Faith-Based & Community Organizations FAQs

Charitable Choice Law

• Do the Charitable Choice laws mean that faith-based organizations get “special treatment”?
• Do the Charitable Choice laws mean that faith-based organizations can apply for funds only from the four Charitable Choice Federal programs specified in the law?
• Where can I find information about the Faith-Based and Community Initiative?
• Is there any money specifically set aside for faith-based organizations?
• Are faith-based organizations the only group required to adhere to the restrictions on use of HHS funds?

Finding Federal Funds

• How can my faith-based or community organization find out about Federal grants?
• Are there grants available specifically for faith-based organizations?

Use of Federal Funds for Religious Activities

• 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 we use Federal funds to purchase religious materials or materials that are faith-oriented?
• Does our religious organization have to form a special nonprofit organization in order to receive Federal funding?
• We are a faith-based organization. Can Federal funds be used to pay the salary of a member of our staff?
• What about religious activities that we have with our staff and volunteers in the presence of those whom we are helping?
• Can people who receive Federally-funded services from us also participate in our religious activities?

Impact of Federal Funds on Faith-Based Organizations

• If our faith-based organization takes government money, will the government secularize our organization?
• 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?
• Do we have to take down our religious symbols inside while providing government-funded services?
• If our organization receives Federal funds, can it choose not to provide services to some people?
• What if we have someone on our staff who works for a government-sponsored program only part-time? Can they be funded with Federal grant funds?
• If we are providing a government-funded service and someone receiving services asks me about my faith, can I share it with them?
• What will happen if we violate any of the restrictions pertaining to religious activity?

Visit the Center for Faith Based and Community Initiatives for more information.