vacations or professional development requirements. The program is highly competitive, with approximately 150 fellowships awarded annually. --- ## Due Dates - **Proposal Submission Deadline:** September 8, 2026 (all required materials must be submitted online by 6 p.m. ET) - **Recipient Notification:** January 22, 2027 (anticipated) - **Project Completion:** July 31, 2028 - **Final Report Due:** August 31, 2028 --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** Up to $15,000 per recipient - **Number of Awards:** Approximately 150 fellowships expected - **Project Duration:** 18 months - **Allowable Expenses:** Travel, living stipend (up to 20% of budget), supplies, dependent care, tax liability, and other project-related costs --- ## Eligibility - **Who Can Apply:** - Full-time K-12 educators (teachers of any subject, principals, assistant principals, librarians, media specialists, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, instructional coaches) employed in Indiana’s public, charter, or private schools - Must have at least three cumulative years in one or more eligible positions (since at least fall 2023) at an accredited Indiana school - Must currently hold a valid Indiana Professional Educator License or a four-year bachelor’s degree appropriate for their position - Must intend to remain a full-time educator in Indiana through the 2028–29 school year - Past recipients may apply if their last award was in 2019 or earlier (maximum of two fellowships per career) - **Who Cannot Apply:** - Pre-K educators - Those who received a TCFP award after 2019 - Relatives of Lilly Endowment directors, officers, or founders (must disclose any relationship) --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Proposal Materials:** - Proposal narrative (max 5 pages, includes goals, activities, timeline, and budget; 12 pt font, 1-inch margins) - Two signed letters of recommendation (at least one from a current colleague in your school or district, not from family; must be dated 2026) - Copy of valid Indiana Professional Educator License or appropriate degree documentation - For principals/assistant principals: a signed approval letter from a district superintendent or senior organizational leader 2. **Combine all required documents into a single PDF** (excluding letters of recommendation for page count) 3. **Complete the Online Proposal Cover Form** on the [TCFP program page](https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/renewal-programs/teacher-creativity/) and upload your PDF - Note: The form cannot be saved and returned to later—prepare all materials in advance 4. **Submission Deadline:** All materials must be submitted by 6 p.m. ET on September 8, 2026 5. **Confirmation:** Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon successful submission --- ## Additional Information - **Project Types:** Projects do not need to relate to the applicant’s teaching subject; personal renewal and enrichment are encouraged (see [project examples](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tcfp-2027-project-examples.pdf)) - **Collaborative Proposals:** Not accepted; each applicant must submit an independent proposal - **Budget Guidance:** Include all anticipated costs (travel, supplies, living stipend, tax liability, etc.); see [budget and timeline samples](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2027-tcfp-budget-timeline-samples.pdf) - **Information Sessions:** Four virtual sessions are offered (April 14, May 7, August 6, August 11, 2026); register via the [program page](https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/renewal-programs/teacher-creativity/) - **FAQs:** Comprehensive [FAQ document](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tcfp-2027-faqs.pdf) available --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Application Portal](https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/renewal-programs/teacher-creativity/) - [Request for Proposals (PDF)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/teacher-creativity-rfp-2027-final.pdf) - [FAQ (PDF)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tcfp-2027-faqs.pdf) - [Budget and Timeline Sample Templates (PDF)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2027-tcfp-budget-timeline-samples.pdf) - [Renewal Project Examples (PDF)](https://lillyendowment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tcfp-2027-project-examples.pdf) - [Contact Lilly Endowment](https://lillyendowment.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------| | General Inquiries | teachercreativity@lei.org | | Funder Website | [https://lillyendowment.org](https://lillyendowment.org) | | Phone | 317-924-5471 | | Mailing Address | 2801 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208-4712, United States | ---

Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program

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