Lilly Endowment

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family -- J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr. -- through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.