It is not yet possible to apply for Faith-Based Initiative funds: No specific faith-based programs have been created. Making funds available requires Congress to pass bills specifically authorizing the expenditures. Once fully funded, the Presidential Office of Faith-Based Initiatives will create and maintain the processes by which community organizations and private individuals can apply for funds or otherwise participate. 

Current status of Faith-Based Initiative Act:  

Update - April 16, 2002: Bush Renews Faith-Based Battle President Bush presses the Congress to pass a reconciled Faith-Based and Community Initiatives law by Memorial Day. [...More]

Provisions of the Faith-Based Act: As proposed to Congress, President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Act creates a mechanism allowing faith-based community groups to compete for federal funds. Anyone who has ever competed for federal funds knows the process can be difficult and expensive even for large organizations. The Faith-Based Act creates a "compassion capital fund" that would match private donations with federal money to help small community and faith-based charities compete for funding.

The Faith-Based Act also creates tax incentives and other advantages to individuals and organizations designed to encourage charitable contributions and participation in Faith-Based programs.

On the next page, you will find the official summary of the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Act as prepared by the Congressional Research Service on March 29, 2001.

Next page > CRS Summary of Faith-Based Initiatives Act > Page 1, 2