INDIANAPOLIS—A newly endowed leadership role at the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving will enable the institute to assist more clergy, congregations and other faith organizations.
The Karen Lake Buttrey Directorship, the institute’s top executive position, will be supported by a $1.5 million endowment gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
The Lake Institute, a part of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, is the nation’s only university-based institute dedicated to examining the integral relationships between faith and philanthropy. Through research, discussion forums and training, it helps religious leaders and organizations, donors and the public understand and address issues related to faith, money and giving. The institute was created through the vision and generosity of its founder, Karen Lake Buttrey, in honor of her parents, Thomas H. and Marjorie Lytle Lake.
“Because of Karen’s leadership, the Lake Institute and the Center on Philanthropy are able to create new knowledge about faith and philanthropy, and to help faith communities and donors increase the impact of giving,” said Patrick M. Rooney, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy. “This generous gift in her memory will ensure that we can attract people with exceptional expertise and experience to lead the Lake Institute in the future.”
The Karen Lake Buttrey Director will guide the institute’s planning and programming, provide intellectual leadership, conduct and oversee research and offer public presentations. By permanently funding the director’s position, the gift will allow the Center to redirect existing resources to other aspects of the institute’s work, Rooney said.
“As a result of this wonderful gift, we will explore new opportunities for programs and research, and we anticipate expanding our outreach to more clergy and communities,” said Bill Enright, director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. “Karen’s wisdom and insight guided the Lake Institute’s formative years, and this endowment will sustain it to serve future generations. Naming the directorship in her honor will bring additional meaning and guidance to our work.” Enright will be the first institute director to hold the Karen Lake Buttrey Directorship.
“Karen Lake Buttrey turned her parents’ example of quiet faith and generosity into a nationally respected, academic institute that builds knowledge and provides invaluable resources,” said Charles R. Bantz, chancellor of Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and executive vice president of Indiana University. “The new endowment memorializes her commitment to the study of faith and philanthropy and supports IU Indianapolis in serving the local, national and international community.”
The institute that Buttrey envisioned and helped the Center on Philanthropy develop assists congregations and donors in pursuing their philanthropic passions.
“Karen once said of creating the Lake Institute that ‘this gift has transformed my life;’ it is a gift that filled her with joy and allowed her to grow and to expand her life in many ways,” said Gene Tempel, president of Indiana University Foundation. “The directorship gift will be transformational for the Lake Institute and will help so many others find meaning and purpose in their giving.” The IU Foundation will administer and invest the gift.
About the Center on Philanthropy
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University is a leading academic center dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice worldwide through research, teaching, training and public affairs programs in philanthropy, fundraising, and management of nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu.