Fuller Seminary Secures $10 Million Lilly Endowment Grant to Launch FORWARD Consortium for Digital-Forward Ministry Training
Fuller Theological Seminary has received a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch the FORWARD Consortium—a bold, collaborative initiative equipping pastors and ministry leaders for a rapidly evolving, multicultural Church. Led by Fuller Seminary with consulting support from Magellan Learning Solutions, the consortium includes: Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH), Hampton University School of Religion, Harbor Genesis Christian College, LABI College, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and Western Theological Seminary.
The program or project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which is designed to help theological schools across the United States and Canada respond to the most pressing challenges they face as they prepare pastoral leaders for Christian congregations both now and into the future. The grant to Fuller is one of 45 that was approved in this competitive round of funding to support theological schools as they lead large-scale collaborations with other seminaries, colleges and universities, and other church-related organizations.
Dr. Jeffrey F. Keuss, dean of Fuller’s School of Mission and Theology, said, “Theological education thrives in innovation and collaboration. We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for partnering with us in building even deeper networks of thriving across institutions committed to learning and working together. Our shared goal of training the next generation of Christian leaders in hope and healing for the sake of the gospel moves to a new level today, and we rejoice!”
The FORWARD Consortium brings together six theological institutions or networks and one leading online education partner, united by a shared commitment to equipping leaders with the digital tools, training, and infrastructure needed to serve faithfully and effectively in today’s ministry landscape. This initiative is rooted in a theology of generosity and shared mission, calling institutions to move beyond silos and competitive postures toward a model of open-handed partnership that prioritizes the flourishing of the Church.
The Lilly Endowment grant is a catalyst for a unique project that extends Fuller’s reach beyond its core programs. While Fuller’s daily work of theological education continues, FORWARD represents a bold, additional investment in collaboration and innovation. Anchored in three core strategies—digital-forward connection, digital-forward curriculum, and digital-forward capacity building—the initiative strengthens shared infrastructure, develops accessible learning content, and enhances digital fluency across institutions and networks. Together, these pillars form a comprehensive strategy to expand access, reduce duplication, and improve outcomes for those pursuing calls to ministry.
Dr. Marty Harris, president of LABI College, the oldest Hispanic Bible college in the country, said “I am honored to serve with Fuller Theological Seminary as they navigate new territory through collaborative efforts in advancing theological education. Fuller’s work in developing innovative strategies to provide flexible learning modalities, shared resources, and needed technology, are a critical part of advancing pastoral training. We look forward to our collaborations and to helping shape solid theological training pathways for all, while promoting efficient and cost effective education for our pastors.”
Lilly Endowment launched the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative in 2021. Since then, it has provided grants totaling more than $700 million to support 163 theological schools in efforts to strengthen their own educational and financial capacities and to assist 61 schools in developing large-scale collaborative endeavors.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a 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. While those gifts remain the 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 and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of religion and lift up in fair, accurate and balanced ways the roles that people of all faiths and various religious communities play in the United States and around the globe.
About Fuller Seminary
Fuller Seminary is an interdenominational graduate institution that has equipped visionary ministers, scholars, teachers, mental health professionals, and intercultural leaders since 1947 to share Christ’s hope and healing in the church and the world. With graduate degrees, certificate programs, and professional and personal development courses delivered through two schools and a global online community of students and learners, Fuller comprehensively prepares Jesus-led women and men to become the compassionate, resilient leaders the world needs now.