Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs

Applying

The proposal submission window is currently closed. The 2024 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) available below serve as sample materials that provide a full description of the program including eligibility requirements, program parameters, selection criteria, and the proposal writing and submission process.

The 2025 program year will begin in early November when the 2025 Requests for Proposals are published here and on the Resources page. We anticipate a mid-March 2025 deadline and will include the deadline in the RFPs. Proposals submitted during the 2025 program year must be in support of leaves planned to begin in 2026.

We invite you to follow our program-specific Facebook pages to keep up with the latest information: National Clergy Renewal Program and Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations.

2024 Information Webinar Registration Now Open - Click here!

We invite you to register for the 2024 Information Webinar scheduled for Friday, November 15th at 3 pm Eastern time. The new program year opens in early November when we publish the 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) to the Applying, Grant Seekers and en Español sections of this website. While you wait for these new opportunities, we encourage you to review the 2023 RFPs available from the Grant Seekers section and watch the 2023 Information Webinar video posted on the main CRP page (see CRP link in blue at the top of this page).

Important Note

Beginning with the 2021 programs, the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs made two significant changes regarding eligibility for, and design of, clergy renewal leaves.

  • First, in the National program, pastors are now considered eligible if they are ordained, currently serving in a ministerial role within a local congregation, in good standing with their denomination or network, and have shown a commitment to education. This last standard may be met in a variety of ways, including completion of contextually appropriate and accredited certificate, undergraduate, and Master degree programs.
  • Second, congregations and pastors may, if desired, propose a series of shorter leaves (taken across no more than 24 months) in place of the uninterrupted 3-4 month leaves that traditionally have been encouraged. We anticipate still that the total amount of time in which the pastor is away is a minimum of three months. The intent behind this greater flexibility is to allow pastors and congregations to experience renewal in a rhythm that best fits their needs.

Indiana Clergy Renewal Program

The 2024 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations Request for Proposals available below serves as a reliable example of what to expect from the 2025 edition that will be posted here in early November. The RFP provides a full description of the program as noted at the top of this page.

Indiana Request for Proposals (RFP)
Indiana RFP - Complete Program Information, Proposal Instructions and Forms

Download

Indiana Program Fillable Form Pages Only (Not the Complete Proposal)

Download

Please note: complete these forms in your web browser before saving to your computer.

National Clergy Renewal Program

The 2024 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program Request for Proposals available below serves as a reliable example of what to expect from the 2025 edition that will be posted here in early November. The RFP provides a full description of the program as noted at the top of this page.

National Request for Proposals (RFP)
National RFP - Complete Program Information, Proposal Instructions and Forms

Download

National Program Fillable Form Pages Only (Not the Complete Proposal)

Download

Please note: complete these forms in your web browser before saving to your computer.

Additional Resources for Grant Seekers

Videos, request for proposals and handouts for Clergy Renewal Program grant seekers.

View resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apaor-VkkfA
2023 Informational Webinar

What will make your heart sing?

December 19, 2023
2023 Clergy Renewal Program Information Webinar describes the programs, explains how to submit a proposal, where to find current application materials, and provides answers to commonly asked questions.

Play Video
Launch video

CRP News & Press Releases

Clergy Renewal Program
November 5, 2024

Christian Theological Seminary Announces 198 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment 2024 Clergy Renewal Program Grants

Christian Theological Seminary, an ecumenical seminary based in Indianapolis, today announces 198 congregations from across the United States have been…
Chris Edwards
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Clergy Renewal Program
December 6, 2023

Christian Theological Seminary Announces Over 200 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment 2023 Clergy Renewal Program Grants

Christian Theological Seminary, an ecumenical seminary based in Indianapolis, today announces 229 congregations from across the United States have been…
Chris Edwards
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Clergy Renewal Program
October 14, 2022

Christian Theological Seminary Announces 197 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment 2022 Clergy Renewal Program Grants

Note to media: Please check the list of recipients in the body of this release to see if a congregation(s)…
Chris Edwards
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