Faith-Based and Community Initiatives: Guidance


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Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government

"The indispensable and transforming work of faith-based and other charitable service groups must be encouraged. Government cannot be replaced by charities, but it can and should welcome them as partners. We must heed the growing consensus across America that successful government social programs work in fruitful partnership with community-serving and faith-based organizations."

~ President George W. Bush

Table of Contents

Entire Document (PDF format)

Introduction

Helping Those in Need: An Overview of the Federal Grants Process

What kinds of grants are available from the Federal government?

How can my organization find out about Federal grants?

How do I go about applying for a Federal grant?

We are a small organization and we can't afford to hire a grant writer, accountant, and lawyer to help us seek a Federal grant. Is there any help for us?

Is there any money specifically set aside for faith-based organizations?

What if I apply for a Federal grant, but my request is turned down?

What are some of the legal obligations that come along with a Federal grant?

Partnering with the Federal Government: Some Do's and Don'ts for Faith-Based Organizations

What are the rules on funding religious activity with Federal money?

If I cannot take government money to support religious activity, how do I separate our religious activities from our Federally-funded social service program?

Can people who receive Federally-funded services from us also participate in our religious activities?

What about religious activities that we have with our staff and volunteers in the presence of those whom we are helping?

If someone asks me about my faith, can I share it with them?

Can we use Federal funds to purchase religious materials or materials that are faith-filled?

We are a faith-based organization. Can Federal funds be used to pay the salary of a member of our staff?

What if we have someone on our staff who works for a government-sponsored program only part-time?

Will the way in which our faith-based organization hires employees change if we receive Federal funding?

If our organization receives Federal funds, can it choose not to provide services to some people?

What will happen if we violate any of these rules?

Does our religious organization have to form a special nonprofit organization in order to receive Federal funding?

Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Providers

Can we use facility space on our church property to provide a Federal service, and if we do, do we have to take down our religious symbols inside?

My organization has a religious name and its chartering documents contain religious references. Is it still eligible to receive Federal funding?

My organization has a requirement that the members of its governing board be members of our faith. Is it still eligible to receive Federal funding?

If our faith-based organization takes government money, will the government secularize our organization?

Charitable Choice: The Facts

What are the key points of the Charitable Choice laws?

Do the Charitable Choice laws mean that faith-based organizations can apply for funds only from these four Federal programs?

Do the Charitable Choice laws mean that faith-based organizations get "special treatment"?

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