By Kristen McConnell—
MUNCIE, IN—The YMCA of Muncie, on behalf of Camp Crosley YMCA, has received a $6 million matching grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Capital Project Initiative for Residential Youth Camps.
With the grant, the YMCA of Muncie will launch a $6 million capital campaign to fully leverage the matching funds, resulting in a total $12 million investment in Camp Crosley YMCA. This transformational effort will support significant capital improvements to enhance facilities and expand programming that strengthens youth development, outdoor education, and leadership opportunities.
These improvements will position Camp Crosley to serve more youth and deepen the impact of its programs, helping young people build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills in a safe and engaging environment. The project reflects the YMCA’s mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
“This investment allows us to reimagine what’s possible for the young people we serve,” said Mark Battig, Executive Director at Camp Crosley. “Camp Crosley has long been a place where kids discover who they are and what they can achieve. With these enhancements—and the support of our community through this campaign—we’ll be able to reach more youth and deepen the impact of every experience.”
This grant is one of 40 implementation grants being awarded through phase 3 of the Lilly Endowment 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, provide partial support for large-scale capital projects.
About YMCA of Muncie and Camp Crosley YMCA
The YMCA of Muncie is dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Camp Crosley YMCA, located on the shores of Lake Tippecanoe, provides life-changing outdoor experiences for youth through summer camp, environmental education, and leadership programs. For generations, Camp Crosley has helped young people grow in confidence, character, and connection to others and the natural world.
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.
Kristen McConnell is Chief Development & Marketing Officer at the YMCA of Muncie.
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