INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Lilly Endowment Inc. has given $22.5 million toward improving early-childhood education in Indiana.

The Indianapolis-based foundation said Thursday it has given $20 million to the nonprofit Early Learning Indiana. The Indianapolis Business Journal reports the funds will allow the group to help at least 400 early-childhood education providers throughout the state improve their performance under state standards.

Early Learning's work will include helping to develop curricula, building classrooms, educating parents about the importance of high-quality child care and education, and supporting professional development for teachers.

The Endowment also has given $2.5 million to United Way of Central Indiana to support ongoing efforts to strengthen early-childhood programs. The money will go to creating classrooms, improving facilities, strengthening curricula and developing teacher expertise.