The University of Notre Dame has received a historic $50.8 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to advance the DELTA Network: Faith-Based Ethical Formation for a World of Powerful AI. This funding, the largest private foundation grant in Notre Dame’s history, aims to cultivate a shared, faith-based ethical framework for various stakeholders—including scholars, religious leaders, tech executives, educators, and the public—to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).
In addition to developing the ethical framework, the grant will help establish a network that provides practical resources for navigating challenges posed by rapidly evolving AI technologies. The framework is rooted in Christian values but designed to be accessible to individuals of all faiths, addressing the ethical implications of AI in a diverse society.
“We are deeply grateful to Lilly Endowment for its generous support of this critically important initiative,” said Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., President of the University. He referred to the need for AI to be “intelligent, relational and guided by love,” a sentiment echoed by Pope Leo XIV. As a Catholic institution focused on human flourishing, Notre Dame aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and moral considerations.
Previously, a $539,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment, awarded in October 2024, allowed the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good (ECG) to explore faith-informed contributions to AI ethics. Following over 200 dialogues with diverse stakeholders, the DELTA framework was launched at the inaugural Notre Dame Summit on AI, Faith and Human Flourishing in September 2025. DELTA, which stands for Dignity, Embodiment, Love, Transcendence, and Agency, encapsulates this ethical approach.
“Lilly Endowment’s continued support enables Notre Dame to address one of the defining questions of our time—how to guide the use of artificial intelligence with wisdom, responsibility and a commitment to human dignity,” stated John T. McGreevy, the university’s Provost. He emphasized Notre Dame’s unique position as a leading global Catholic research university, capable of convening discussions that span technology, faith, and academia.
The DELTA network will consist of interdisciplinary and intergenerational communities focused on education, pastoral ministry, and public engagement. These communities will provide opportunities for learning and collaboration among AI developers and educators, fostering ethical discussions about technology’s role in society.
As part of this initiative, ECG plans to launch programs designed to empower young adults to lead with convictions inspired by DELTA principles. By establishing hubs in Silicon Valley and the Northeastern U.S., the institute aims to invite tech leaders and the public to engage with DELTA through issue-focused events and retreats.
Each community within the network will benefit from a comprehensive array of resources and programs designed to facilitate sustained engagement with the DELTA framework. This effort seeks to cultivate a shared language and toolkit that can invigorate discussions around the ethical dimensions of AI applications.
DELTA builds upon existing collaborations focused on technology ethics, including the university’s partnership with IBM through the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab. “Here at Notre Dame, we’re committed to shaping public thought about how humans can flourish in an AI-driven world by drawing upon our Catholic and Christian tradition,” remarked Meghan Sullivan, director of ECG. She asserted the initiative’s importance in uniting corporate leaders, faith leaders, and educators to advance ethical considerations in technology.
Those interested in staying informed about the DELTA initiative can visit ethics.nd.edu/DELTA to join the mailing list. Notre Dame’s focus on ethics in research and education has intensified, particularly following the launch of its University-wide Ethics Initiative in 2024, which seeks to establish the institution as a premier global hub for ethical studies.
Lilly Endowment Inc., established in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, focuses on community development, education, and religion. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that enrich the lives of Christians in the U.S. and aims to enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the leadership within Christian communities. The Endowment also endeavors to improve public understanding of religion and the roles of various faiths in society.
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