Lilly Endowment, Inc., institution founded (1937) at Indianapolis, Ind., by pharmaceutical manufacturer Josiah K. Lilly (1861-1948) as a philanthropic foundation for "the promotion and support of religious, educational, or charitable purposes"; most of its work is confined to the Midwest. The foundation is especially interested in programs designed to foster the growth and development of Christian character. It provides aid to Protestant theological seminaries and other colleges and also supports a broad range of projects in Indianapolis. Its assets in 1998 were about $15.7 billion. See philanthropy.