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.

This event with Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity CEO, was an opportunity to explore the role of the faith community in bridgebuilding and how service is the ultimate antidote to our polarized world.

Reflections from Elizabeth Le'anani Coffee and Rev. Danielle Cox highlight how shared work—from volunteering to developing attainable housing with Habitat for Humanity—can foster dignity, renew congregational purpose, and strengthen communities across differences.

This issue of Lake Insights features reflections from Valaida Fullwood and Tasha Gibson on the power of interfaith collaboration, shared generosity, and community partnership. Through explorations of Black-Jewish philanthropic traditions, collective giving, and the importance of showing up for one another, their insights highlight how faith-driven leadership strengthens relationships and advances equity.

This issue of Lake Institute Insights explores how religious fundraising is being reimagined through faith-rooted leadership formation. Featuring a video spotlight on the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, reflections from Rev. Dr. Melvin Wilson, Jr., and opportunities to engage through upcoming courses and scholarships, this edition highlights how generosity, research, and practice come together to strengthen faith-based organizations for today’s changing landscape.

In this issue of Lake Insights, we look ahead to 2026 with reflections from David P. King, PhD, on Lake Institute’s role as a trusted bridge between faith, philanthropy, research, and practice, alongside Rev. Libby Davis Manning’s compelling case for why bridge organizations matter more than ever.

The trust built by a church in Galveston, Texas, is translating into better access to treatment at a free clinic staffed by health care providers and housed in former Sunday school classrooms.

A church turns their parking lot into a free-of-cost auto repair shop twice a year to ensure those with limited resources have safe and well-functioning vehicles.

Instead of asking people to come to their church for a hot meal, Emmanuel Episcopal operated a free hot dog cart around the city to feed those experiencing homelessness.

In this special edition of Insights, Lake Institute staff look back on the moments, milestones, and lessons that shaped our work in 2025 while also casting a vision for what lies ahead in 2026.