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Welcome to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at SBA
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For many years, the unsung heroes of America’s faith-based and community organizations have been assisting individuals, families and communities who have not fully shared in America’s prosperity. Unfortunately, instead of partnering with these organizations, the Federal government has often put complicated rules and regulations in place that hinder them from competing for Federal funds on an equal basis with their peers.
President Bush is determined to change this. He believes that all groups – faith-based and secular, large and small – should compete on a level playing field. That is why the President launched his Faith-Based and Community Initiative. That is also why it continues to be one of his top domestic priorities.
One of the President’s first official acts was to create the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The Office was tasked with leading a “determined attack on need” by strengthening and expanding the role of faith-based and community organizations in addressing our Nation’s social and community problems.
President Bush has also created Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in ten agencies throughout the Federal government. On June 3, 2004, President Bush issued Executive Order 13342 creating a new Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). As part of its mandate, the Center will help groups and individuals learn about and access SBA programs which will enable them to better serve their communities. The Center will ensure that faith-based and community organizations have equal access to SBA programs consistent with the law, and will reach out and educate faith-based and community organizations about SBA programs and benefits.
In the coming months, our website will outline opportunities for SBA and faith-based and community organizations to work together in addressing our Nation’s social problems. In the meantime, if you have any questions or further inquiries, please feel free to contact us by e-mail at fbci@sba.gov, or to phone us at (202) 205-9037.
Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Joseph Shattan, Director
SBA Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
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