USDA is dedicated to ensuring a level playing
field that will allow the most effective organizations and programs --
whether faith-based or secular -- to partner with the federal government
to provide the best services to those who are in need. In 2004, USDA
issued a final general rule to ensure faith-based organizations will
receive equal treatment when competing for federal funding opportunities
within the framework of Constitutional church-state guidelines. This
policy applies the standards of equal treatment to all federal, state,
and local agencies, activities and programs, which are federally funded. |