Lake Institute on Faith & Giving

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Fosters a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between faith and giving

Lake Institute on Faith & Giving fosters a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between faith and giving, through research, education, and public conversation.

10/14/2026

St. Augustine famously described our obligations to others in terms of circles of connection, with those closest to us at the center. But Meghan Sullivan, PhD, explores how the Parable of the Good Samaritan challenges that framework.

The Samaritan and the injured man had no relationship or connection to one another. What connected them was the man’s vulnerability. The parable invites us to consider what it means to care for our fellow humans, even when they exist outside our immediate circles of family, friends, and community. 🌎

Watch the replay 🎥 link in bio

10/13/2026

In her response to Lana Miller’s Insights article, Elizabeth Le’Anani Coffee reflects on the Hawaiian word “waiwai,” connecting wealth to the movement and flow of water. 🌊

She considers how generosity, like water, is meant to move rather than accumulate, and invites readers to reflect on what they have inherited about wealth, where abundance is pooling in their lives, and how small practices of generosity can shape a community over time.

Read her reflection ➡️ visit our website or click the link in our bio

10/13/2026

Apply for an ECRF Scholarship Today! 📝⭐️

Scholarship applications are now open for the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) course. Applications will remain open through October 30, 2026, and recipients will be notified by the end of November.

Apply today by visiting our website or click the link in our bio!

10/09/2026

In new , Lana Miller explores how biblical understandings of God’s abundance can inspire communities to practice generosity, reciprocity, and mutual care. 🫶

Drawing on a creative worship service she led, she encouraged congregants to bring food, household items, talents, time, and financial gifts to share with others. Miller reflects on how giving from what we have in abundance can cultivate gratitude, strengthen community, and remind us that there is always someone who can receive what we have to give.

Read more 🔗 link in bio

10/08/2026

Have you heard? Lake Institute on Faith & Giving is awarding a total of $33,500, distributed in three payments, to a selected Doctoral Dissertation Fellow!🎓

Applications are now open for the Lake Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, supporting research at the intersection of faith and giving.

This dynamic intersection is enriched by scholarship across many disciplines. We define faith and giving broadly and welcome scholars whose work connects to these areas, even if their research is not traditionally situated within religious or philanthropic fields.

Faith may include Western and Eastern religions, spirituality and spiritual practices, emerging belief systems, and more.

Giving may include philanthropy, volunteering, mutual aid, prosocial behavior, and other forms of generosity.

📅 Application due: Sunday, January 17, 2027
🎓 Fellow selected: February 2027
📚 Fellowship period: Fall 2027–Fall 2028

Learn more about the fellowship benefits and application process: visit our website or link in our bio!

10/07/2026

Grants, Grants, and more Grants! 📝

Foundations and religious organizations are doing meaningful work to address community needs, yet too often, leaders on both sides don’t know how to connect with one another.

Foundations can benefit from the expertise, relationships, and community access that religious organizations bring. Religious organizations can benefit from the resources, connections, and perspectives that funders can offer.

In our latest blog, the Lake Institute team explores what can happen when these two sectors get to know one another and discover opportunities to work together.

Read the full blog on our website (link in bio)

10/06/2026

Check out our latest 💡

Lana Miller and Elizabeth Le’Anani Coffee explore what it means to understand wealth and abundance as something meant to be shared rather than accumulated. Through Miller’s story of a congregation putting its abundance into motion and Coffee’s reflection on the Hawaiian concept of waiwai, they invite readers to consider how generosity, gratitude, and small practices of giving can shape communities.

Read the issue: click the link in our bio!

10/05/2026

Are you ready for new Insights tomorrow?! 🌟

Explore abundance and generosity through Lana Miller’s worship practice and Elizabeth Le’Anani Coffee’s reflection on wealth, water, and the movement of gifts through community.

Subscribe now to stay connected! 🔗 click the link in our bio

10/05/2026

New funding opportunities ⬇️

At Lake Institute, we see faith communities as more than places of worship. They are hubs of care, connection, and generosity in their neighborhoods, and often the first to notice when a neighbor is in need. That’s why we’re glad to share news of three new competitive grant initiatives from the Lilly Endowment. Each one invests in how people of faith show up for others, whether down the street or on a college campus.

Check out our recent blog to learn about the three new Lilly Endowment grants and who should apply! Click the link in our bio to (LinkTree) to view the blog.

10/02/2026

Share this with someone you know! 📢 Lake Institute on Faith & Giving is now accepting applications for the Lake Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship!

This fellowship is designed for research at the intersection of faith and giving. The dynamic conversation at this intersection is enriched by scholarship across many disciplines. We define faith and giving broadly, and we invite scholars to consider how their work may connect, even if they are not situated within religious or philanthropic fields of study. Faith includes Western and Eastern religions, spirituality and spiritual practices, emerging belief systems, and more. Giving includes philanthropy, volunteering, mutual aid, prosocial behavior, and other forms of generosity.

Important Fellowship Information:
⭐️ Receive three award payments totaling $33,500
⭐️ Application due date: Sunday, January 17, 2027
⭐️ Fellow selected: February 2027
⭐️ Fellowship period: Fall 2027 – Fall 2028

Learn more about the Fellowship and apply today: https://lakeinstitute.org/research/fellowships/dissertation/

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University Hall, Suite 3000, 301 N. University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN
46202

Website

https://lakeinstitute.org/, https://linktr.ee/lakeinstitute

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