Notre Dame Awarded Historic $50M Grant for AI Ethics
The University of Notre Dame has received a landmark $50.8 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish the DELTA Network: Faith-Based Ethical Formation for a World of Powerful AI. This initiative will be led by the Notre Dame Institute for Ethics and the Common Good (ECG) and represents the largest private foundation grant in the University’s history.
The DELTA Network aims to create a comprehensive ethical framework rooted in Christian values to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). The project will engage a diverse range of participants including religious leaders, scholars, educators, journalists, technologists, and the public, promoting inclusive and morally grounded dialogue on AI’s societal impact.
Building a Moral Framework for AI
Drawing from Christian theological principles, the DELTA framework emphasizes Dignity, Embodiment, Love, Transcendence, and Agency. These values serve as the foundation for ethical discernment in the face of rapidly evolving AI technologies. The framework is designed to resonate across faith traditions and secular perspectives alike, encouraging widespread adoption and collaborative discourse.
“We are deeply grateful to Lilly Endowment for its generous support of this critically important initiative,” said University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. “As a Catholic institution committed to human flourishing, we are uniquely positioned to foster dialogue between faith communities and the tech industry to address the moral dimensions of AI.”
Strategic Implementation and Community Engagement
Over the past year, ECG used a $539,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment to conduct extensive consultations with over 200 stakeholders across sectors. These conversations informed the development of the DELTA framework, which was unveiled at the first Notre Dame Summit on AI, Faith, and Human Flourishing in September 2025.
The new funding will support a series of programs that bring together interdisciplinary and intergenerational communities of practice. These groups will focus on education, pastoral ministry, and public engagement, creating platforms for collaboration between those developing AI technologies and those working at the grassroots level to apply ethical principles in real-world contexts.
Expanding the DELTA Network
Notre Dame plans to establish DELTA hubs in key innovation centers including Silicon Valley and the Northeastern U.S. These hubs will host events, retreats, and workshops designed to foster meaningful interaction between tech leaders and faith-based communities. The goal is to cultivate ethical awareness and leadership among young adults and professionals working at the intersection of technology and society.
“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,” said John T. McGreevy, the University’s provost.
Each community of practice will be supported by a suite of high-impact resources and events. These include practical tools, educational materials, and public programming designed to ensure sustained engagement with the DELTA ethical framework.
Partnerships and Ethical Leadership
DELTA builds upon existing collaborations in technology ethics, notably Notre Dame’s partnership with IBM through the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab. The University’s broader Ethics Initiative, launched in 2024, seeks to position Notre Dame as a global leader in ethics education and research. The initiative supports interdisciplinary scholarship, ethics-related education, and public engagement across campus and beyond.
“We are committed to shaping how humans can flourish in an AI-driven world by drawing upon our Catholic and Christian tradition,” said Meghan Sullivan, the Wilsey Family College Professor of Philosophy and director of ECG. “With this work, Notre Dame will deepen its mission to grow networks of leaders who advance ethics and the common good.”
Long-Term Vision for Ethical AI
Lilly Endowment Inc., established in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, continues to support initiatives in community development, education, and religion. A key focus of its religious grantmaking is to strengthen the vitality of Christian communities and improve public understanding of religion.
“The level of engagement and support for the DELTA framework from summit participants was compelling,” said N. Clay Robbins, Lilly Endowment’s chairman and CEO. “We are pleased to support this effort that not only recognizes AI’s potential but also emphasizes its ethical use aligned with religious values.”
As Notre Dame continues to lead in ethical AI discourse, those interested in staying informed about DELTA and related initiatives can visit ethics.nd.edu/DELTA to join the mailing list.
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