Author

Justin Coleman

Senior pastor, University United Methodist Church

The Rev. Justin Coleman is the senior pastor of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Prior to that he served as chief ministry officer of the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, Tennessee and as lead pastor of the Gethsemane Campus of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston. A native of Houston, he is a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas and Duke Divinity School. Coleman has also served as a pastor with the SMU Wesley Foundation and in other college and youth ministry programs and is a member of the Ekklesia Project.

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Lilly Endowment Inc. announces Serving Neighbors Initiative

Lilly Endowment Inc. invites eligible charitable organizations to submit concept papers for its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative. The initiative supports efforts to help Christian congregations and local charitable organizations build relationships, identify community priorities, and design lasting collaborations that improve life for individuals and families. Projects might address housing instability, youth opportunities, parks and outdoor recreation, mental health, or other locally identified needs.

Approximately 60 charitable organizations with promising concept papers may receive planning grants of up to $50,000. Those selected may then apply for implementation grants of up to $5 million to carry out their programs.

Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. Learn more about the guidelines for submitting concept papers at the Serving Neighbors webpage. The Endowment will also host virtual information sessions on November 2 and November 3.

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