06/05/2026
Nashville, IN — Happy Hollow Children’s Camp has received a $3,297,650 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Capital Project Initiative for Residential Youth Camps. The grant is one of 40 implementation grants being awarded through Phase 3 of the initiative, which aims to help Indiana residential youth camps improve the overall camp experience and outcomes for youth through new, enhanced, and expanded facilities integral to quality youth camp programming. The latest grants, which were competitive, are providing partial support for large-scale capital projects. With the grant, Happy Hollow Children’s Camp will invest in enhanced program spaces that strengthen the camper experience and expand opportunities for year-round use. Plans include developing new program zones, improving safety, accessibility and flow between activities, expanding the arts center, and adding multi-use and weather-resistant spaces that allow for more consistent, engaging programming. In addition, the project will support updated and expanded housing and shared spaces for seasonal and year-round staff, ensuring the camp can attract and retain the dedicated team members who make these experiences possible.
“This investment is transformational for Happy Hollow,” said Sara Noyed, Executive
Director. “We are deeply grateful to Lilly Endowment for their belief in our mission and their commitment to youth development across Indiana. This support allows us to build a stronger future, one where every young person has the opportunity to explore, connect, and discover their potential in a place designed to help them thrive.”
- Sara Noyed, Executive Director
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.