David P. King

David P. King is the Karen Lake Buttrey Director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He joined IU Indianapolis in 2014 after serving as Assistant Professor of Christian History at Memphis Theological Seminary.

Education

• Ph.D. in Historical Studies, Graduate Department of Religion, Emory University
• Master of Divinity, Summa Cum Laude, Duke Divinity School
• Bachelor of Arts in History, Summa Cum Laude, Samford University

As an American religious historian, King examines 20th/21st century faith communities, focusing on how religious identity shapes faith-based nonprofits in areas like humanitarianism, congregational economics, and global philanthropy. His research combines historical analysis with contemporary interdisciplinary collaborations to build the field of religion and philanthropy.

King's publications reveal a focus on Christian humanitarian organizations, child sponsorship evolution, and faith-driven financial practices. His work bridges academic rigor with practical applications through executive training and media engagement.

Scientific Awards

• 25 Most Influential Philanthropic Experts (2016)
• Forty under 40, Indianapolis Business Journal (2018)
• Young Scholar in American Religion, Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture (2013-2015)
• Wabash Center’s Pre-Tenure Theological School Faculty Workshop
• Sydney E. Mead Prize, American Society of Church History

King teaches courses on Religion and Philanthropy and Ethical Perspectives on Philanthropy. With nearly $5 million in grant funding, he co-leads the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices and contributes to major outlets like The Washington Post and NPR.