We are proud to announce that FCS has been awarded a $1 million grant by Lilly Endowment Inc. to support The Lupton Center’s expansion of City Shapers! With these funds, we will launch this program in 12 cities over the next five years!

City Shapers is a place-based, cohort program that invites churches and organizations into a two-year process of discovery, collaboration, and innovation. Together, they receive in-depth leadership development, lasting change roadmaps, and tools to build mutually dignifying partnerships. As a participant, City Shapers will equip you to understand your community in ways that will lead to holistic and effective engagement.

When it comes to missional engagement, most churches have an abundance of compassion for their neighbors but lack connections with them. Likewise, community development organizations can struggle to demonstrate impact. City Shapers aims to change that. The program has been uniquely designed for those who are working to change the way poverty alleviation programs are designed and delivered.

FCS is so honored to receive this grant through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. The aim of the national initiative is to strengthen congregations so they can help people deepen their relationships with God, build strong relationships with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of local communities and the world.

Cities across the nation are already transforming through the impact of City Shapers. If you want to learn more or to be considered as a host city, click here to receive more information and get exclusive updates.

Let’s jumpstart your journey to effective programming, lasting impact, and a flourishing community! Get started now.

About Lilly Endowment Inc. & the Thriving Congregations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is making nearly $93 million in grants through the initiative. The grants will support organizations as they work directly with congregations who want clarity about their values and missions, explore and understand better the communities in which they serve, and draw upon their theological traditions as they adapt ministries to meet changing needs.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment exists to support the causes of religion, education and community development. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis and home state, Indiana. The principal aim of the Endowment’s grantmaking in religion is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen their pastoral and lay leadership.

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