The Far Eastside of Indianapolis has faced years of social disadvantage as it struggles with poverty and violence. But a community leader hopes that will change with the opening of a new arts and cultural center. But there’s only one thing still preventing it from opening: the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eastern Star Church, in the eastside Indianapolis neighborhood of Arlington Woods, is extending its mission to address the racial health, education, and wealth disparities of children and youth.

Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded 18 grants totaling more than $43 million to museums and other cultural institutions across the U.S. to develop exhibitions and other programs that portray the role of religion in the society.

After the death of George Floyd by police and the ensuing protests, many libraries were overwhelmed by requests for materials.

A new $20 million Youth Program Resilience Fund will help nonprofits that serve youth in Indiana. The Lilly Endowment created the fund and the Indiana Youth Institute will help facilitate the grants.

Ahead of the states moratorium on evictions ending July 31, Indianapolis set aside $15 million from federal CARES Act funds for a more long-term rental assistance program. Lilly Endowment Inc. will now provide 10 million dollars in support. City-County Council President, Vop Osili, says the funds will be crucial support for financially burdened households.

The Lilly Endowment is providing a $15.7 million grant to Indiana's largest early childhood education nonprofit to reinforce child care opportunities, especially for vulnerable children, amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The philanthropic organization is giving about $30 million to Indiana United Ways to help statewide. Additional funding will go to the United Way of Central Indiana.

There is already a $16.5 million commitment from local philanthropic groups, including $15 million from the Lilly Endowment.

Thirteen groups that serve children and young people across central Indiana have landed $54.7 million in grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc. aimed at boosting their long-term financial sustainability.