Capital Project Initiative for Residential Youth Camps in Indiana

Lilly Endowment’s Capital Project Initiative for Residential Youth Camps aims to enhance the quality and reach of youth camp programming in Indiana through infrastructure development. With a total commitment of up to $166 million, the initiative reflects the Endowment’s long-standing support for youth development, recognizing the powerful impact that well-facilitated residential camp experiences can have on young people. The initiative is grounded in research, including findings from the American Camp Association, that underscore the long-term benefits of camps in fostering independence, social awareness, and resilience among youth. The initiative unfolds in three distinct phases. Phase 1 offers planning grants of up to $150,000 to support preparatory efforts such as facility assessments, capital planning, and fundraising evaluations. Phase 2 provides non-competitive capital project grants ranging from $750,000 to $1.5 million based on the average annual number of youth served by the camp over the previous three years. These grants are intended for facility renovations, new construction, and the acquisition of equipment or furnishings. Phase 3 introduces a competitive component, offering large-scale capital project grants from $2.5 million up to $10 million, again based on average annual youth attendance. Importantly, Phase 3 applicants must cover at least 50 percent of total project costs through other funding sources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities (excluding certain Type III supporting organizations), must own the camp facilities, and must demonstrate that at least half of their camp revenue comes from residential youth programming conducted on site. Additionally, they must have operated the camp consistently from 2022 through 2024. Camp network organizations must apply separately for each eligible camp location, ensuring a site-specific review of proposed projects. Phase 3 applications must be submitted via a single PDF through the designated online form by 12 p.m. ET on January 12, 2026. The application packet must include a cover letter, a detailed 10-page proposal narrative, budget and narrative, documentation of additional funding sources, and standard forms verifying nonprofit status and recent financial condition. Notifications for Phase 3 awards are expected in April 2026. Projects may be funded for a duration of up to five years. The initiative emphasizes alignment with several priorities: enhancing camp program quality and safety, improving accessibility, serving more youth effectively, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Evaluation criteria will focus on project feasibility, potential impact, alignment with initiative goals, and a credible plan to secure the required match funding. Technical questions may be directed to camps@lei.org. Two virtual information sessions will also be offered to assist applicants in navigating the submission process.

Align projects with initiative goals; ensure credible match funding; emphasize youth outcomes and evaluation metrics.