Camp Lutherhaven Awarded $1 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Grant Will Support Construction of New Agape Welcome Center and Strengthen Long-Term Hospitality and Safety at Camp
Camp Lutherhaven is stepping boldly into its next chapter thanks to a transformational $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant, awarded through its Capital Projects for Residential Youth Camps Initiative, will support the construction of a new Agape Welcome Center, enhancing hospitality, accessibility, and safety for campers, families, and retreat guests for generations to come.
For more than 75 years, Camp Lutherhaven has served as a place where guests feel at home—where faith deepens, friendships form, and God’s creation invites people to breathe a little deeper. With this generous grant, Lutherhaven will strengthen that spirit of welcome by creating a central, clearly marked entry point that improves the arrival experience and provides vital space for essential guest services.
A New Welcome Center: A True Front Door to Camp
The Agape Welcome Center will bring together guest reception, first aid, and administrative offices—services that are currently spread across the property—into one convenient and accessible location.
“The welcome center will make a world of difference,” said Executive Director Keith Peters. “From the moment guests drive in, they’ll know exactly where to go, who to talk to, and how to get the help they need. It’s hospitality you can feel.”
Safer, Simpler, More Connected
Beyond convenience, the new building will contribute to campus-wide safety and operational efficiency. Consolidated check-in will reduce congestion during busy arrival times, deliveries will be routed away from camper spaces, and a modern, private first-aid facility will allow for timely, compassionate medical attention.
The building’s design will echo Lutherhaven’s longstanding values—natural light, inviting gathering areas, and a layout that fosters community and connection.
Momentum Built on Partnership and Gratitude
Lutherhaven is partnering with HWC Engineering, Design Collaborative, and Project Manager Jim Berning to bring this project to life. Insights from guests, staff, and community members—including feedback shared during a recent stakeholder gathering—will guide the design as plans move forward.
“This grant gives us room to dream faithfully,” Keith shared. “It helps us invest in spaces where guests can encounter Christ’s love more safely, joyfully, and deeply.”
Camp Lutherhaven extends heartfelt gratitude to Lilly Endowment for its generous support, to the community that continues to lift this ministry up, and to God, who has sustained and guided Lutherhaven for more than seven decades.
With this grant, the next era of Camp Lutherhaven is unfolding—and it’s full of possibility.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly 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, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its 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.