Way to Give

A Guide to Connecting, Giving and Asset Building

Posted January 2, 2005
By the Center for Social Development, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis
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Summary

The report provides an overview of the religious perspective on giving and includes references to what has been learned from the literature.  It includes a summary of the challenges associated with giving and how congregations have moved from tithing to asset building.  Along with multiple descriptions of congregational efforts involving asset building, the document also includes a framework for exploring whether a congregation is ready to embrace asset building strategies.  

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations

Key Takeaway

Linking Congregational Tithing to Asset Building

Religious congregations may not have the capacity to connect tithing systems to asset building activities. The institutional capacity of congregations is dependent upon expectations, access, incentives, information and facilitation/support. When these factors are present, congregations are more likely to be able to create assets that benefit individuals, the congregation and community.