Lake Institute on Faith and Giving
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.
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.
The Center for the Church and the Black Experience and Lake Institute on Faith & Giving were proud to co-host the 2025 Symposium on Philanthropy and the Black Church. Focused on faith communities in the Black Church, the event united leaders across sectors to build trust, foster strategic partnerships, and reimagine philanthropy through the lens of faith, legacy, and mutual respect.
Erica Dollhopf, Ph.D., Meredith McNabb, and Dr. Carlos Perkins explore the newest data on religious giving and share key insights from the Giving USA 2025 report.
Elizabeth Lynn reflects on a crucial report from The Generosity Commission, examining recent declines in American generosity and providing valuable insights on how we can address these challenges. Her article highlights the report's findings and recommendations, urging us to engage in meaningful discussions and actions to support and rejuvenate the spirit of giving and volunteering in our communities.
Reflections on Lake Institute's 2024 Thought Leaders Convening: This brief report summarizes what we heard about what leaders can do on the shifting ground of faith and giving, and what kinds of help is needed to lead well.
Explore the deeper significance of giving in religious contexts, as Meredith McNabb highlights how spiritual and communal factors elevate gifts beyond the bottom line. Danielle Segal adds insight into Jewish traditions, explaining how numbers like 18 hold special meaning in charitable giving.
Across the globe, people raised within the contours of Judaism, Islam, Protestant Christianity, and Catholicism have all encountered religious teachings about the spiritual value of giving to benefit others. Here are tidbits Herzog has gathered over the years regarding calls to be generous in faith traditions.
Beth McMullen Daniel explores how the Faithful Generosity Story Shelf powered by Lake Institute on Faith & Giving provides a beacon of hope and innovation for faith communities.
George Shears III, D.Min. discusses the critical role philanthropy plays in sustaining the Black church.
David King and Elizabeth Lynn discuss the resources faith leaders need in order to make crucial turns on the shifting ground of faith and giving today.
Elizabeth Lynn and David King discuss what faith leaders can do in response to the reported changes in faith and giving.
A Presbyterian church transforms their unused manse (minister's house) into a home for Afghan refugees, and serve as community for the home's first tenants.
A closed church reopens as a worship space for Spanish-speaking immigrants, offering healing sound therapy.
Insights is a bi-weekly e-newsletter for the religious community and fundraisers of faith-based organizations that provides: