Lilly Grants Available for Indiana Congregations

Lilly Endowment: Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations

The Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation, seeks to strengthen congregations by providing an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection.

Through the 2010 Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations, the endowment will provide up to forty grants of up to $50,000 directly to congregations for the support of a renewal program for their pastor. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used to help the congregation fulfill pastoral duties during the pastor's absence and/or support activities that enable the congregation as a whole to be renewed in its ministry.

Clergy renewal programs may take many forms. No specific model is prescribed. Possible programs may include an uninterrupted period for reading and writing, directed research at a theological school, a study trip to religious sites or travel for other purposes in the United States or elsewhere in the world, quiet time for rest and prayer, or special visits with family and friends.

The program is open to congregations in Indiana that have an ordained pastor. The 2010 program is also open to support pastors who engaged in clergy renewal activities between 1999 and 2004.

Details: Clergy Renewal Program
Deadline: March 15, 2010