October 30, 2003
Faith Based Grants
The Department of Health and Human Services announced 60 new grants to 'Faith Based' organizations totaling 8.1 million dollars. Of that 8.1 million, 5.6 million was split by 10 'faith based' organizations.
The purpose of these 10 grants, according HHS, is :
These grantees will provide training and technical assistance to strengthen faith-based and community groups. They also will award at least 25 percent of their grant money to grassroots organizations to build their capacity to assist individuals with particularly serious problems, such as homelessness, addiction or incarceration of a parent.
The purpose of this money is to give money to groups who will, partially, train other groups in how to apply for money, and partially give other groups money. How does the Government think it can make sure that the money , when it is redistributed, will not be used to preach?
Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to look at some of the groups, a little bit:
Northwest Leadership Foundation Tacoma,WA $740,438
Their website was under construction, though one of their partners had some information. Simply put, these efforts help answer the question, "Does God care about the city?" The biblical answer is yes! And for pastors, lay leaders, anyone heading up community efforts, this has worthy application for today's urban centers.
We Care America, Inc. Washington D.C.,DC $712,020
Fun Fact: In order to join WCA, your organization needs to sign an affirmation of the Lausanne Covenant as it's Statement of Belief, or Faith.
National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise Washington D.C,.DC $498,403
From the director:
Faith-based programs work because they start with the understanding that the problems these young people face are moral and spiritual. If faith-based leaders are able to turn youthful predators into ambassadors of peace without gun control or tv control, or free long-time substance abusers from their addictions, then their programs surely hold hope for the sons and daughters of the affluent.
Anyway, the HHS doesn't, as far as I can tell, tell you what the grants will be used for, and none of the sites I visited really laid out what they would use the money for either.
I guess we just need to have faith it'll be used correctly.
Comments:William Jenkins said (at January 23, 2004 10:54 AM):
Finding funding for Faith-Based groups in the Phoenix, AZ metropolis is almost an intergalactic venture. Please share whatever resources you have.
Thanks,
William
Henry said (at January 23, 2004 11:09 AM):
William, you seemed to miss to tone of my post, which is very anti-Faith-Based-Government-Funding.
Though, not wanting to be the angry liberal, I would suggest going to the Faith Based office on the White House Web Site.