From the Field

Explore insights from Abundance, Trust, and Repair: Black Theological Perspectives on Giving, part of Lake Institute's Philanthropy and the Black Church project, along with upcoming educational and research opportunities for 2027.

Elizabeth Lynn and Kelly Dunlap explore seven forms of religious civic engagement, while Brian Fox and Anthony Riley reflect on how faith communities can move beyond service toward deeper, more communal work for the common good. Together, the three articles invite faith communities to examine their own civic presence and consider how they can build stronger connections and work more collectively toward the common good.

This issue of Lake Insights explores new research on Christian women, wealth, and generosity through the Women, Wealth & Faith study. Featuring perspectives from Terra Seidel and Elizabeth Le'anani Coffee, the articles examine how confidence, trust, collaboration, and spiritual practice shape generous living and what these findings mean for faith communities seeking to cultivate lasting generosity.

Explore the latest insights from Giving USA 2026, including an analysis from Lake Institute's Erica Dollhopf, PhD, and additional webinar and podcast resources to help faith-based leaders understand today's charitable giving trends.

Drawing on recent research from Givelify and philanthropic scholars, David P. King, PhD, examines the gap between religious donors’ desire to give consistently and their actual giving patterns. He explores how congregations and faith leaders can foster generosity by framing giving not simply as a financial transaction, but as a spiritual practice rooted in habit, reflection, and community.

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 video, featuring Dr. Daisy Machado, is part of a series designed to provide course participants with a series of presentations about philanthropy, giving, and fundraising within the Latine and Hispanic communities.

This video, featuring Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo, is part of a series designed to provide course participants with a series of presentations about philanthropy, giving, and fundraising within the Latine and Hispanic communities.

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.