A practical guide to grants for faith-based and community organizations, federal opportunities through HHS, HUD, DOJ, and faith-based foundations.
Faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) have access to most federal grant programs on the same basis as secular nonprofits, with explicit nondiscrimination provisions, plus a dedicated faith-based foundation funder base.
TL;DR
- Who funds faith-based work? Most federal agencies (HHS, HUD, DOJ, DOL, USDA, ED), faith-based foundations, denominational philanthropy.
- Who can apply? Faith-based nonprofits, congregations (with appropriate structure), faith-affiliated service organizations.
- What gets funded? Across the full range of community services; secular vs. inherently religious activity distinction is critical.
- Key rule: Federal funds cannot pay for inherently religious activities (worship, religious instruction, proselytization). Faith-based organizations may participate fully otherwise.
Federal Opportunities
Federal agencies have “Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships”:
- HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
- HUD Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
- DOJ, ED, DOL, USDA, DHS also have such Centers.
These help FBCOs navigate federal programs and ensure equitable access.
What Federal Funds Can and Cannot Pay For
- Can fund: Secular community services delivered by faith-based organizations, food, housing, healthcare, workforce, refugee resettlement, etc.
- Cannot fund: Worship, religious instruction, proselytization, or other inherently religious activities.
- Separation of activities: Religious activities must be separately funded and clearly distinguished from federally funded secular services.
These rules are managed through Executive Order guidance and program-specific rules; details vary, and counsel is recommended for complex cases.
Faith-Based Foundation Funding
See faith-based foundation grants for the funder ecosystem, denominational foundations, faith-informed family foundations, mission funders.
What Gets Funded
- Refugee resettlement (see grants for refugee services; faith-based organizations are major resettlement partners).
- Food and hunger (see grants for food banks).
- Housing and homelessness (see grants for homelessness services).
- Healthcare (see grants for FQHCs).
- Education, workforce, reentry, youth.
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Address the secular/religious distinction clearly.
- Show capacity for federal compliance, see capacity statement.
- Engage federal Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships as a resource.
- Coordinate with denominational philanthropy when relevant.
How Grantboost Helps
Grantboost surfaces federal, foundation, and corporate funding for faith-based work, with drafts in your organization’s voice (see training AI on your past proposals).
Read next:
Further Reading
- HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
- HUD Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
- Lilly Endowment
- Grants.gov (federal funding portal)
Disclaimer: Grant programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, and policies vary by region and change frequently. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current rules in your area. Always consult a local grant writer or qualified expert in your region for advice specific to your organization, project, and jurisdiction.