Author

Mark Elsdon

Social entrepreneur, strategic executive and author

Mark Elsdon is a social entrepreneur, strategic executive and author who lives in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a national thought leader and speaker on faith-based impact investing, social enterprise and property development. Elsdon is author of “We Aren’t Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry” and editor of “Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition.”

He holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley; Princeton Theological Seminary; and the University of Wisconsin School of Business. In addition, he is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and serves as co-founder of RootedGood and principal at Threshold Sacred Development.

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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.

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