Meet Rev. Libby Davis Manning, Chair of Lake Institute’s Board of Advisors, who has been an invaluable member for the past four years. In this Q&A, Rev. Manning shares her insights on why she joined the Board, the Institute’s contributions to the field, and the emerging trends that excite her most about the future of faith and giving.
Why did you initially decide to join the Board of Advisors?
Lake Institute has given much to me, and I wanted to give back. By that I mean Lake Institute is known across the nation among faith leaders and faith-based organizations for its excellent scholarly research, stellar educational programs, and engaging public lectures. It was an honor to be asked to serve on the board of advisors and contribute my time and attention to this worthy and interesting work that supports both practitioners and scholars across religious traditions.
What do you think is Lake Institute’s greatest contribution to the field of faith and giving?
- The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) course, because it has equipped thousands of lay and faith leaders to develop a rich theology of money and to teach and preach more confidently about money, generosity and stewardship in our worshipping communities.
- The research scholarship within Lake Institute is another great contribution to the field, as our student and academic researchers are advancing the field, asking new questions, and equipping our faith communities with new insights to help them navigate the shifting ground landscape.
What emerging trends or topics are you most excited about within the field of faith and giving?
In the US right now, there are so many changing patterns of faith, and so many changing patterns of giving, which ultimately impact all sectors of society. Civic and faith leaders in local communities are all talking and thinking about these big changes, which invite new patterns and partnerships. Given these seismic changes happening all around us, I’m curious if the public square can become a circle of care, since caring alone won’t change the world, but caring together will.
Anything else you’d like our constituents to know about you?
While it’s been 25 years since my last degree (an M.Div,) I started my professional doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy last fall. I’ve been a beekeeper for over 10 years and love to talk about bees and raw local honey. I also love to make candles, soaps, and lotions from beeswax. My grandmother taught me to knit, and I love to knit winter hats. My husband and I love to hike the national parks of our country. I lived abroad in Southern Spain for a year during college and spoke Spanish. In addition to chairing the Lake Institute Board of Advisors, I serve on the Madison County Community Foundation board. My husband and I live on a small hobby farm in rural Indiana and have three young adult children who are fantastically fun human beings.