Lilly Endowment Inc. has announced a new competitive grant called the Exploring Christian Practices Initiative. Faith-based organizations are invited to apply with projects that “enhance and multiply the opportunities they offer individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to learn about and engage in Christian practices.”
The Endowment expects to make up to 60 grants, each of up to $2.5 million. The grants will be for a period of five years.
The grant will help organizations either develop or strengthen their efforts to “retrieve, adapt and refine Christian practices and to deploy them in ways that nourish the faith of individuals whom they seek to serve.”
In a news release, Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment’s vice president for religion, said that Christians have engaged with a variety of spiritual practices and rituals to help people “reflect on their lives and deepen their relationships with God.”
“Through this initiative, the Endowment is inviting Christian communities to enhance their efforts to reach out and share those practices with people who long to deepen their spiritual lives,” Coble said. “These include individuals who are curious about Christianity as well as those who are regular churchgoers.”
The Endowment noted its interest in supporting organizations that “reflect a broad spectrum of Christian traditions” and wants to help them look at new ways and expand opportunities to help their communities draw upon Christian practices. Interested organizations are encouraged to consider a variety of settings where people engage in Christian practices, and they are encouraged to listen to their communities.
While the Endowment asked for letters of interest in March, the letter was not a requirement. Eligible organizations have until May 18 to submit a proposal. The Endowment expects to award grants by the end of December.
Learn more about the grant at Lilly’s website: lillyendowment.org
