Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative

Groundbreaking Opportunity to Boost Student Achievement

Lilly Endowment Inc. is allocating up to $600 million, including up to $450 million for the Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative and up to $150 million for the Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative. Over 80 eligible public school districts, charter schools, charter networks, private schools, and private school networks can apply for planning, implementation, and competitive grants across three phases within their respective initiatives.  

Unlock the Full Potential of Lilly’s K-12 Funding with TPMA

TPMA is here to guide you through every phase of the grant process, from planning and implementation to competitive submissions. Our expertise can help you maximize your chances of securing the funds needed to make a lasting impact on your students’ academic achievement and post-secondary success. We have successfully secured over $491 million in funding for clients, including support for Lilly Endowment grant applications, designing and launching innovative K-12 models, and connecting students with industry opportunities through work-based learning. 

Here's how we can help.

Phase 1: Planning Grants

Start strong with a comprehensive planning process guided by TPMA. We’ll help you navigate the critical early stages, bringing the right stakeholders together to keep your planning efforts on target. As part of our support, we offer a complimentary 1-hour consultation to get you started. We’ll assist in identifying best practices, documenting outcomes effectively, and making key introductions to drive your initiative forward. With TPMA, you’ll have the added capacity to keep your plans on track throughout the busy school year. 

These planning grants may be used to prepare grant proposals under Phases 2 and 3 of the initiative. Planning grant requests are due by Friday, September 13, 2024, with notification and payment of grant awards expected in October 2024.  

Phase 2: Implementation Grants

Transform your plans into action with a robust proposal. Our team has the expertise to guide you through the development of a winning application. We help identify and design impactful strategies—improving academic achievement, postsecondary success, or student support—and manage all aspects of your project to ensure successful implementation. 

The funding for implementation grant proposals will be calculated at $500 per student based on your K-12 student enrollment during the 2023-24 school year. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, February 14, 2025. 

Phase 3: Competitive Grants

Elevate your proposal with a well-crafted concept paper that highlights your project’s potential. We offer comprehensive support throughout the development of your vision, helping you articulate your project’s needs and secure essential partnerships. Our team will work with you to create a compelling framework that stands out, setting the stage for a successful competitive grant application.

Concept papers must be submitted by Monday, April 7, 2025. Applicants with the most compelling and promising ideas may be invited to participate in the second stage and submit a full proposal for a Phase 3 competitive grant later in 2025. The Endowment has allocated up to $375 million for public schools and $130 million for private schools, comprising a two-stage competitive process. 

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Discover how we can help move forward your efforts!

Let’s Craft the Winning Strategy

Concept papers must be submitted by Monday, April 7, 2025. Applicants with the most compelling and promising ideas may be invited to participate in the second stage and submit a full proposal for a Phase 3 competitive grant later in 2025. The Endowment has allocated up to $375 million for public schools and $130 million for private schools, comprising a two-stage competitive process. 

TPMA excels at crafting winning strategies. We’ve secured more than $491 million in public and private support for our clients and partners. 

Engaging TPMA is the key to successful collaboration

TPMA is a highly respected and very professional firm with proven results! I recommend that any public or private sector firm or individual needing assistance with their talent/economic development efforts must consider TPMA for successful collaboration.

Ken Carroll, AMPKY Inc.

Great Job

Vicki Thompson and the rest of the Thomas Miller team did a GREAT job on our workforce study. The study was very thorough and done in a very professional manner. We had a very positive engagement and I would recommend Thomas Miller for any project of this nature.

– Robert Dawson, Lake County Ohio

Helpful and informative

The information delivered was very helpful and informative. It allowed me to be more cognizant of contemporary workforce trends throughout the region and country.

– James

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TPMA is always at the cutting edge of a fast-changing environment, keeping us up to date on opportunities as they arise.

-Steve