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From crushing student debt to struggling seminaries to half empty church pews, much of the landscape of seminaries and finances seems bleak. As traditional funding sources change, the need to understand and gain mastery of fundraising is becoming increasingly important for theological schools. Offering research, tools, and customized training, the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is a bright spot during these challenging times.

Customized for the needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers for faith-based organizations, the ECRF is a four-day intensive course capped with a practical application project. By exploring the participants’ values and beliefs concerning fundraising and theology, the ECRF focuses on cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions.

Through its focus on God’s abundance, the ECRF helps awaken a positive, spiritual way of approaching fundraising. The course offers tools on cultivating a culture of generosity as well as keys to building organizational structure to nurture giving. Open to all faith traditions, this program is part of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and is hosted at seminaries and institutions across the country. For information on registration, recommended readings, and upcoming classes, check out Lake Institute on Faith and Giving.

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Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m. (ET)

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to register.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

FEBRUARY 22, 2024, 1 PM (ET)

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Join us for this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle. Click to register.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 1

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action.

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