Understanding the Regulations Related to the Faith-Based and Community Initiative

HHS has implemented certain regulatory reforms which ensure a level playing field for faith-based and community organizations.  The resources contained on this page seek to provide an overview of the regulations and how they pertain to faith-based organizations who receive federal funding.   

• Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based and Community Organizations
• Partnering with the Federal Government: Some Do's and Don'ts for Faith-Based Organizations
• Resources from other Agency Centers

HHS Regulations

While all four regulations related to the Faith-Based and Community Initiative apply uniquely to each program they govern, there are principles contained in almost all the regulations that we broadly refer to as Equal Treatment Principles. 

HHS Equal Treatment Regulations  [PDF-84.6KB]

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Charitable Choice Regulations [PDF - 109.19 KB]

ACF Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Charitable Choice Regulations [PDF - 47K]

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Charitable Choice Regulations  [PDF - 179K]

Resources from other Agency Centers

Technical Assistance Webcast on the Equal Treatment Regulations from the U.S. Department of Education

Equal Treatment Webcast from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Legal & Regulatory Guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor

Federal Funding Do’s & Don’ts from the U.S. Department of Justice

Effect of the Religious Freedom Act on Faith-Based Applicants for Grants (PDF 33.12KB) 

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