Elizabeth Lynn and Kelly Dunlap explore seven forms of religious civic engagement, while Brian Fox and Anthony Riley reflect on how faith communities can move beyond service toward deeper, more communal work for the common good. Together, the three articles invite faith communities to examine their own civic presence and consider how they can build stronger connections and work more collectively toward the common good.

From a team of Lake Institute researchers, this report shares the findings of an exploratory study of religious civic engagement in Richmond, Virginia. This report outlines seven forms of engagement, to widen and deepen documentation of the substantial contributions of religion to the common good.

Dr. Carlos W. Perkins and McKenzie Scott Lewis explore how congregations serve as trusted community anchors and why investing in their long-term health is essential for neighborhood transformation. Perkins emphasizes the need to strengthen leadership, infrastructure, and organizational capacity, while Lewis builds on those ideas by highlighting Congregations With Community's grant plus model, which combines funding with coaching and capacity-building support.

This issue of Lake Insights explores new research on Christian women, wealth, and generosity through the Women, Wealth & Faith study. Featuring perspectives from Terra Seidel and Elizabeth Le'anani Coffee, the articles examine how confidence, trust, collaboration, and spiritual practice shape generous living and what these findings mean for faith communities seeking to cultivate lasting generosity.

Explore the latest insights from Giving USA 2026, including an analysis from Lake Institute's Erica Dollhopf, PhD, and additional webinar and podcast resources to help faith-based leaders understand today's charitable giving trends.

A synagogue brings together seniors and youth to talk about the change they want to see in the world, learn about local nonprofits, raise funds, and distribute grant money.

Despite limited financial resources, a Latino church in San Antonio has sustained a 20-year Thanksgiving meal ministry through the commitment and generosity of its congregation.

When a century-old congregation faced an enormous price tag for essential repairs, they found a way to stay, keep worshiping, and provide affordable housing for seniors.

Origin Church constructed a new building in hopes that their congregation would grow to fill it. When that didn't happen, they gave it to a local journalism organization whose values matched their own.

In this edition of Insights, we reflect on the enduring connections between faith, philanthropy, and civic life through the lens of the American Revolution. Philip Goff examines how religious communities and voluntary organizations helped inspire and sustain the movement for independence, while Tasha Gibson considers how these same traditions of generosity and collective action continue to influence our communities today.