FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Contact: ACF Press Office (202) 401-9215

HHS To Award $50,000 Grants to Faith-Based and Community Organizations That Serve
At-Risk Youth and the Homeless

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families today announced that one-time, $50,000 awards will be made available to help build the capacity of faith-based and community organizations to address the needs of at-risk youth and the homeless. The grants, to total as much as $2.5 million, will come from the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF), a $35 million Presidential initiative aimed at helping these organizations garner more resources and use them effectively.

“Faith and community-based organizations have long played a critical role in local social service delivery,” Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. “These grants will provide a booster shot to help a large number of these groups nationwide to expand and improve their services to at-risk youth and the homeless.”

Awards will assist these organizations to enhance their program effectiveness and sustainability, access funds from diverse sources, and emulate model programs and best practices. To be eligible for these grants, applicants must have a proven track record of at least one year in serving the needs of at-risk youth or the homeless.

The Compassion Capital Fund will help further the President's goals and objectives regarding faith-based and community organizations and will enhance work being supported by multiple federal agencies. ACF estimates that the funds available under this announcement will support approximately 50 grants.

“At risk youth and homeless people have special needs that require a special response,” said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., assistant secretary for children and families. “Faith and community-based organizations are designed to meet these needs. These grants will serve as seed money so that they can be even more effective in the future.”

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issues awards under the Fund. Applications for these grants are due by August 11, 2003. Information on how to apply and whom to contact can be found at:

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news

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