Christian Practices Initiative: Up to $2.5M Available

Ink & Insights
6 minutes ago
3 min read

Faith-based organizations across the United States have a powerful new opportunity to deepen spiritual formation and expand their impact.

Lilly Endowment Inc. has announced the Exploring Christian Practices Initiative, a significant funding opportunity designed to help organizations create new pathways for individuals to encounter, experience, and grow in Christian faith.

With grants of up to $2.5 million over a five-year period, this initiative seeks to support innovative programs that invite people—both within and beyond congregational life—to explore meaningful Christian practices and build deeper spiritual communities.

Strengthening Faith Through Christian Practices

The initiative focuses on helping organizations expand access to authentic Christian practices that nurture spiritual life and foster meaningful connection.

These practices may include disciplines such as prayer, service, fellowship, hospitality, scripture engagement, and other traditions rooted in the theological heritage of the organization. The goal is to retrieve, refine, and creatively deploy these practices in ways that resonate with people today.

Organizations are encouraged to thoughtfully answer several guiding questions in their proposals:

Who are you trying to reach?Identify the individuals or communities—both inside and outside your existing networks—whose spiritual questions and interests your program will address.
Which Christian practices will you emphasize?Highlight the traditions that have historically nourished faith within your community and explain how they can be adapted for modern contexts.
Where will these experiences take place?Describe the settings—inside congregations or beyond them—where individuals can most effectively explore these practices and build relationships with others.

By answering these questions, organizations can present compelling strategies for helping people grow spiritually, build community, and deepen their faith journey.

A Philosophy of Tradition and Innovation

The initiative reflects the long-standing philosophy of Lilly Endowment Inc.—one that values both tradition and thoughtful innovation.

Inspired by the guidance of founder J.K. Lilly Sr., the Endowment approaches philanthropy with what it calls a “conservatively progressive” philosophy.

This approach recognizes that longstanding institutions—churches, seminaries, nonprofits, and educational organizations—have played vital roles in shaping communities. At the same time, these organizations must continually evaluate their methods and strategies to remain effective in rapidly changing cultural contexts.

Through initiatives like this one, the Endowment seeks to support organizations as they discern what traditions to preserve, what practices to adapt, and what new approaches are needed to help individuals encounter faith in meaningful ways.

Important Timeline and Application Process

Organizations interested in pursuing this opportunity must follow a two-step application process:

Step 1: Interest Form & Letter of Interest

Submit a one-page Letter of Interest and Interest Form
Deadline: March 25, 2026

Step 2: Full Proposal Submission

Selected organizations will prepare a full proposal
Deadline: May 18, 2026

The Endowment expects to award approximately 60 grants, with recipients announced in December 2026.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

While the full proposal deadline falls in May, the Letter of Interest deadline on March 25 is approaching rapidly.

Organizations that plan to pursue this opportunity should begin preparing immediately.

Developing a strong Letter of Interest requires more than simply describing a program idea.

Successful submissions typically demonstrate:

A clear understanding of the target audience’s spiritual needs
A thoughtful connection between Christian practices and spiritual formation
A compelling strategy for expanding access and multiplying opportunities
Alignment between the project and the organization’s theological tradition and mission

With only a short window remaining before the initial deadline, early preparation is essential.

How Exousia Can Help

At Exousia, we specialize in helping faith-based organizations identify and pursue strategic grant opportunities like the Exploring Christian Practices Initiative.

Our team works alongside ministries and nonprofits to:

Clarify and strengthen program concepts
Align proposals with funder priorities
Craft compelling Letters of Interest and full proposals
Develop clear implementation strategies
Increase the competitiveness of grant submissions

Because initiatives from Lilly Endowment Inc. are highly competitive, having experienced guidance can significantly improve the quality and clarity of your application.

If your organization is considering applying, now is the time to begin preparing your Letter of Interest before the March 25 deadline.

Final Thoughts

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative represents a unique opportunity for organizations committed to nurturing faith and community.

By supporting creative approaches to spiritual formation, this initiative has the potential to help thousands of individuals discover deeper meaning, connection, and growth in their Christian journey.

For organizations ready to expand their impact, this grant could be the catalyst that transforms a powerful vision into a lasting reality.