Other programs such as SonScape Re-Creation Ministries in Colorado offer programs that provide a retreat for ministers. In addition, some denominations offer scholarships or stipends to help pay for a minister to take a sabbatical in order to focus on some type of project or academic study. The Lilly Endowment's clergy renewal program is different in that it expects the ministers to avoid too much structure and have a good time on sabbatical. The Lilly Endowment funds the program as part of its interest in promoting religion. The foundation, created in 1937 by members of the founding family of Eli Lilly and Co. and funded with stock in the pharmaceutical company, also promotes education and community development.
Some applicants find the concept of relaxing on sabbatical difficult to accept.
Elisabeth Bauer, pastor of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Evansville, was rejected the first time she submitted an application to the program because it was focused on devoting her time to graduate studies. Bauer rewrote her application with plans to go on a Quaker retreat in Pennsylvania and take sailing classes with her family. This time, she was accepted. Some of the ministers' congregations also use the sabbaticals to replenish themselves. At St. Peters, the congregation is bringing in religious leaders from Jewish and Islamic faiths as well as some black churches to study diversity while Bauer is away.