Hartford International University Receives Grant to Extend Post-Pandemic Study & Analysis

Hartford International University has been awarded a three-year, $1,575,923 continuation grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the next phase of a five-year study conducted by its Hartford Institute for Religion Research (HIRR) titled Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations (EPIC): Innovation Amidst and Beyond COVID-19.

The project has generated a rich longitudinal dataset that captures congregational adaptation, resilience, innovation, and transformation in unprecedented detail.

Since receiving an initial Lilly Endowment grant in 2021 to support EPIC, HIRR, in partnership with Faith Communities Today, has conducted the most comprehensive empirical study of congregational life in the United States during and after the pandemic.

The project has included multiple national surveys, a longitudinal panel, an attender survey with over 24,000 respondents, and in-depth fieldwork at 81 case-study congregations. The final survey was conducted in the spring of 2026.

During the new grant period, from July 2026 through June 2029, the study will shift its focus from immediate analysis and reporting to sustained interpretation and comprehensive analysis, HUI officials explained. It will also prioritize strategic dissemination through collaborative applied scholarship, broader public communication, and archival efforts.

Among several key activities for expanded communication and dissemination, the project will produce peer-reviewed journal articles, at least three academic monographs, practitioner reports, clergy reflections, and roughly 30 journalistic pieces.

It will also host two major conferences: one convening congregational researchers and the EPIC advisory group, and another engaging clergy and denominational leaders. In an effort to enhance long-term accessibility and impact, HIRR is redesigning its website to more fully integrate EPIC materials, results, and reports into a cohesive digital platform.

“This continuation grant reflects the Hartford Institute's longstanding commitment to producing research that is both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to the work of congregations,” said HIRR Director Allison Norton. “This next phase represents an exciting opportunity to deepen our analysis of one of the most significant studies of American congregational life ever undertaken, allowing us to move beyond documenting change to understanding what those changes mean for congregations, denominational and clergy leaders, and scholars.”

HIRR Director Allison Norton will step into the role of Principal Investigator for this continuation phase. Scott Thumma, who led the project as Principal Investigator since its founding, retired from Hartford International in June 2026 but will remain engaged as a consultant, providing continuity through the leadership transition. Charissa Mikoski will continue in her essential role as Research Faculty, taking the lead on ongoing data preparation and analysis. Postdoctoral researchers and communications specialists will continue to play critical roles in advanced analysis, manuscript development, digital communication, and conference coordination.

“The body of research produced by HIRR has been impressive,” said President Sherry L. Turner. “The continued support of Lilly Endowment enables the Institute to sustain its rigorous, applied work—listening to faith communities, studying what they need most, and translating findings into insights leaders can use. This work is vitally important because it not only helps congregations become more resilient, it also advances HIU’s mission and vision of preparing leaders and scholars to understand and live faithfully in a diverse, multi-faith, pluralistic world.”