Indiana Afterschool Network Awarded Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Help Elevate Afterschool Programming and Access Across the State
The Indiana Afterschool Network (IAN) has been awarded $540,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. These funds will support the network’s efforts to enhance the quality of out-of-school time (OST) programs across the state and ensure that high-quality OST programming is more accessible to Hoosier children and families.
As long-time advocates of OST providers, the Indiana Afterschool Network has first-hand knowledge of the essential work programs are contributing to the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout 2020, afterschool and summer learning programs continued to provide safe learning environments for kids and social resources for families that because of the pandemic faced food insecurity, unemployment, healthcare concerns, and other issues.
“As this pandemic continues, we believe that out-of-school time programs will continue to play a key role in the state’s economic recovery as well as bridging the COVID-related learning losses that threaten to widen opportunity gaps,” said network CEO Lakshmi Hasanadka. “With Lilly Endowment’s support, we are confident that we can continue to be a voice for OST providers, focus on advocacy, improve program quality, and work to expand access to services for all Hoosiers.”
About the Indiana Afterschool Network
The Indiana Afterschool Network began in 2001 as a grassroots effort among school districts and afterschool providers, supported by the Indiana Department of Education. By 2007, IAN had obtained funding from national and local foundations, corporate sponsors, and several Indiana city/county government entities. The network now has thousands of partners across education, youth development, business, government, faith-based, and community organizations both statewide and nationally. The network enjoys the generous support of the C.S. Mott Foundation, the Lilly Endowment Inc., and many corporate supporters. The network works closely with the Afterschool Alliance and the National Afterschool Association. More information can be found at www.indianaafterschool.org.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis and created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons – Eli and J.K. Jr. – through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and 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 supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment affords special emphasis to projects that benefit young people and that strengthen financial self-sufficiency in the charitable sector. More information can be found at www.lillyendowment.org.