International School of Indiana is pleased to share that we have received a $209,500 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative. This is one of 36 implementation grants being awarded through phase 2 of the initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school.

The school’s board of directors and senior leadership, informed by the strategic planning process, chose to pursue a grant request that would address a critical logistical barrier for ISI: transportation. The Endowment grant funding will cover approximately 80% of the total project cost to acquire four 15-passenger vans. The remainder of the project cost is covered by proceeds from this year’s International Gala fundraiser, ensuring full funding for this initiative.  

The vans will provide reliable and accessible transportation supporting three priorities: Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) for DP students; co-curricular and service learning activities for all ISI students; and extracurricular programs - including athletics - for students grades 5 through 12.

“Receiving funding for transportation is a transformational gift, that will address a key challenge for ISI, removing logistical barriers that have limited students’ ability to participate in field trips, community service, and career exploration activities,” Head of School Liz Head said. “During the strategic planning process, families and employees identified accessible transportation as a necessary component for strengthening our programs and fostering increased interconnectedness with the Central Indiana community. We are excited to have this opportunity to increase real-world learning opportunities for students through off-campus experiences that are essential for IB education.”

ISI requested $209,500 for this initiative, the maximum allowed based on the number of K-12 students enrolled at ISI on Monday, October 2, 2023. This investment will enable ISI to strengthen partnerships with businesses and community organizations, expanding service learning and academic opportunities with the assurance of adequate transportation for off-campus activities. Research underscores the value of these programs in improving academic outcomes and personal development.

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About Lilly Endowment

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation 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 funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

About the Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative and Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative
You can read more here about Lilly Endowment Inc.’s grants totaling nearly $85.7 million to help K-12 public and private schools in Marion County, Ind. initiate, enhance or expand compelling programs and projects that show promise to improve their students’ academic achievement and their prospects for post-secondary success.