Since government legislation entitled faith-based organizations to compete for more categorical grant funds, many questions have been raised. What can churches and their affiliate organizations do with the money? Can the money be used for evangelical purposes? Can church activities be paid for with grant money?

These are just a sampling of questions that come up whenever a federal grant proposal includes faith-based organizations as eligible recipients. In a nutshell, faith-based organizations can apply for and win this money to provide secular activities. There can be no proselytizing or sermons, or evangelizing. But a great deal more than religious activities occurs in the faith-based community development organizations and centers that are gaining in popularity and presence in urban and rural settings.

Federal grant money is generally for the common good. While each funding opportunity is slated for particular issues, it is also for the general publics well being. Non-discriminatory practices are essential to allocating funds and implementing programs. Race, gender, ethnicity, and religious affiliation can in no way prohibit the patrons or recipients of services, projects, and programs made possible by government grant monies.

If there is a documented need within a congregation, chances are this need goes beyond this specific group, and extends to populations within the broader community. A faith-based organization may be concerned about the health status of its members, or the plight of latchkey children needing after school care, or the sick and shut-ins living in rural communities without access to services, or youth who will benefit from mentors to avoid gang memberships. All of these are valid concerns that can be supported by myriad grant funds.

Such issues will always apply to the community at large. Grants, in the hands of faith-based organizations, can make a tremendous difference to all residents in a town, zip code, or neighborhood. The first impression might be the religious implication of activities occurring within churches, mosques, synagogues and cathedrals. Think beyond the religious connotation; remember the underlying spiritual investment and unifying principles. Faith communities have a mission to help, to uplift, and to improve conditions. They are well positioned to reach more people than many other organizations can for the following reasons:

* While many community organizations are population-specifictargeting youth, seniors, preschoolers, etc., faith-based communities are comprised of all age groups, and therefore, can provide comprehensive, multifaceted programming for whole families, and extended families.

* Members families and friends often belong to different congregations, however they can be invited to partake of services and programs through word-of-mouth outreach, and direct invitation.

* Churches often belong to a broader, umbrella organization that extends the reach of and audience for initiatives, creating a natural platform for publicity and outreach.

*Faith-based leaders are likely to have longevity and relationships in communities, with existing reputations as helpers that residents, clients and service recipients already trust.

Though faith communities may be the new kids on the block in the grants community, in high-needs environments, faith-based communities have been change agents and development specialists for decades.

Angela Belcher Epps (http://www.thewritingclinic.com) has won more than $20,000,000 in competitive grants for school systems, churches and community organizations. With experience as a Grants Specialist for two large New York City school districts, and a decade of freelance consulting, Epps has mastered techniques for researching and writing successful Federal, State, and foundation grants. Sole proprietor of The Writing Clinic, Angela provides a range of support services for individuals and organizations, including grant writing assistance, proposal writing workshops, proposal review and feedback, funding source identification, and strategic planning sessions.
Visit Angela at The Writing Clinic online at http://www.thewritingclinic.com or email angela@thewritingclinic.com