The Center for the Church and the Black Experience and Lake Institute on Faith & Giving were proud to co-host the 2025 Symposium on Philanthropy and the Black Church. Focused on faith communities in the Black Church, the event united leaders across sectors to build trust, foster strategic partnerships, and reimagine philanthropy through the lens of faith, legacy, and mutual respect.

Students from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy share their reflections on the intersections of faith, philanthropy, and the future. Kathi Badertscher celebrates the achievements of this year's graduates, recognizing their dedication to making a positive impact in the world through philanthropy.

Dustin Benac and Pat Bray share reflections from a recent pilgrimage exploring how theological education can more deeply engage spiritual entrepreneurship. Kelly Dunlap invites us to consider storytelling as its own kind of journey, opening space for discovery, reflection, and faithful imagination through the Faithful Generosity Story Shelf.

David P. King, Ph.D., reflects on the legacy and impact of the Thomas H. Lake Lecture as we celebrate its 20th anniversary, while this year’s lecturer, Dr. Willie Jennings, challenges us to think about the ties between philanthropy, religious giving, and private property.

Have you explored the full range of tools in Lake Institute's Resource Library? Anne Brock highlights a variety of resources designed to spark generosity, build stronger connections, and inspire innovation in your organization. In an Expanded Perspective, Rev. Stephanie Anthony shares how her experience with Lake Institute profoundly deepened her understanding of stewardship and generosity.

In the spirit of Ramadan, generosity takes center stage as a powerful force for social cohesion and spiritual reflection. Abdul Samad and Mohannad Mofawaz explore the intersection of generosity, Ramadan, and zakat within Islamic teachings and culture. Stephanie M. Williams reflects on how environmental stewardship is "an act of generosity that sustains both people and the planet."

How do we teach kids the value of 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. Together, these articles show that generosity isn’t just something we teach—it’s something we live and pass on through example and tradition.

Romanita Hairston, CEO of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, opens up in an interview with David P. King, Ph.D., of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving about how faith, philanthropy, and civic life come together to spark meaningful change. With her experience across nonprofit, corporate, and philanthropic sectors, Romanita shares how philanthropy can bring people together, tackle urgent societal needs, and create a more vibrant, flourishing world. Her reflections will inspire you to think differently about how collaboration and innovation can come to life through the lens of faith.

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. Together, these insights show why Black churches and grassroots groups must be seen as essential allies in justice-driven philanthropy.

What does the future hold for the intersection of faith and giving in 2025? David P. King, Ph.D., shares how Lake Institute is exploring exciting research and launching new resources to explore what motivates faith-inspired giving. We also welcome Erica Dollhopf as Lake’s first Associate Director of Research, who shares her passion for advancing our understanding of faith-inspired generosity and leading impactful projects in the year ahead.