Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for a grant from the Lilly Foundation?The Lilly Foundation will accept grant applications from qualified U.S. based tax-exempt public charities that have a well-defined sense of purpose, a demonstrated commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for meeting objectives and delivering quality programs and services. A complete description of the Lilly Foundation’s specific areas of interest can be found under what we support. Are organizations required to have a 501(c)(3) designation to apply for a grant?Yes. Organizations applying for a grant from the Lilly Foundation must be tax exempt under Code sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A), 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) or 509(a)(3), excepting 509(a)(3) Type 3 organizations, of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Each organization must provide a copy of its IRS determination letter to be considered for a grant. If an organization is included under an umbrella exemption, the organization must submit the IRS determination letter issued to the parent organization and a letter from the parent organization stating that the organization applying for a grant is included under the umbrella exemption. Public schools without a 501(c)3 designation may apply for a grant with advance approval only. Please contact us using the e-mail address on the application to request application approval. Will the Lilly Foundation accept applications from organizations whose tax-exempt status is pending?No. The organization requesting a grant must have received an IRS determination letter approving its tax-exempt status under Code sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A), 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) or 509(a)(3), excepting 509(a)(3) Type 3 organizations, or be included under an umbrella exemption. Will the Lilly Foundation award grants to other 501(c) organizations, such as 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) organizations?No. The Lilly Foundation will only award grants to qualified 501(c)(3), and 170(b)(1)(A), 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) or 509(a)(3), excepting 509(a)(3) Type 3 organizations. Will the Lilly Foundation make international grants? No. The Lilly Foundation will only award grants to qualified U.S. based tax-exempt public charities. International organizations affiliated with a U.S. based tax-exempt public charity may apply through such organization for funding. What types of projects or programs does the Lilly Foundation fund?Under the Discretionary Grants Program, the Lilly Foundation supports philanthropic initiatives in the following areas of interest: Company-Aligned Grants
Community-Aligned Grants (especially in Indianapolis, Indiana)
A complete description of the Lilly Foundation’s specific areas of interest can be found under what we support. Will the Lilly Foundation award grants for operating support?Yes, however the Lilly Foundation gives priority to grant applications for specific projects or programs. What types of grant requests are not supported by the Lilly Foundation?The following is a list of organizations and activities that are not supported by the Lilly Foundation as a matter of general policy:
When are grant applications accepted?Grant applications are accepted online at any time throughout the year.
How do I apply for a grant from the Lilly Foundation?
How do I know the status of my grant application? You will receive an e-mail from the Lilly Foundation when your grant application is received online. After we have verified receipt of all necessary information, you will receive an e-mail advising whether your proposal will be considered per the proposal deadlines outlined above. May I submit an application to the Lilly Foundation by mail? No. All grant applications must be submitted using the online grant application process. May I submit a previously prepared grant request or proposal?No. Previously submitted grant applications will not be reconsidered by the Lilly Foundation. Can I copy and paste information from a Word or Excel document into a text box in the application?Yes.You can copy and paste information from an existing Word document into the appropriate text box in the application. However, certain limitations may apply. In addition, you can upload Word and Excel documents to the application. How can I submit required documents that are not in electronic format?The application will include instructions on how to attach electronic documents to your proposal. Only .doc, .xls or .pdf file extensions can be uploaded into the system for review. Office supply stores, shipping or printing service vendors such as Office Max, Staples or Kinkos can assist you in converting printed materials into electronic format for a minimal cost, if needed. IMPORTANT: Your grant request cannot be submitted for consideration until ALL required documents are attached. How are the Lilly Foundation and Lilly Endowment related?Lilly Endowment, Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation established in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family to pursue their personal philanthropic interests in the areas of religion, education and community development. Lilly Endowment is a completely separate entity from Eli Lilly and Company and Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc., and is governed by its own board. The Lilly Endowment cannot be solicited through the Lilly Foundation and must be contacted directly. Lilly Endowment, Inc. Where do I find information about the Lilly Foundation's Matching Gifts Program?Information about the Lilly Foundation's Matching Gifts Program can be found by visiting the program's website.
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