Contact:
Elise Shrock
Director of Communications
Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis
317-625-1929 | shrock@indydio.org
INDIANAPOLIS — The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis announced today that it has been awarded a major grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the next phase of its Strengthening Stewardship & Deepening Connection Initiative. This capacity-building investment will expand the Diocese’s ability to support congregations, fortify organizational infrastructure, and prepare for a forthcoming capital campaign designed to nurture a vibrant, sustainable future for ministry across central and southern Indiana.
The grant affirms what a recent feasibility study made clear: the people of the Diocese are ready to dream boldly, to invest in renewal, and to build a church prepared for the spiritual landscape ahead. That study revealed both the hunger and the hope already burning within the Dioceses’ congregations, who are ready to move faithfully and fearlessly toward growth, justice, and deeper connection. Lilly Endowment’s support confirms that this path is not only possible but powerful.
“We’re grateful for this extraordinary affirmation of our vision,” said the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of Indianapolis. “This grant strengthens the foundation we are building together —a foundation rooted in generosity, relational ministry, and shared responsibility for the flourishing of every congregation in our Diocese.”
The initiative, as outlined in the Diocese’s proposal, includes creating new staff positions to guide stewardship efforts, expanding coaching for congregational giving, enhancing support for young adult and youth ministry, and increasing capacity to design and host spiritually rich diocesan events. These investments will allow congregations to strengthen planned giving, deepen community engagement, and cultivate leadership for a new generation of faithful, connected Episcopalians.
This grant also serves as a catalyst for the Diocese’s upcoming capital campaign. With feasibility affirmed and momentum growing, the Diocese moves into the next chapter of preparation with clarity, confidence, and renewed energy.
“As we move toward launching our campaign, this funding allows us to act with purpose — not from scarcity, but from abundance,” continued Bishop Baskerville-Burrows. “It helps us meet congregations where they are, support them more fully, and build the shared capacity required for transformational ministry across our region.”
The diocese is receiving the grant through Lilly Endowment’s Hoosier Churches Initiative. This initiative is designed to help strengthen the capacities of regional denominational organizations and church networks in Indiana to help their congregations thrive and contribute to quality of life in the local communities they serve. The grant to The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis is one of 37 that is receiving funding through the initiative.
The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis extends deep gratitude to Lilly Endowment Inc. for its continued partnership in strengthening the Church’s witness and work in the world. With this support, the Diocese steps forward, steady, hopeful, and ready for the future.
This is just the beginning. Look for ongoing updates in our newsletter over the coming months!
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About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation established in 1937. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana. A primary focus of its religion grantmaking is strengthening congregations and pastoral and lay leadership across the United States.
About the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis
Led by the Right Reverend Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis is called by Christ to welcome and witness in central and southern Indiana. Grounded in God’s love in Christ, the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis and its people serve as beacons of Christ in central and southern Indiana and beyond, offer a generous invitation and welcome, stand with the vulnerable and marginalized to transform systems of injustice, connect with other Episcopalians, ecumenical and interfaith partners, and advocacy groups, and develop clergy and laity to lead the church of today and tomorrow.
