Meredith McNabb explores the ways that generosity is regarded in different religious traditions.
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
Rev. Bruce Barkhauer offers suggestions on best practices for preaching about generosity in a Christian worship setting.
Rev. Rosanna Anderson reviews Peter Brown's book Through the Eye of the Needle and offers some applications for preaching and ministry in the Christian context.
This webinar explores the spiritual practices that support a vocation in development, advancing the mission of your organization.
Melissa Spas encourages religious organizations to focus on strategic communications for fundraising and advancement of mission.
Professor Tyrone McKinley Freeman highlights the life of Madam C.J. Walker and the roots of her generosity.
What Does Spirituality Mean to Us? A Study of Spirituality in the United States is a qualitative and quantitative inquiry into what spirituality looks like for people of all spiritual and religious backgrounds across the country.
David P. King, PhD shares highlights from the recent Covid-19 Congregational Study noting the many struggles congregations and their leaders are facing.
We are grateful that so many of our partners curated extensive lists of resources for religious organizations and congregations during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Rabbi Adam Miller explains how his congregation moved from a dues to a pledging model by focusing on the importance of relationships.
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

