We are excited to introduce Erica Dollhopf, Ph.D. as the first Associate Director of Research at Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. With a deep commitment to both congregational vitality and philanthropy, Erica brings a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective to our ongoing research initiatives. In this article, Erica shares her thoughts on the intersection of faith and giving, the research projects she’s most excited to explore in 2025, and the networks she’s involved in that align with Lake’s mission.

What drew you to this role of Associate Director of Research with Lake Institute, and what are some questions related to faith and giving that you are exciting to explore?

I was drawn this role because of the opportunity to combine my expertise in congregations and faith-based nonprofits with my interest in philanthropy, plus the ability to explore the research questions at these intersections across faith communities. I am particularly excited to expand my research on congregational vitality with the lens of giving in addition to engaging with Lake’s ongoing research, including the second wave of the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices (NSCEP).

What projects are you looking forward to in 2025?

• The second wave of the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices (NSCEP)
• The 2025 Faith Communities Today (FACT) Survey
• Continuing planning work for the 2030 US Religion Census (USRC)
• Identifying new research topics we would like to explore through our work at the Lake Institute

Will you share a little about the other networks you’re involved in that intersect with the work of Lake Institute?

• The Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB) – I am currently president of this organization; this organization discusses in-depth how different faith groups define, collect, and manage congregational data. Our annual meetings are a great opportunity to ensure that we are measuring data in ways that make sense across faith groups and continue to develop relationships with collaborative research partners. In addition, the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches and the US Religion Census (USRC) are both projects of ASARB; I am co-chairing the 2030 USRC.
• Faith Communities Today (FACT)/Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations (EPIC) – I am currently the research chair of FACT and am working with our FACT partners to develop the 2025 FACT survey, which will be in the field in the fall. The Lake Institute has been involved with FACT and EPIC for several years and I am excited to continue our involvement with this survey effort and further explore questions about faith and giving in congregations.
• The Religious Research Association (RRA) – this professional organization brings together applied religion researchers from both academic and non-academic settings. I am currently the secretary of the RRA’s board and look forward to learning about the work of our colleagues across institutions as well as share our research from the Lake Institute at upcoming meetings.

Anything else you’d like our constituents to know about you?

When I’m not researching, I am usually near some fabric or yarn – I am a fiber artist and I particularly enjoy quilting, crochet and embroidery. I usually get my best research ideas when I’m working on a fiber project!