A chance encounter with a man experiencing homelessness led to a church-based outreach program that helps vulnerable members of society.
Philanthropy and the Black Church
Special Collection
This special collection focuses on resources from philanthropy and Black religious organizations, with attention to past and current efforts to strengthen connections between the two sectors.
Artwork by Shaunt'e Lewis, Multidisciplinary Artist
The Philanthropy and the Black Church Project is a multi-decade initiative to explore the rich history of philanthropy in Black Churches, illuminate how Black faith communities have used their collective resources for social impact, and support Black churches and philanthropic organizations in creating ongoing collaborative partnerships that empower communities, seek social justice, and improve community health.
The Philanthropy and the Black Church project began as a collaborative effort in the late twentieth century to increase mutual understanding and collaboration between Black Churches and philanthropic organizations. Today, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the Center for the Church and the Black Experience at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary continue this mission by convening leaders in philanthropy and the Black church, conducting research, developing resources for mutual understanding, and building relationships.
This special collections brings together research and insight from past and current efforts to encourage informed learning and action by leaders today. It offers:
- An archive of materials from the earlier project
- A dynamic repository for current and future resources
Philanthropic leaders and Black Church leaders alike are invited to explore this new resource library and use the materials to build deeper, trust-based partnerships that will transform communities for generations to come.
Featured Resource
February 26, 2024
In this exploratory report by Rev. Jennifer Watley Maxell, she identifies some keys to mapping the landscape of philanthropy and the Black Church.
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Last month in Indianapolis, the 2025 Symposium on Philanthropy and the Black Church brought together Black faith communities and philanthropic groups to foster leadership and collaboration. Participants share their thoughtful reflections on the importance of coming together as an empowered community.
A Detroit church has created a community haven where visitors can not only find spiritual support and connection, but can clean their clothes, too.
Participants share their reflections on the 2025 Symposium on Philanthropy and the Black Church, co-hosted by Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the Center for the Church and the Black Experience at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
A church and mosque collaborate to power—and empower—their neighborhood by installing solar panels on the church roof.
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.
George Shears III, D.Min. discusses the critical role philanthropy plays in sustaining the Black church.
Jennifer Watley Maxell shares what she hears from Black ministry leaders about how they think of and relate to philanthropy.
Rev. William H. Lamar IV expounds on the concept of philanthropy - to do the difficult work of lifting all humans to a life of flourishing.
In this exploratory report by Rev. Jennifer Watley Maxell, she identifies some keys to mapping the landscape of philanthropy and the Black Church.
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