Lilly Endowment GIFT IX

About Lilly GIFT IX

Lilly Endowment Inc. launched the ninth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative, allocating up to $271.5 million to help Indiana community foundations strengthen the quality of life in the towns, cities and counties they serve. The GIFT initiative is based upon the Endowment’s longstanding belief that community foundations are uniquely positioned to play central roles in building the prosperity of communities throughout Indiana. Visit the Lilly Endowment GIFT IX website for more information. 

Community Support

• The Foundation received a grant of $1.5 million though the Community Support Grant component of GIFT IX. Community Support Grants are designed to provide flexible funding to enhance grantmaking capacities to address compelling, near-term needs.
• With the grant, the Foundation, through Forward Wayne County, will be able to create positive change in communities throughout Wayne County. This includes investing in recreational amenities, improving the appearance of downtown areas, developing placemaking strategies, and strengthening nonprofit Main Street organizations.

Why Unrestricted Giving?

Unrestricted funds provide flexibility in grantmaking and enables the Wayne County Foundation to provide grant support where funding is most needed. From organizations working to address complex issues to quality of place initiatives that make Wayne County a great place to live, work and raise a family, unrestricted gifts enable maximum community impact. Through our unrestricted funds, nearly $550,000 will be granted to local nonprofit organizations for the many projects and activities that serve the community this year.