Improving Human Health For Those In NeedThe main area of focus of the Lilly Foundation is to improve the lives of people—primarily those living in low and middle income countries—who lack the resources to obtain quality healthcare. The Foundation works in the area of chronic or non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and mental illness. We collaborate with effective global and local partners to find innovative solutions to complex problems and differentiate our work, in part, by an unwavering commitment to delivering long-term results.
The Foundation uses this framework for our work in global health:
- Research: In collaboration with partners, we sponsor efforts designed to find solutions to difficult challenges that represent barriers to improved health. We take the same commitment Lilly has to innovation and research and apply it to our work in the Lilly Foundation.
- Report: The findings of our research will be systematically reported to global stakeholders, with the express purpose of advancing knowledge regarding what works (and what doesn’t).
- Advocate: We use our assets and expertise to advocate for others to join us in replicating or ramping up solutions that prove to be effective.
In addition to our work in chronic diseases, the Foundation provides financial support for the Lilly MDR-TB Partnership, Lilly’s long-standing program to battle multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
Improving Public Education in the United States
The Foundation is working to improve student performance in math and science in grades K-12 in the United States. We focus our efforts primarily in Indiana—the home of Lilly’s corporate headquarters.
For Lilly to achieve its vision of improving global health in the 21st century, the company must have access to great scientists and operate in an environment that understands and values science and scientific innovation. This all starts with highly effective K-12 science and math education.
The Foundation invests in organizations and programs that are best equipped to produce measurable improvements in these disciplines. We also advocate for broader support of effective ideas.
Our largest commitment is our support of the Indiana Science Initiative (ISI). The ISI provides professional development for K-8 science teachers and is systematically piloting a research-based curriculum in classrooms throughout the state. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning to encourage creative and scientific thinking.
The Foundation also supports specific programs that support, attract and retain great teachers and leaders in public schools in Indianapolis. Our primary work is with the Mind Trust, a leading organization developing innovative solutions to challenges in public education.
Other Areas of Support
Indianapolis: The Lilly Foundation supports select cultural and community development organizations and projects that meaningfully enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis. Organizations and projects that distinguish Indianapolis on a national or international basis are best positioned for funding.
Employee Directed Giving: The Lilly Foundation matches employee and retiree donations to charitable organizations. This includes our long-term commitment to the United Way. Employee directed giving has generally accounted for over one-third of the Foundation’s annual donations to charitable organizations.
