Lilly Endowment unleashes $100M in Indiana arts, cultural grants

The Lilly Endowment Inc. announced Tuesday morning that it has approved $100 million in grants to 14 Indiana arts and cultural organizations—including $10 million each for the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Zoo.

The Indiana Repertory Theatre was awarded $7.5 million, the largest grant in the IRT's 44-year-history.

The endowment said the grants will support initiatives that strengthen each organization’s long-term financial well-being. 

“These organizations have a long history of providing enlightening and educational experiences to the Indianapolis community and to the people of Indiana,” Ace Yakey, the endowment’s vice president for community development, said in a written statement. “Their creative and energizing programs, exhibits, concerts and strong audience and community engagement also have a significant economic impact in the city and around the state and on their national and international reputation."

Projects include:

— Capital investments in new spaces and renovated spaces at the Children’s Museum, Conner Prairie, Indiana Humanities, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Zoo.

— New or increased endowments at the American Pianists Association, Dance Kaleidoscope, Eiteljorg Museum, Heartland Film, Indiana Humanities, Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Repertory Theatre, International Center and Josef Gingold Fund for the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.

— Fundraising capacity-building at the American Pianists Association, Conner Prairie and Heartland Film.

Here is the full list of grants:

— American Pianists Association: $5 million.

— Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: $10 million.

— Conner Prairie Museum: $7.5 million.

— Dance Kaleidoscope: $5 million.

— Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: $7.5 million.

— Heartland Film: $5 million.
 

— Indiana Humanities Council: $5 million.

— Indiana Landmarks: $7.5 million.

— Indiana Repertory Theatre: $7.5 million.

— Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: $10 million.

— Indianapolis Museum of Art: $10 million.

— Indianapolis Zoo: $10 million.

— International Center: $5 million.

—Josef Gingold Fund for the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis: $5 million.

The Lilly Endowment is one of the largest private foundations in the country. The organization, which closed 2014 with $10.1 billion in assets, expects to make some $400 million in grants this year, split among its priority areas of community development, education and religion. Most of the giving in the first two areas is concentrated in Indiana, while the religious support is broader.