White House Faith Based and Community Initatives: Money, Religion and Government Grants

Faith based organizations across the United States provide food, counseling services, housing and more. Many in need know that they can turn to their church, synagogue or temple when they need help. Government funding is available to support these missions. Sadly most religious institutions are unaware that they can apply for this money.

Often churches and others close programs or choose not to fill a community need because they are unaware that they can apply for federal funding. Other times the organizations choose to hold small fund raisers which are time consuming and often do not yield enough money to fully maintain the program. Their good work becomes diluted by the need to struggle and obtain funding.

President Bill Clinton originated the idea that faith based organizations offered much to the community in the way of supports. He created the Charitable Choice Laws, which are part of what President George W. Bush has re-named the White House Faith Based and Community Imitative.

Service providers of faith are encouraged to apply for government funding, regardless of their religious beliefs. But there are a few rules to know. First the organization is prohibited from using federal funds to support any inherently religious activities such as worship, religious instruction, etc.

Some grants, for example the Community Service Block Grants may also require separate financial accounts or for employees to clearly record the use of their time.

The good news, for those wanting to convert or support clients in their faith, is this: services or religious instruction may be held before or after the federally funded activity. It must be optional. Another choice in getting the word out is having brochures, informative booklets or using the place of worship.

Religious Organizations wishing to apply for state funds do not, usually, have to be a nonprofit. The eligibility section of the solicitation will clearly state if for-profits and others may apply. However, some Federal, State, or local programs may impose such a requirement. It always advised by 4FundingSuccess to read the solicitation very carefully.

Despite the strong support from the current White House for this initiative, there is no new money earmarked just for the use of religious organizations. It is still a competition. Still, there are multiple resources to help faith based organizations find and apply for the grant money.

For support contact Legal Guidance, Compassion Capital Fund Assistance www.fbci.org. The catalog of many federal grants that are available at www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/grants-catalog-index.html. A more extensive list of all federal grants, as well as links for applications, is offered at www.grants.gov. Grants.gov is now used by all federal departments. It is the best resource for finding Federal Money that is announced as a competition. Remember that sometimes money is just disbursed. This choice is not announced until after the money has been targeted for a program. Either way the money is there and waiting.