Lilly Foundation Announces Historic Grants Totalling Over $700 Million in Early 2026
Major Philanthropic Force Strengthens American Communities
The Lilly Endowment, headquartered in Indianapolis, has emerged as a transformative force in American philanthropy with a series of unprecedented grants announced in late 2025 and early 2026. As one of the world’s largest private philanthropic foundations with assets worth $62.2 billion as of 2023, the organisation continues to reshape the landscape of charitable giving across education, religion, and community development.
Record-Breaking Support for Faith-Based AI Ethics
The University of Notre Dame has received a $50.8 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to support the DELTA Network: Faith-Based Ethical Formation for a World of Powerful AI. This historic investment represents the largest grant ever awarded by a private foundation to the university and aims to develop ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence rooted in Christian values whilst remaining accessible to people of all faith perspectives.
Transforming Education Through Scholarships
The foundation’s commitment to education remains steadfast through its Community Scholarship Programme. Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this programme with tuition grants totalling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. Throughout December 2025 and early 2026, dozens of Indiana students have been named 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, each receiving full tuition coverage for four years at eligible Indiana institutions.
Supporting Military Families and Youth Development
The Lilly Endowment has announced grants totalling more than $193.5 million, with eighteen grants of over $116.5 million awarded to organisations that provide direct assistance to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Additionally, 68 grants totalling over $77 million support residential youth camps across Indiana, helping these facilities enhance programming and outcomes for young people.
The Foundation’s Enduring Legacy
Founded in 1937 by Josiah K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Eli Jr. and Josiah Jr., through gifts of Eli Lilly and Company stock, the foundation has maintained its focus on three core areas. The Lilly Endowment has historically focused on three primary grant areas: community development, education, and Christianity, with particular emphasis on Indianapolis and Indiana whilst also supporting national initiatives.
Significance for Communities and Future Outlook
These substantial investments demonstrate the Lilly Endowment’s strategic approach to addressing contemporary challenges whilst honouring its founders’ vision. From pioneering ethical frameworks for emerging technologies to ensuring educational access for thousands of students, the foundation’s work creates ripple effects throughout American society. As 2026 unfolds, these grants will enable organisations to strengthen communities, support vulnerable populations, and prepare future generations for an increasingly complex world.