Lilly Endowment recently awarded $3 million to the six Indiana Girls Inc. affiliates to fund a three-year plan to strengthen and expand Girls Inc. programming statewide.

The funds are part of a $91.5 million initiative supporting youth organizations across the state.

The grant will support all six Girls Inc. affiliates in the state and will allow these organizations to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever, according to a news release from Ginger Schneck.

Schneck, executive director of Girls Inc. of Jackson County, said the funding will help the organization reach thousands more vulnerable girls each year statewide with long-term mentoring relationships and innovative programming that will help them unlock their potential and thrive as leaders now and in the future.

“The Lilly Endowment has been a longtime supporter of Girls Inc., and this new investment shows a deep commitment to our work in Indiana and here in Jackson County,” Schneck said. “We look forward to reaching more girls with more impact with the Girls Inc. Experience, helping them to take their places as strong, smart and bold leaders now and in the future.”