Lead Forward Community Grants
Empowering Scholars and Strengthening Communities
The Lilly Scholars Network Lead Forward Community Grants Program is designed to invest in Hoosier communities by empowering Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to partner with local organizations and make a positive impact.
Applications will be accepted quarterly in 2026 with grant deadlines January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15.
Project Spotlight
Get a glimpse of our recent projects!
About the Program
- Purpose: To cultivate meaningful connections between Lilly Scholars and Indiana communities by supporting collaborative grant projects.
- Focus: We fund projects that address a variety of community needs and priorities, fostering innovation and positive change across the state.
- Eligibility: Open to Lilly Endowment Community Scholars partnering with eligible non-profit organizations to impact Indiana communities.
Program Benefits
- Scholars: Gain valuable leadership experience, develop grant-writing skills, and contribute directly to their communities.
- Nonprofits: Access funding and partner with talented, dedicated Scholars to make a positive impact in communities.
- Communities: Share the positive impact of scholar-driven initiatives.
Program Impact
$359K
$359,939.64 awarded in grants to Indiana communities since
Fall 2020.
44/92
44 Out of Indiana’s 92 counties have been awarded grants.
131
131 grants have been awarded since the program began.
How to Apply
Application Timeline
Applications will be accepted quarterly in 2026. We are currently updating the program guidelines .
Application Opens
Application Due
Awards Announced
Grant Period
Spring 2024 Submission:
Fall 2024 Submission:
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Due | January 15, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | July 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026
|
Awards Announced | March 2026 | June 2026 | September 2026 | December 2026 |
Grant Period | April 1, 2026 – Sept 30, 2026 | July 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 | Jan 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 |
Application Documents
Before you apply, it will be helpful to reference these resources:
Additional Resources
If you have questions about the process or want examples of previous successful applications, please contact the LSN staff.
Information Sessions and Events
We host information sessions and workshops to discuss the Lead Forward Community Grant Program, its impact, and how to participate. These events are open to interested Lilly Scholars and potential nonprofit partners.
If you’d like to attend or schedule a session, email bryana@lillyscholarsnetwork.org.
Application Timeline
2026 LFCG Applications will be accepted quarterly!
Application Due Dates:
- January 15, 2026
- April 15, 2026
- July 15, 2026
- October 15, 2026
Grant Period: Projects must be completed within six months of the award date.
Since its inception, the Lead Forward Community Grants Program has funded numerous impactful projects across Indiana. Explore some of the inspiring initiatives our Scholar-community partnerships have brought to life.
Vanderburgh County Teen Court – Virtual Hearings
The Vanderburgh County Teen Court program is operated by Youth Resources in partnership with Vanderburgh County Juvenile Court, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the Evansville Police Department, and the Evansville Bar Association. Through investing in better technology, these young leaders’ virtual hearings, continued webinar series, and foundational activities, like new volunteer trainings, will improve and impact more students in this community.
Grantee:
Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana, Inc.
Scholar Lead:
Laura Ferguson, 2007 Vanderburgh County Lilly Scholar
Spay/Neuter Program
This grant project aims to reduce pet overpopulation and shelter crowding by offering subsidized spay/neuter surgeries to low-income pet owners. The grant will reduce the copay for these surgeries to make them more accessible to those in need, preventing unwanted litters and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Grantee:
Monroe County Humane Association
Scholar Lead:
Andrew Krebbs, 2000 Monroe County Lilly Scholar
Pae's Feed Forward
This project aims to help address food insecurity in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The grant funds will be used to host a food drive in collaboration with the food bank that engages local high school clubs and community members to collect donations. The food drive will culminate in a community event where the collected food will be distributed.
Follow along at www.instagram.com/paesfeedforward.
Grantee:
Community Harvest Food Bank
Scholar Lead:
Mueyae Pae, 2023 Allen County Lilly Scholar
IPS 55 STEAM Makerspace
This grant supports the creation of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) makerspace at IPS 55 Eliza Blaker Elementary School to enhance student engagement in STEAM subjects.
Grantee:
Boltdog Boosters
Scholar Lead:
Krista Searles, 2004 Wabash County Lilly Scholar
"Dive" into the Witham Family YMCA
This project will provide additional equipment for the aquatics center and aims to increase community engagement by allowing for more entertaining and accessible aquatics programming for all ages.
Grantee:
Witham Family YMCA
Scholar Lead:
Michael Trojnar, 2004 Lake County Lilly Scholar
Put Your County on the Map!
Our Lead Forward Community Grants Program has funded projects across the state of Indiana. Explore past grant projects and get inspired on how to create impact in your community!
Spring 2025 Lead Forward Community Grant Recipients
The Spring 2025 Lead Forward Community Grants have been awarded to the following organizations. Thanks to all who took the time and initiative to plan a project and apply. We can’t wait for our project leads to see these projects through to completion!
Explore past projects
Join Us in Making a Difference in Indiana
- Scholars: Stay tuned for application announcements and learn how to get involved!
- Nonprofits: Consider partnering with a Lilly Scholar on a future grant project.
- Communities: Stay informed about scholar-led initiatives and celebrate their positive impact across Indiana.
For more information about the Lead Forward Community Grants Program, please contact Bryana Schreiber, LSN Program Director, at bryana@lillyscholarsnetwork.org.
