Bo Prosser outlines the importance of transparency and storytelling in churches.
Resources
Resource Library
Lake Institute’s Resource Library collects and curates a wide range of resources that can help deepen understanding and practice at the intersection of faith and giving.
Search by keywords or browse by themes to find current research, leadership insights, inspiring stories, discernment guides, theological reflection, and more.
Featured Resources
The Faithful Generosity Story Shelf highlights congregations and other religious organizations who have sought to use their assets and resources in creative—and sometimes surprising—ways as an expression of faithful giving.
This Insights explores how your organization’s “digital front door” shapes giving and engagement. Meredith McNabb shares practical guidance on strengthening your website and online presence to support donor trust and accessibility, while Emily Heck expands on this perspective with strategies for improving search engine optimization (SEO) and AI-readiness. Together, they offer actionable ways to ensure your digital presence both reflects your mission and helps people find—and support—your work.
Drawing on recent research from Givelify and philanthropic scholars, David P. King, PhD, examines the gap between religious donors’ desire to give consistently and their actual giving patterns. He explores how congregations and faith leaders can foster generosity by framing giving not simply as a financial transaction, but as a spiritual practice rooted in habit, reflection, and community.
Resources
This is the source article for the Barna study on generational giving patterns; it describes number of generational aspects of generosity among self-identified active Christians.
Free financial aid resource from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Holy Currencies is a holistic model for stewardship and congregational vitality, moving beyond “time, talent, and treasure” to create missional and sustainable ministries.
Meredith McNabb recaps a presentation from the Science of Philanthropy conference and notes the connections to work in religious fundraising.
Rabbi Julia Appel shares why charity is an important part of the Jewish high holiday season.
What should we do with aging, expensive buildings that are not used to their full potential?
Local governments and universities are taking reparations into their own hands. But can these efforts be successful or enough?
An introduction to a new resource - Where to Start: A Guide for Faith Leaders on Shifting Ground.
This resource tells the story of six Cooperative Baptist Fellowship partner churches and the creative ways they are using their facilities and property.
Subscribe
Insights is a bi-weekly e-newsletter for the religious community and fundraisers of faith-based organizations that provides:
- Reflections on important developments in the field of faith and giving
- Recommended books, studies and articles
- Upcoming Lake Institute events

