Opportunity Fund

The Lilly Scholars Network Opportunity Fund was established to provide Lilly Scholars with enrichment opportunities to enhance their learning journeys and cultivate their leadership potential.

The Lilly Scholars Network Opportunity Fund

Current and Alumni Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may receive support from the Opportunity Fund once a year, with at least 365 days between opportunity start dates. Opportunity Fund awards will range from $250 to $1,500. Opportunities must occur between six weeks and six months of application.

Who is Eligible?

Current Lilly Scholars who have attended Lilly Scholars Launch and/or are currently attending college
Alumni Lilly Scholars

Scholars must reside in Indiana or pursue an opportunity in Indiana.

What Opportunities are Eligible?

Admission test preparation courses (e.g., Law School Admission Test, Medical College Admission Test, Dental Admission Test, Optometry Admission Test, Graduate Record Examinations)
Conference registrations
Examination fees
Graduate school application fees
Leadership programs
Travel/accommodations for eligible opportunities (e.g. mileage, hotel, flights)
Other enrichment opportunities may be considered

What Opportunities are Ineligible?

Opportunities that would otherwise be paid for by an employer are not eligible to receive funding. At this point in time, meal expenses, study abroad, opportunities otherwise paid for by an employer, graduate school tuition, and unpaid/underpaid internships are not eligible for funding. Although community service projects are not eligible for funding through the Opportunity Fund, Scholars should consider applying for a Lead Forward Community Grant.

How to Apply

Scholars may submit the Opportunity Fund Application with a completed budget sheet for opportunities within six weeks to six months of submission date. LSN Staff reviews will occur at the end of each month, with Scholars being notified by the 15th of the next month. Applications will be adjudicated monthly until funds are exhausted for the calendar year.

Applications for first time applicants will be prioritized. Applications will be scored based on this rubric.

Opportunity Fund Process

Submit your application

Notification of award status by the 15th of the following month

Submit Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) within 2 weeks of award status notification

Funds land within 4-6 weeks of MOU submission

Engage in opportunity

Submit receipts, photos, and updated budget sheet in the reporting form*

*Please note that Scholars receiving an award more than $600 will receive a 1099-MISC in January of the following calendar year.

The Impact of the Opportunity Fund

Learn more about Opportunity Fund awardees and their journeys.

This funding enabled me the opportunity to further my education and chase my dreams. With the funds, I was able to enroll in a GRE preparation course, enroll for the GRE test and apply to physician assistant school. This opportunity fund ultimately provided me the resources to advance my academic and professional goals.

Trista Hammans

2021 Morgan County Scholar

I am so grateful for the Lilly Scholars Network Opportunity Fund. Without this funding, I would not have been able to attend the AP Summer Institute. I would [have felt] much less prepared to teach AP Human Geography in the fall, and my students would thus not be as prepared either when it comes time to take the AP test in May.

Julie Doty

2007 Bartholomew County Scholar

Through this opportunity, I was able to build my academic credentials by co-hosting a workshop and aiding another, along with publishing a co-authored conference paper. The various other sessions I attended gave me an opportunity to learn from and engage with others in the field, on topics like labor organizing in engineering or environmental justice.

Theo Sorg

2014 Gibson County Scholar

This experience has not only expanded my clinical skills and knowledge but also reinforced my commitment to becoming a culturally competent healthcare provider. The opportunity allowed me to take on more responsibilities in patient care, pushing me to grow both personally and professionally.

Madison Evans

2023 Marion County Scholar

Thanks to the Opportunity Fund, I had the chance to deepen my understanding of nonprofit governance, collaboration and accountability - core pillars of effective civic leadership. Participating in the Nonprofit Management for the 21st Century course at the Lilly School of Philanthropy has equipped me to better support our mission at the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Indiana.

Lauren James

2007 Wells County Scholar

By combining IFS techniques with EMDR processing, I will better be able to assist client working through complex forms of trauma. Continuing to hone these clinical skills helps set me apart as a therapist in my field and offers me the opportunity to be a leader in my workplace.

Bradley Wantz

2005 Henry County Scholar

Project Uplift

Sydney Schloemer is partnering with DePauw University’s Women’s Center for Project Uplift.

Teen Comfort Cabinet

Heather Larr is committed to serving her community through grassroots efforts.

Traffic Box Cabinet Art

Rylee Kleine’s placemaking project in Shelby County engages a local artist.

Patient Experience and Data Modernization

Hunter Haines led a Lead Forward Community Grant for Heart and Soul Clinic – a free health clinic for individuals without health insurance or who are underinsured in Hamilton County and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What opportunities are eligible to receive funding?

Thanks to generous support from Lilly Endowment, the Lilly Scholars Network Opportunity Fund is able to provide funding for the following opportunities: admission test preparation courses, conference registrations, examination fees, graduate school application fees, leadership programs, and corresponding travel/accommodations. Other enrichment opportunities may be considered.

What opportunities are not eligible to receive funding?

Who can apply?

Current and Alumni Lilly Scholars are eligible to apply for an opportunity fund award. Current Scholars are eligible upon attending Lilly Scholars Launch or beginning college. Scholars must currently reside in Indiana or be seeking an opportunity in Indiana to be considered for an Opportunity Fund Award.

When can I apply?

Lilly Scholars can apply six weeks to six months before the opportunity is set to take place, with applications submitted at least six weeks before the opportunity. Applying early is encouraged as funds will be adjudicated monthly until the annual allotment has been reached.

When will I receive notice of application status?

LSN staff will review applications on a monthly, rolling basis and will be scored using this rubric. Applications will be reviewed for the previous month and an LSN staff member will notify applicants by the 15th of the following month. For example, if an application is submitted on the 9th of January, a response will be given on the 15th of February.

How much can I apply for?

Opportunity Fund awards are eligible for $250-$1500 of funding.

How can I apply?

Complete the application, with a completed budget sheet, six weeks to six months before the opportunity will occur to be considered for an Opportunity Fund award.

Where must my opportunity be located?

If you reside in Indiana, you may pursue an opportunity in any location. If you reside elsewhere, your opportunity must be held in Indiana.

The opportunity I would like to apply for involves many subcomponents with various costs. Should I apply now or wait until the most expensive component?

Apply early! As our funds are distributed until funds are exhausted, we encourage Scholars to apply as early as possible for any opportunity they would like to receive funding for. Though we do prioritize first time applicants, repeat applicants are not dissuaded from applying. Please note that each Scholar is only eligible to receive funding once in a 12-month period.

I already paid for an opportunity. Can I be reimbursed?

At this time, LSN Opportunity Fund awards may not be utilized for retroactive purchases or opportunities. Only expenses dated after the application date are eligible.

Can I receive more than one Opportunity Fund award?

Yes. Opportunity dates must be at least 365 days apart. For example, if you apply February 26,2024 for a June 1,2024 – July 3, 2024 opportunity, the following year you could apply for an opportunity that begins June 1, 2025 or beyond.

Why is a W-9 collected?

All awarded Scholars will be asked to complete a W-9 as best practice for financial records. Scholars with awards of $600 or more will be sent a 1099-NEC the January after their award payment.

Reach out to learn more!

If you have additional questions, you can schedule a 1-on-1 chat with or, email Emily Morales, LSN Collegiate Relations and Events Associate, at emily@lillyscholarsnetwork.org.