Lake Institute on Faith & Giving

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. ⬇️

Habitat for Humanity—More Than Just Building HousesThe Story Behind Lake Institute on Faith & Giving 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....

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/

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/

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/

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

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

Since 2013, the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) has been a cornerstone educational program of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving.

In early 2026, an ECRF in-person course was held in partnership with the NC Rural Center, bringing together 36 pastoral leaders committed to strengthening their ministries.

Read more on the blog 🔗 https://lakeinstitute.org/ecrf-cornerstone/

Lake Institute on Faith & Giving is deeply connected to the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP), where everyone from first-year students to established leaders explores what it means to practice generosity in today’s world. 🫶🌎

We asked several LFSOP students how their studies and work with Lake Institute have shaped their understanding of faith and giving.

Their responses reflect a wide range of experiences, from those just beginning their journey to those building on years of work in their communities. Together, they offer a powerful glimpse into how the next generation of philanthropic leaders is reimagining the field.

Read more on the blog 🔗 https://lakeinstitute.org/lfsop-students-26/