Lake Institute on Faith & Giving

06/08/2026

Last week, we gathered for a special event, Revolutionary Religion: How Voluntary Action and Religion Shaped the American Revolution.🇺🇸

In partnership with WFYI, Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture, and Indiana University Spirit & Place, the event commemorated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Together, we invited members of the Central Indiana community to explore how religion and voluntary action helped shape the American Revolution and to consider how these forces continue to influence civic life, community engagement, and public discourse today.

A special shoutout to our own Tasha Gibson, whose creativity, leadership, and hard work helped bring this special event to life! 🎉

06/08/2026

✨ New are coming tomorrow!

This week in Insights: Explore the connection between consistent congregational giving and intentional donor engagement.

Subscribe now to stay connected! 🔗 https://bit.ly/LakeInstituteInsights

06/04/2026

What was your earliest memory of giving or receiving? 🤔

Vivian Long reflects on her memory of receiving Lāi sì from her grandmother during important celebrations. But, the gift was more than the red envelope, it was the special hand written notes that came with them.

Listen to the full interview at https://lakeinstitute.org/resource-library/insights/may-26-2026/

06/02/2026

Explore The Faithful Generosity Story Shelf today! 📚

This story collection highlights congregations and other religious groups who are using their assets and resources in creative ways as an expression of faithful giving. Each story is short enough to read and discuss during a committee meeting or other group gathering. Use these accessible vignettes to spark new questions, conversation, and imagination with your leaders about funds, buildings, land, and other resources in your care.

Explore today at https://lakeinstitute.org/resources/faithful-generosity-story-shelf/

05/29/2026

ICYMI: The Story of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving 🌟

Inspired by the generosity of Thomas and Marjorie Lake, our work explores a powerful idea: how faith shapes generosity—and how generosity, in turn, shapes communities.

Discover the story behind Lake Institute and the values that continue to guide us today. ⬇️

Today, Lake Institute convenes scholars, practitioners, congregational and faith based leaders, and community leaders to deepen understanding about the connections between faith and giving. But, the story of Lake Institute begins long before its founding in 2002, with the life and values of Tom and....

05/28/2026

Grow your skills and deepen your impact with the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) in-person course this fall! 🍂

This offering of ECRF is sponsored by Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and held at Mercy by the Sea retreat center in Madison, CT.

🗓️ November 3-5, 2026

Secure your spot today at https://lakeinstitute.org/education/executive-certificate-in-religious-fundraising/ecrf-schedule/nov2026/

05/26/2026

Insights are LIVE ‼️

In this thoughtful conversation, Vivian Long and Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee explore the intersection of philanthropy, lived religion, and cultural identity, centering the experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Drawing from their personal histories and ancestral roots, Vivian and Elizabeth reflect on how culture, faith, and philanthropy have shaped their approaches to generosity and leadership.

Read more 👉 https://lakeinstitute.org/resource-library/insights/may-26-2026/

05/25/2026

Join us for Revolutionary Religion: How Voluntary Action and Religion Shaped the American Revolution!

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this program invites members of the Central Indiana community to ponder how religion and voluntary action shaped the American Revolution and how these themes reverberate throughout history, even to the current moment.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 3 | 6:00 PM EST
📍 Eskenazi Hall | Herron School of Art and Design

Event Speakers ⬇️

Elisabeth S. Clemens is William Rainey Harper Distinguished Service Professor of Sociology and the College at the University of Chicago. Her research explores the role of social movements and organizational innovation in political change.

James P. Byrd is Professor of American Religious History, Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair of Wesleyan Studies, and Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Research.

Learn more by visiting https://lakeinstitute.org/annual-events/special-events/

05/25/2026

Insights are hitting your inbox tomorrow 📥

Drawing from their personal histories and ancestral roots, Vivian Long and Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee reflect on how culture, faith, and philanthropy have shaped their approaches to generosity and leadership.

Subscribe now to stay connected! 🔗 https://bit.ly/LakeInstituteInsights

05/22/2026

In the latest Anthony L. Heaven, PhD, Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, reflects on how LFSOP serves as a diverse, collaborative space where students bring varied faith traditions, moral perspectives, and even skepticism into their study of giving. Rather than forming a single viewpoint, students engage in deeper exploration of how their beliefs shape their understanding of generosity, justice, and responsibility.

Read his full reflection ➡️ https://lakeinstitute.org/resource-library/insights/may-12-2026/ -perspective