PC Partners with Lake Institute on Faith and Giving to Offer Course on Religious Fundraising
February 20, 2023
Religious leaders in faith-based organizations and institutions throughout the southeast have an opportunity to discover more about the joys of generosity.
Presbyterian College is teaming up with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Lake Institute on Faith and Giving to offer the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising beginning this May.
The ECRF is designed for religious leaders to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and gain a core foundation in fundraising principles. The program provides research, tools, and training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers for faith-based organizations.
“Throughout its storied history, PC has consistently served humanity by developing creative solutions to important societal challenges,” said president Dr. Matthew vandenBerg. “Working together, PC and the Lake Institute – the world’s foremost thought leader on religious fundraising – will equip and empower leaders to build healthier faith communities through enhanced congregational engagement and fundraising efforts.”
The ECRF focuses on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. The certification course is a hybrid of in-person and online instruction featuring faculty presentations, interactive discussion, selected readings, and a final project that addresses the following:
- Nurturing generous congregations and organizations
- Nurturing generous donors
- The practice of religious fundraising
- Integrating religious leadership and fundraising
The Rev. Dr. Buz Wilcoxon, PC’s chaplain and dean of spiritual life, encouraged fellow clergy and lay leaders to enroll.
“I have seen firsthand the value and impact of the ECRF program,” Wilcoxon said. “It creates a unique learning environment that expands participants’ practical skills, strategic focus, and theological grounding in the art of faith-based fundraising. I am thrilled that PC is able to offer this incredible program for the first time in the southeast region!”
The class begins with a two-and-half day in-person training session on May 22-24 at Westminster Presbyterian Church on 2310 Augusta Street in Greenville. There are three additional online teaching sessions, followed by the final practical application project.
The deadline for registration is April 15. For more information, go to www.presby.edu/academics/graduate-professional/lake-institute/ or contact director of church relations Perrin Tribble at [email protected]. For more information on the certificate program and final project requirements, visit the Lake Institute at www.lakeinstitute.org/ecrf.
