Team Red, White & Blue Receives $3 Million Capacity-Building Grant from Lilly Endowment
Three-year grant to fund organizational infrastructure improvements across technology, communications, and sustainable revenue channels
FLOYDS KNOBS, Ind. – December 17, 2025 – Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), America’s leading military health and wellness community, has received a $3 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to strengthen its operational foundation. The three-year investment will enable the nonprofit to expand and modernize its communications capabilities, strengthen and scale revenue systems, and modernize the organization’s technology structure.
The grant is one of 18 that Lilly Endowment is making to help military service organizations and veterans service organizations across the country build their capacity to provide direct support to members of the U.S. military and veterans and their families.
Building a Foundation for Future Growth
The grant will support a comprehensive capacity-building plan focused on three critical areas:
Technology & Infrastructure: Team RWB will modernize its technology stack, including upgrades to its Digital Garrison app and internal data systems. These improvements will enhance data quality and create a more seamless digital experience for members.
Marketing & Communications: The organization will expand its communications capabilities to better connect with its dispersed volunteer network and launch new multimedia storytelling channels to reach younger generations of Veterans.
Sustainable Revenue: Resources will scale key fundraising initiatives, including the Sentinel Monthly Giving Program and the Soaring Eagles Charity Racing Program, ensuring long-term financial stability.
"I’ve watched Team RWB grow and evolve since the beginning, and we’re just getting started,” said Col. (Ret.) Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Executive Director of Team RWB. “We aren’t just looking back at 15 years; we’re building a new legacy for the next 15. We’re grateful the Lilly Endowment recognizes our impact and sees the potential to take it even further. Their investment accelerates our future and, most importantly, ensures more Veterans lead happier, healthier lives."
Founded in 2010, Team RWB has grown to more than 173,000 members, including nearly 120,000 Veterans and active service members. The grant will allow Team RWB to fortify the operational backbone necessary to support its nationwide network of volunteer leaders and digital users as demand for the organization’s health and wellness programming rises.
“This is about building an engine that matches the passion of our members,” Sully added. “By strengthening our internal capacity, we ensure that every dollar donated and every hour volunteered brings maximum impact for our Veterans.”
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About Team Red, White & Blue Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and America's leading health and wellness community for the military-connected community. Team RWB's events and programs empower Veterans and Service Members to build a healthy lifestyle focused on four pillars: physical health, mental health, genuine relationships, and a sense of purpose. With over 250,000 members across the nation, Team RWB is enriching lives and local communities through both in-person events and dynamic in-app programming. Visit teamrwb.org to get involved.
About Lilly Endowment Inc. 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.
