Indiana Humanities (funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.)
Matters of Religion Grant
Indiana Humanities funds public programs about religion and religious liberty, up to $5,000. Religious and other private schools are named as eligible.
- Amount
- Up to $5,000
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Oct 31, 2026 (3 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private school · Microschool · Homeschool co‑opK-12 schools, churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and tax-exempt groups can apply for public programs about religion and religious liberty. For-profit groups cannot.Religious schools: yes, not for religious activities
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Indiana only
- Last checked
- Oct 28, 2026on indianahumanities.org
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- How long the quarterly rounds continue after 2027 ('over the next few years')
How to apply
- Step 1: Read the Matters of Religion Call for Proposals and watch the Sept 1, 2026 webinar
- Step 2: Design a public program on religion or religious liberty (not devotional)
- Step 3: Line up a 50 percent match and start a SAM.gov UEI
- Step 4: Apply online by Oct. 31, 2026, or by Jan. 31, 2027 for the next round
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“Also eligible are K–12 schools; colleges and universities; public libraries; churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques; and government entities.”
For public humanities programs on the role of religion and religious liberty in Indiana life (reading groups, oral histories, speakers, exhibits, curriculum tools). 50 percent match (cash and in-kind). UEI needed before payment; no fiscal sponsors. Religion: religious schools and congregations may apply, but programs cannot promote or disparage a religious point of view (exploring religious views with respect is allowed). Paid to: the organization. About four or five grants each quarter, but no organization gets more than one in a 12-month period. Finish within a year; final report within 90 days.
- IRS-registered tax-exempt organization, K-12 school or congregation in Indiana
- Public program on the Matters of Religion theme
- Humanities scholars involved in planning and running it
- ADA-accessible site (or a plan for accommodations)
- 50 percent match (cash and in-kind) from nonfederal sources
- UEI from SAM.gov before payment
- One grant per organization in any 12-month period
Timing
Current deadline Oct. 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Eastern). Offered again in 2027 with deadlines Jan. 31, April 30, July 31 and Oct. 31.