We welcome your financial support and partnership in our efforts to build knowledge and strengthen communities.
CRCC has worked with foundations, public agencies, corporations and individuals to further a shared commitment to creating thriving leaders, organizations and communities.
Why support our work?
Faith actors have the moral and social capital to create positive change in society. They are in every community, yet they often act in isolation from each other and from others seeking similar goals. We equip leaders to come together and apply their faith commitments to improving their local communities and the larger society.
When we are successful…
- Communities are empowered to lead change. They organize and represent their interests with elected officials.
- Faith leaders embrace the role of public leadership. They write op-eds, create social media campaigns and talk with media about pressing social issues.
- Congregations become hubs for economic empowerment. They connect community members with career development resources, and they help members navigate critical financial decisions.
- Faith-based organizations contribute to community flourishing. They build low-income housing, create jobs, offer services and nurture a culture of belonging.
- Young people unlock their potential. They come to understand the role of religion in society, how this fits in their own journeys, and are inspired to pursue leadership within congregations or organizations.
How can I help?
After 30 years of creating research insights and programs to support leaders, CRCC envisions providing consistent research and professional development opportunities that would allow us to proactively address the needs of local leaders and students at USC.
Your gift could allow us to:
- Produce Essential Research on Religion in Los Angeles:
- Provide student internships/research opportunities to help the next generation of scholars understand the role of religion in society
- Continually track faith-based interventions on critical, timely issues
- Quickly assemble research teams to document the role of faith leaders as they address emerging crises, such as the 2025 LA Fires and the community upheaval caused by the 2025 ICE raids.
- Work with students, journalists, documentarians to tell stories of religion and social change
- Support Leaders:
- Host public conversations on critical social issues, trends in religion and the faith-based landscape of Southern California through
- Establish The Cecil L. Murray Lecture Series as a vehicle to bring knowledge and application about religion and public life to scholars and faith leaders
- Train cohorts of faith leaders or students on how to exercise their leadership in the public sphere
- Provide consulting for faith leaders and organizations on community development, civic engagement, and storytelling.
Faith organizations are in every community and can be critical nodes for doing good in their surrounding environments. CRCC is committed to the idea that the world is enriched when people bring their religious values into dialogue with others, in the interest of strengthening a pluralistic and participative public sphere and creating a just society.
Give today
Equip Leaders to Transform Communities
At USC, more than 1,000 faith leaders have been trained in Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray’s method of leadership, civic engagement and community development. CRCC’s community work is rooted in and inspired by Rev. Murray’s work. Our goal is to further his efforts among new generations of leaders as they face new religious, social and political challenges.
Life lived to its fullest potential depends upon a circle of mutuality, a circle of support.
Support Our Work
Together, we can make Los Angeles into a model for faith-based civic engagement and positive social change.