Lake Institute on Faith and Giving
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.
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:
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.
In this exploratory report by Rev. Jennifer Watley Maxell, she identifies some keys to mapping the landscape of philanthropy and the Black Church.
In April 2025, leaders from across faith, philanthropy, healthcare, finance, and higher education gathered in Indianapolis to explore what’s possible when Black churches and philanthropic organizations partner for greater impact. What follows is a reflection on that gathering, and where the PBC project is headed next.
This issue of Insights explores innovative expressions of generosity within faith communities. Dr. Carlos W. Perkins reflects on the impact of ECRF cohorts designed for Black Christian leaders, highlighting how these spaces cultivate generosity, leadership, and legacy in culturally resonant ways. We also feature Dr. Anthony Riley’s story of applying ECRF tools to inspire his congregation at Central Baptist Church in Saint Louis, raising significant support for community outreach.
A Detroit church has created a community haven where visitors can not only find spiritual support and connection, but can clean their clothes, too.
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.
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.
