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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives?

Answer: In January 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels created the OFBCI to insure that the faith-based institutions of Indiana were provided equal access to state and federal resources and services. With the establishment of the OFBCI, the responsibilities of the OFBCI were folded in under the auspices of this new office. Together the OFBCI with assistance from the Indiana Commission on Community Service and Volunteerism, provides information, training, technical assistance and limited grant funding to both community based and faith-based organizations seeking to make Indiana a better place to live for all citizens.

Question: Are there grants available from the government specifically for faith-based organizations?

Answer: No.  However, faith-based and community organizations are eligible to compete with other organizations for government grants and contracts.  State and Federal programs often have different eligibility requirements for their programs, which you should consult before applying.  However, the fact that your organization is faith-based will not exclude you from participation in these programs.

Question: What is AmeriCorps?

Answer: AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.  AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation.  AmeriCorps is made up of three programs: AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).  The OFBCI administers the AmeriCorps*State program in Indiana. 

Question: What is a volunteer center?

Answer: Volunteer centers match volunteers with meaningful opportunities at local non-profit organizations.  They promote volunteerism and recognize volunteers in their communities.  Many offer training to non-profit staff to more effectively work with volunteers.

Question: How many people in Indiana volunteer?

Answer: In 2006, 1.52 million Hoosier volunteers dedicated 242.8 million hours of service.

Question: What is Body & Soul?

Answer: Body & Soul is a wellness program developed for African American churches.  African-Americans are at high risk for many serious and often fatal diseases.  These include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.  The program empowers church members to eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day for better health.  Churches that embrace Body & Soul help their members take care of their bodies as well as their spirits.  Body & Soul works by combining:  pastoral leadership, educational activities, a church environment that supports health eating, and peer counseling.

Question: How can I become a participating congregation of Body & Soul?

Answer: The Body & Soul collaborative provides technical assistance workshops for prospective congregants bi-annually.  This workshop provides the congregation with general information about Body & Soul and how to implement the program accordingly.  In order to attend the workshop, you must send the pastor, and/or the person your congregation would like to designate as program coordinator.  In order to find more information on the next available workshop, please contact the OFBCI at 317-233-4273.