As we close out another year of learning, research, and conversations at the intersection of faith and giving, we’re taking a moment to look back on what captured your attention in 2025. Inspired by the spirit of “Wrapped” season, we dug into the numbers to see which Insights articles resonated most with our community. From trends in religious giving to reflections on stewardship, donor relationships, and emerging generations, these top-read pieces reveal the questions and ideas shaping the field today.
Here are your Top 10 Insights Articles of 2025—the stories you read, shared, returned to, and helped bring to life this year.
#1 – Giving USA 2025: Trends in Religious Giving
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.
#2 – What’s in a Word: Stewardship 
In this edition of Insights, we take a closer look at the language and practice of stewardship in congregational life. Mark Sampson challenges churches to move beyond stewardship’s focus on ownership and ask deeper questions about the purpose of their resources, while David King reflects on whether “stewardship” has become too broad or too narrow to remain useful.
#3 – The Black Church as a Viable Intermediary
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.
#4 – Helping Children Practice Generosity
In this edition, Meredith McNabb explores how adults can model generosity through stories, hands-on opportunities, and reflection, guiding children to embrace giving as a lifelong habit. Sandy Eisenberg Sasso echoes this sentiment, sharing how rituals and family traditions, like the tzedakah box and honoring bread at the Sabbath meal, pass down the practice of kindness.
#5 – Who Wants to Fund Us? Rethinking Fundraising Through Relationships and the Constituency Model 
Drawing on insights from Meredith McNabb and Tiffany Bennett-Cornelous, Ph.D., this edition highlights the Constituency Model as a practical tool for identifying and engaging donors based on their relationship to your mission. From building trust with new supporters to mobilizing internal and external networks for shared goals, both articles remind us that effective fundraising is rooted in cultivating meaningful, purpose-driven relationships.
#6 – From Connection to Commitment: Rethinking Donor Engagement as Sacred Relationship
In this issue, Rachel Perten explores how faith-based organizations can accompany donors through each stage of their philanthropic journey—from their first gift to a lasting legacy. An Expanded Perspective by Rev. Dave Sigmund shares a moving story of lifelong generosity, illustrating how planned giving can be both a reflection of the legacy we hope to leave and the values we choose to live out today.
#7 – Generosity That Binds Us
Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee reflects on generosity as a spiritual practice shaped by faith and cultural heritage, reminding us that it is less about what we give up and more about how we are bound together. Building on her vision, David P. King, PhD, highlights how stories and practices of generosity can expand trust, strengthen communities, and guide Lake Institute’s mission in today’s changing landscape.
#8 – The Liturgical Face of Philanthropy
This Insights explores the deeper meaning of charity and stewardship within faith communities, highlighting how giving is not just humanitarian action but an extension of worship and love. Plus, learn about Lake Institute’s newly announced 2026 ECRF schedule and meet our 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship recipient.
#9 – Generosity in a Micronarrative World: Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Josh Packard, PhD, highlights how younger generations express generosity through small, authentic acts of impact—micronarratives that prioritize trust, immediacy, and connection over institutional giving. David Edwards offers a lived example of that same spirit through a childhood lesson in presence and sacrifice.
#10 – Generosity, Leadership, and Legacy
This issue of Insights explores innovative expressions of generosity within faith communities. Dr. Carlos W. Perkins reflects on the impact of ECRF cohorts designed for Black Christian leaders, highlighting how these spaces cultivate generosity, leadership, and legacy in culturally resonant ways. We also feature Dr. Anthony Riley’s story of applying ECRF tools to inspire his congregation at Central Baptist Church in Saint Louis, raising significant support for community outreach.