Drawing on research from the Little Rock Congregations Study, this Insights issue explores how community engagement strengthens individuals, deepens spiritual life, increases congregational vitality, and contributes to a healthier society.

The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is pleased to mark our 20th year of partnering with the Bank of America to produce the 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy. The Study found that eighty-one percent of affluent households gave with an average of $33,219 to charity in 2024.

Erica Dollhopf, Ph.D., Meredith McNabb, and Dr. Carlos Perkins explore the newest data on religious giving and share key insights from the Giving USA 2025 report.

In this issue, Erica Dollhopf, Ph.D., explores key insights on the Giving USA 2025 report, detailing the state of religious giving in America. Erica unpacks current trends, challenges, and explores generational shifts that are shaping the future of religious giving and philanthropy. Rickey Letson also reflects on the value of data when making decisions in religious contexts. These pieces offer a forward-looking view of the faith and giving landscape.

Do you ever wonder how virtual worship impacts giving? Or, do you know what percentage of congregations offer a QR code during religious services for members to contribute? Wave II of the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices (NSCEP) seeks to answer these questions and more, as it explores how congregational life and financial practices have changed in the seven years, since our first study was conducted in 2018.

The Communities of Color Index (CCI) offers the first systematically generated directory of charitable organizations in the United States specifically focused on serving communities of color.

The Next Generation of Philanthropy report takes a close look at how the next generation approaches giving differently than the generations that came before them.

Rev. Jamar A. Boyd II highlights the critical role of Black churches as philanthropic intermediaries, calling for a deeper partnership with these institutions. Tasha Gibson reflects on the Philanthropy and the Black Church project, which has been working for decades to connect Black faith organizations with the philanthropic sector. Together, these insights show why Black churches and grassroots groups must be seen as essential allies in justice-driven philanthropy.

What does the future hold for the intersection of faith and giving in 2025? David P. King, Ph.D., shares how Lake Institute is exploring exciting research and launching new resources to explore what motivates faith-inspired giving. We also welcome Erica Dollhopf as Lake’s first Associate Director of Research, who shares her passion for advancing our understanding of faith-inspired generosity and leading impactful projects in the year ahead.

What can secular philanthropy learn from faith-inspired funders? David P. King and Neill Coleman explore how values rooted in faith shape a deeply relational and human-centered approach to giving, offering lessons that transcend traditional boundaries. From mapping the unique characteristics of faith-based organizations to examining the distinctive "why," "what," and "how" of faith-inspired philanthropy, this issue highlights the power of generosity guided by spiritual discernment and human connection.