Lilly Endowment aims to deepen and enrich the religious lives of American Christians by supporting congregations and their leadership. It focuses on ensuring congregations have leaders who are wise, faithful, and well-prepared, helps Christians draw on their theological traditions to face contemporary challenges and live their faith fully, and fosters public understanding of religion's role in civic well-being.
The Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative by the Lilly Endowment is aimed at supporting charitable organizations in creating or enhancing programs that engage children in intergenerational worship and prayer, helping them grow in faith and love for God. These programs, which can receive up to $1.25 million over five years, should strengthen inclusive and expressive worship practices, incorporate the arts, provide opportunities for Bible storytelling, and connect worship with children's daily lives. The initiative specifically seeks proposals that address these areas effectively, nurturing children's faith through thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive worship and prayer practices.