How Can Faith-Based Organizations Get Government Grants?
What exactly is a faith-based organization? A faith-based organization might be a hospital, a nursing home, or a rehab center. A faith-based organization is one whose values are centered on faith and/ or beliefs, and that has a specific mission founded on religious beliefs of the individual’s particular religion, rather than a universalist approach to life. Many faith-based organizations to provide services for those who have been injured or are suffering from terminal illness, as well as opportunities for help for those with other needs, such as spiritual or drug rehabilitation. faith-based organizations also tend to be very involved in social issues such as poverty, social justice, and global warming.
Most faith-based nonprofit groups are strictly voluntary. However, many have been established with a mandate from a higher source, such as a church or religious group, or a governmental agency. Faith-based nonprofit organizations often focus on one particular cause, or perhaps on several causes, such as helping victims of natural or economic disasters, helping children and families, or supporting the community in general.
Many faith-based organizations function quite simply. They may choose to operate solely in the volunteer spirit, with no paid staff, or they may choose to work with other nonprofit organizations to enhance their impact in the community. Because faith-based nonprofits have a religious purpose and a moral code that apply to their activities (as opposed to non-religious nonprofits that might have no specific purpose or codes), they tend to draw people who share similar values and who share a belief in the mission of the organization. Faith-based nonprofits also tend to be more involved with local or national issues, and thus have a stronger connection with local citizens and elected officials.
Faith-based nonprofits tend to be much smaller than other types of nonprofit organizations. They have a low overhead cost, as most do not need to pay for a building or any other assets. As a result, they can operate with a lower budget, with fewer employees, and with a smaller staff size. This enables faith-based groups to put a greater emphasis on the quality of their work, to carry out a more direct charitable activity, and to take on larger projects, like expansion to other areas or funding a specific campaign. By contrast, other types of nonprofit organizations run through large budgets and have a higher staff concentration.
In terms of development, faith-based nonprofits tend to follow a patchwork of strategies. Some operate as social services, assisting the less fortunate in the community; others provide education, counseling, or employment opportunities to women or other vulnerable groups. Still others undertake a more direct approach by conducting fundraising activities, buying supplies from local manufacturers, distributing literature to the community, holding bake sales, and so forth. A major function of these types of organizations is to support the operation of the women’s ministry or women-run business within the community. Through grants, they can continue these efforts while earning additional income. Faith-based organizations tend to be particularly fond of this kind of grant funding because it helps them carry out their missions, while also generating additional income that can help them with their daily expenses.
When applying for federal grant funds for a faith-based organization may be an excellent idea. For one thing, it will demonstrate to the government that your interest in helping people in your community are not selfish. For another thing, it shows that your organization has a social mission, which is in line with the objectives of the government. It may also be useful for you to highlight your success stories in order to encourage other religious organizations to apply for grants as well.
In many states, there are also faith-based organizations available to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals. Often, these centers serve as referral centers for primary care physicians, although they may also offer medical coverage to their patients. They can even refer individuals to state-funded Medicaid programs, as well. Some Medicaid programs utilize faith-based organizations to provide medical services to uninsured individuals, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
There are literally dozens of ways that faith-based groups can obtain public charity grants. It just takes a bit of research, planning, and organization to do so. As always, it’s wise to consult with a highly experienced faith-based organization prior to applying. They’ll be able to provide you with information on the types of grants that are available, as well as guidance on how to apply for those funds. Moreover, they’ll be able to expedite the process so you don’t have to wait too long.