Youth. Art. Human Dignity.

A grant program that guides congregations to celebrate:

A group of diverse smiling people, including children and adults, taking a selfie on a city street corner with street signs for Thomas Merton Square and South 4th Street visible in the background.

Sun-Walking Fellowship

A grant initiative that strengthens congregations by engaging multi-generations in creativity and art.

Sun-Walking Fellowship is a Lilly Endowment Inc. initiative, designed to strengthen congregational ministry with youth. Through creative “maker’s” projects (arts, music, food, crafts etc.) that involve intergenerational participation, congregations develop a way of being together that is collaborative, co-creative and centers on the insights, agency, and passions of those of every age. The spiritual experiences of youth are explored and strengthened, intergenerational communities are built, and human dignity and expression are honored.

Applications are open and ongoing for eligible churches for our “Ensemble” (spring or fall) or “Collaborative” (9 month) Cohorts. Using a project of their own, congregations develop creative approaches to ministry inspired by the ideals and practice of community-engaged art.

Create, Connect, and Grow Congregational Relationships

Diagram of Sun-Walking Fellowship with branches leading to Collective Cohort, Arts Festival, One-Day Workshops, Ensemble Cohort, and Web Resources.

Interested in being part of the Fall 2026 Cohort?

Save the Date

May 30, 2026
Makers
Fest

  • Three women creating and decorating a large colorful poster with balloons in the background.

    Making Art

    Also makes connections and brings people together.

  • A group of people sitting around tables in a conference room, engaging in a workshop or meeting. There is a large screen displaying an illustration of a woman with the word 'Questions' and the phrase 'Thank you for joining me!' in the background. Some participants are talking and interacting, with various materials and drinks on the tables.

    Learning Together

    Mentors lead, teach, and share.

  • A group of people at an indoor airport or public space. A man is playing the violin, and three women and one man are smiling and laughing, enjoying the music and each other's company.

    Celebrating Creativity

    At the 2025 Sun-Walking Fellowship Makers Fest!

Fall Cohort

applications are open.

Application Walk-Through