Networks and Resources on Faith and Philanthropy

Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations is the nation’s oldest center dedicated to scholarly research, teaching, and publications designed to develop a dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation between Muslims and Christians.

Friends and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) is an association of privately endowed foundations sharing an interest in projects and institutions under Catholic sponsorship. Foundations seeking opportunities for networking, exchanging information, and interacting with Catholic leaders and scholars founded FADCIC in 1976.

Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) develops and maintains standards of accountability for evangelical nonprofit organizations.

Hartford Institute for Religion Research conducts policy-relevant research on trends in the practice of faith. Topics such as the movement of women into the role of clergy, assessment of trends in church membership, and changes in theological seminaries and in national denominational structures have all been subjects for institute researchers.

Jewish Funders Network is an organization of individual and institutional grantmakers committed to broadening the base and scope of Jewish philanthropy and advancing its effectiveness. To respond to the challenges of the twenty-first century and the evolving needs of the Jewish community, we seek to provide a forum for exposing the broadest range of contemporary creative and innovative thinking; to foster growth and vitality in Jewish giving; to encourage informed grantmaking to Jewish and secular causes that embody Jewish values; and to facilitate cooperation and partnerships among grantmakers.

The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving offers customized programs that translate data and giving trends into practical tools. Housed at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the Institute supports the development of research designed to explore the broad context of religious giving. Through public forums we engage practitioners, scholars, and the community in thoughtful conversation and reflection.

National Office on Philanthropy and the Black Church promotes the exchange of information and ideas between donor institutions and African American Churches in order to enhance the delivery of services and support for the disadvantaged African American community. The office is housed in the Foundation for the MidSouth.

Native Americans in Philanthropy seeks to increase the understanding and presence of organized philanthropy in native communities and to serve as a bridge between native people and organized philanthropy.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an international fellowship of Christian churches, built upon the foundation of encounter, dialogue and collaboration. The WCC was formed to serve and advance the ecumenical movement–the quest for restoring the unity of the church–by encouraging in its members a common commitment to follow the gospel.