The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment has announced grants totaling more than $95 million in support of efforts to strengthen Christian congregations in small towns and rural areas nationwide.

Grants of up to $7.5 million were awarded to 20 organizations through the endowment’s Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative and aim to help churches with the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of their pastors and lay leaders. Funding will support efforts such as workshops, conferences, and webinars to explore challenges facing churches in rural settings. In addition, it will provide resources designed specifically for rural and small-town ministries; certificate and training programs on rural ministry for pastors and congregational lay leaders; coaching, mentoring, and other forms of support; building or strengthening networks for shared learning and mutual support; and helping small congregations develop or enhance collaborations with community organizations.

Recipients are based in 15 states and include Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, which was awarded $6.3 million; Catholic Church Extension Society of the United States of America in Chicago, which will receive $7.5 million; Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina, which was awarded $1.5 million; and Wheaton College Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, Illinois, which will receive $5 million.

“Rural and small-town congregations play critical roles in supporting the vitality of their local communities,” said Lilly Endowment vice president for religion Christopher L. Coble. “Yet, many resources available to support congregations do not address adequately the particular challenges faced by churches in rural settings. Our hope is that these grants will provide much needed resources and support to rural and small-town churches to help them address their challenges and enhance and extend the many ways that they serve their communities.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Jon Frederick)