Elizabeth Lynn reflects on a crucial report from The Generosity Commission, examining recent declines in American generosity and providing valuable insights on how we can address these challenges. Her article highlights the report's findings and recommendations, urging us to engage in meaningful discussions and actions to support and rejuvenate the spirit of giving and volunteering in our communities.
From the Field
Discover current research and trends in the field of faith and philanthropy
Reliable, trustworthy research is important for those who work in the world of faith and giving.
Lake Institute on Faith & Giving is situated within the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, which gives us access to the most relevant research in the field of faith and philanthropy. Additionally, there are many other organizations in the field that produce high quality research. Stay tuned to this page for news of breaking research in the field of faith and giving.
Start exploring curated research by browsing our Resource Library, where you will find resources like those listed below.
Research and Scholarship Resources
This landscape analysis of the American generosity ecosystem summarizes what we currently know about the decline in giving and volunteering rates, with a particular focus on the “dollars up, donors down” (or “volunteer hours up, number of volunteers down”) dynamic and how it was manifested during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Giving USA 2024 reports that giving to religion has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Newest Giving in Faith report uncovers insights in faith-based generosity: Four key insights on faith and giving
Salwa Tareen writes about the legacy of humanitarian, Abdul Sattar Edhi, and the rise of dissident care.
Andrew Whitehead offers a way for congregational leaders to leverage free online data resources to discover their community and what they need.
Jennifer Watley Maxell shares what she hears from Black ministry leaders about how they think of and relate to philanthropy.
David P. King, PhD shares what recent research reveals about the connection between religious/spiritual practices and giving/volunteering behaviors.
Based on the responses of nearly 3,000 faith leaders and people of faith, this report uncovers key insights into the motivations and community needs driving religious giving and an outlook on future giving.
Scott Thumma, PhD and Rev. Kristina I. Lizardy-Hajbi, PhD explore the 2023 giving trends of Christian congregations in the US.
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Insights, a bi-weekly e-newsletter, is a resource for the religious community and fundraisers of faith-based organizations that provides:
- Reflections on important developments in the field of faith and giving
- Recommended books, studies and articles
- Upcoming Lake Institute events