A Detroit church has created a community haven where visitors can not only find spiritual support and connection, but can clean their clothes, too.

A chance encounter with a man experiencing homelessness led to a comprehensive church-based ministry to help the most vulnerable in the community.

When a church member deeded a large plot of land to his church, the congregation leased 80 acres for solar farms, leading to a surplus of income and the Gratitude Project.

In an effort to make amends, the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland established a $1 million reparations fund to benefit Black communities.

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.

Students from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy share their reflections on the intersections of faith, philanthropy, and the future. Kathi Badertscher celebrates the achievements of this year's graduates, recognizing their dedication to making a positive impact in the world through philanthropy.

Dustin Benac and Pat Bray share reflections from a recent pilgrimage exploring how theological education can more deeply engage spiritual entrepreneurship. Kelly Dunlap invites us to consider storytelling as its own kind of journey, opening space for discovery, reflection, and faithful imagination through the Faithful Generosity Story Shelf.

At this crucial moment, when homelessness is exploding, affordable housing is diminishing, and segregated communities are increasingly common, we need to ask the question – “Are our built environments fundamentally immoral?” In this year’s talk, Dr. Jennings invites us to imagine how a faithful practice of giving might build new realities of community in our towns and cities.

David P. King, Ph.D., reflects on the legacy and impact of the Thomas H. Lake Lecture as we celebrate its 20th anniversary, while this year’s lecturer, Dr. Willie Jennings, challenges us to think about the ties between philanthropy, religious giving, and private property.

Have you explored the full range of tools in Lake Institute's Resource Library? Anne Brock highlights a variety of resources designed to spark generosity, build stronger connections, and inspire innovation in your organization. In an Expanded Perspective, Rev. Stephanie Anthony shares how her experience with Lake Institute profoundly deepened her understanding of stewardship and generosity.