Author
Richard B. Steele
Professor of moral and historical theology, Seattle Pacific University
Richard B. Steele is a professor of moral and historical theology in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University. Steele was chair of the Department of Theology from 2000 to 2009, interim co-dean of the School of Theology from 2002 to 2003 and again from 2005 to 2007. He was associate dean of graduate theological studies from 2010 to 2017. Prior to serving at SPU, he was a United Methodist pastor for 17 years.
Lilly Endowment Inc. announces Exploring Christian Practices Initiative
The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative aims to multiply opportunities and increase access to settings that help individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds explore and engage in Christian practices to address their spiritual interests and questions, find and build community with others, nourish their religious lives and grow in faith.
In this open and competitive initiative, the Endowment invites charitable organizations to submit proposals for grants of up to $2.5 million each that may be used for up to a five-year period to develop new and/or enhance existing programs that present promising strategies for advancing the aim of the initiative and provide compelling and thoughtful responses to its guiding questions. The Endowment anticipates awarding approximately 60 grants and announcing grant awards in December 2026.
The Endowment will host four virtual information sessions (February 17, 19, 24, and 25) to discuss the Exploring Christian Practices guidelines for submitting a proposal. An Interest Form and Letter of Interest are due March 25, 2026. Complete proposals are due May 18, 2026.
Learn More and register for information sessions