Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center is proud to announce it has been awarded grants totaling nearly $2 million through the Lilly Endowment Inc. Capital Project Initiative for Residential Youth Camps. The funding will support critical capital improvements, including facility restoration, expanded capacity, and enhanced accessibility through Pyoca’s Ignite Possibilities campaign.
“This is a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for our entire community,” said Paul Fogg, executive director of Pyoca. “We are thankful for this incredible investment in Pyoca’s future and for the many donors whose generosity has already built strong momentum for this work.”
The Ignite Possibilities campaign is a multi-year effort to renew and strengthen Pyoca’s core facilities while expanding its capacity to serve more campers and guests. The campaign focuses on restoring key historic structures, improving accessibility across camp, and creating new spaces that support year-round programming and growth. The timing of this initiative aligned closely with the launch of Ignite Possibilities, allowing Pyoca to accelerate and expand its vision.
Pyoca was awarded funding through all three phases of the initiative:
- Phase 1 ($150,000): Supported planning and architectural work, laying the groundwork for future improvements.
- Phase 2 ($750,000): Combined with early campaign gifts to fund the restoration of the Lodge and the rebuilding of the Chapel.
- Phase 3 ($1,061,699): Awarded through a competitive process, enabling expanded project scope including a rebuilt and expanded Craft Cabin with new bathhouse facilities and construction of a new 20-bed camper cabin.
“As we were shaping Ignite Possibilities, the opportunity to align this work with Lilly Endowment’s initiative was incredibly exciting,” said Mike Davis, director of operations at Pyoca. “Each phase built on the last—planning, then funding the core projects, and finally being selected for the competitive third phase. With each step, there was a growing sense that something special was happening, and that we were being invited to think bigger about what Pyoca could become.”
Together, these investments will allow Pyoca not only to restore and improve key facilities, but also to increase capacity and enhance the overall experience for campers and retreat guests. The Ignite Possibilities campaign continues to build on strong early support from individuals and congregations. To fully complete the campaign and realize the full scope of these projects, Pyoca is working to secure the remaining $450,000 needed to reach its goal.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lilly Endowment for its commitment to youth camps across Indiana,” Fogg added. “This support, combined with the generosity of our community, is helping turn a long-held vision into reality.”
Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center, founded in 1952, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a welcoming space where all are invited to explore, grow, rest and play. Through summer camps, retreats and year-round programming, Pyoca serves hundreds of youth and families each year across southern Indiana and beyond.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. Through its grantmaking, Lilly Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment maintains a special commitment to the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.
Media contact
Paul Fogg
Executive Director
Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center
812-324-1299
[email protected]
