In these two reflections from the El Semillero Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, Jorge Juan Rodríguez V, PhD, and Alma Lizzette Cárdenas-Rodríguez explore the deeper moral and cultural dimensions of faith-based fundraising.

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.

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.

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.

In this edition of Lake Insights, explore conversations on the past, present, and future of faith-inspired generosity. Dr. Jack Wertheimer, Lake Institute’s 2025 Distinguished Visitor, discusses the history and patterns of Jewish giving, while Managing Director Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee reflects on how faith leaders can shape a generous imagination that transforms communities beyond their own.

In this week's Insights, 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. Together, their reflections reveal that generosity today is less about grand gestures or systems and more about showing up intentionally, faithfully, and meaningfully for others.

David P. King, PhD, explores how faith-based organizations play a vital and often overlooked role in disaster response, offering resilience and hope when crises strike. Complementing his reflections, Rev. Rebecca Gurney shares a moving account from her North Carolina congregation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, illustrating how generosity, community, and faith come together to restore both roads and hearts.