David P. King, Ph.D. summarizes the latest Giving USA report and envisions the future of religious giving.
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
Let’s Talk About Resources is a free tool designed to help religious leaders and congregations explore how they can use to their resources in service to their local community.
Melissa Spas brings forward the many ways religious organizations have adapted and can adapt in the future.
Meredith McNabb reminds us that generosity is learned, which means we all have a role to play in teaching the younger generations.
David P. King, Ph.D. invites religious leaders to ask the essential questions that will lead organizations to deeper clarity of mission.
Co-Founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation, Muhi Khwaja, highlights the diversity of Muslim giving during the month of Ramadan.
Melissa Spas points out the challenges faith-based organizations have always faced, but now in a new context.
Members of The Bridgespan Group highlight their recent report on the role of faith-inspired organizations in the United States.
Elizabeth Lynn reflects back on the Distinguished Visitor Dialogue and shares some of her take-aways.
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows and David Dodson reflect together on the role of faith and philanthropy in meeting the challenges of our common life.
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

