Lynne Twist addresses the mindset of scarcity and how it grips us, rather than allowing us to see the sufficiency that is available to each of us in life.
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
Austin church turns a $100,000 gift into $10 million in medical debt relief.
Two Lutheran churches in Baltimore partnered to provide no interest loans up to $2,000 to community members.
This issue of Giving Magazine focuses on Stewardship and Mission, with articles and anecdotes outlining the role that mission plays in influencing generosity.
Eric Law highlights his book Holy Currency Exchange and how it can help congregations become more mission-focused.
Barbara Fullerton puts her study of congregational stewardship practices into action in a small town Canadian congregation.
Devoted to Generosity is a companion resource to Giving Magazine Volume 21, produced in 2019 by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. It includes campaign guidance, preaching guides, bible study/small group materials, worship/liturgy, children’s sermons, model letters and communication support.
How asset-based community development changed the way one pastor views abundance.
Leaders from Ferguson Commission, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Christian Theological Seminary reflect on the relationship of faith, philanthropy and social justice in the Black Church.
Dr. Shariq Siddiqui explains why research into Muslim philanthropy faces entrenched hurdles but has potential to illuminate the sector.
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

