Lake Institute on Faith & Giving

06/15/2026

In a conversation with Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee and Tasha Gibson, Vivian Long explains that The Long Family Foundation’s goal isn’t to make the organization’s mission specific.

Rather, they are focused on how the organization's mission can be inherited by future generations, allowing them to interpret faith, culture, and the needs of the plant based on their own lived experiences.

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

06/12/2026

Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) fall 2026 scholarship applications are now open! 💻

The Thomas H. Lake Scholarship provides $675 in financial support to help ECRF participants take part in this enriching experience. Ten scholarships are available for this scholarship cycle.

Applications are due by Monday, August 3, 2026. Applicants can expect to hear a decision from our team by the end of August.

Apply today: https://lakeinstitute.org/education/executive-certificate-in-religious-fundraising/ecrf-scholarship/

06/11/2026

Join us this November for an in-person ECRF course in partnership with Berkeley Divinity School at Yale!

The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is designed for religious leaders in faith-based organizations and institutions who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and gain a core foundation in fundraising principles.

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

06/10/2026

"Religious fundraising is not about money, it's about declaring a vision that is exciting and inviting others to partner with God" — Dr. Carlos Perkins

In his conversation with Dr. Martha Simmons, Dr. Perkins challenges fundraisers to shift their focus from dollars to mission and vision, emphasizing that fundraising is ultimately about inspiring others to participate in God's work.

Watch the conversation 💻

Made with Restream Studio. Livestream on 30+ platforms at once via ...

06/09/2026

are LIVE! 👏

Drawing on recent research from Givelify and philanthropic scholars, David P. King, PhD, examines the gap between religious donors’ desire to give consistently and their actual giving patterns.

In an Expanded Perspective, we are revisiting Rachel Perten’s Move Management framework, which complements David P. King's insights on the new 2026 Giving in Faith Report regarding the vital role of consistent congregational giving.

Read more at https://lakeinstitute.org/resource-library/insights/june-9-2026/

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....