News Release

HHS Makes Funding Available to Strengthen Non-Profits, Faith Based Groups

Strengthening Communities Fund is Supported by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the availability of grants worth $50 million from the Strengthening Communities Fund, a new fund created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The fund will strengthen nonprofit and faith-based organizations that aid families and communities who are struggling in the economic downturn.

The Strengthening Communities Fund (SCF) is divided into two parts. The Nonprofit Capacity Building program will make one-time, two-year awards of up to $1 million to lead organizations that will use the funds to support other faith-based or secular nonprofit organizations.

The State, Local and Tribal Government Capacity Building program will make one-time, two-year awards of up to $250,000 to state, city, county and Indian/Native American tribal governments. Governments will use these grants to strengthen nonprofit organizations and increase the nonprofits’ involvement in projects that help turn our economy around.

Grantees for both programs must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved cost of the project from non-federal funds. This match may be met by cash or in-kind contributions.

HHS’ Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services will administer the SCF programs. Applicants interested in applying for funds should visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/recovery.html.

The activities described in this release are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress of HHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visit www.recovery.gov.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: July 30, 2009