FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Contact: Chris Downing
ACF Press Office (202) 401-9215
HHS To Award $50,000 Faith-Based, Community Grants
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) today announced the availability of $50,000 grants for faith-based and community-based organizations.
The grants are intended to help build the capacity of faith-based and community groups working in one of the following four priority social service areas:
- addressing the needs of at-risk youth;
- addressing the needs of the homeless;
- providing voluntary marriage education and preparation services; and
- providing social services to those living in rural communities.
“Faith-based and community organizations know their neighbors and their neighborhoods. They understand the needs of people in their communities. These grants will help expand and improve services provided by armies of compassion around the country so more children and families can be touched by works of mercy,” said HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson.
The federal funding will come from the Compassion Capital Fund program, a $47 million initiative by the Bush Administration aimed at helping faith-based and community organizations improve their effectiveness, enhance their ability to provide social services, diversify their funding sources and emulate model social service programs. Applications for these grants are due by May 14, 2004.
“Faith-based and community organizations have a long history of providing the types of services at the core of HHS’ mission – health and social services that help those people most unable to help themselves. President Bush’s faith-based and community initiative is designed to collaborate the federal government with grassroots and nonprofit groups in order to better serve the needy,” said Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Wade F. Horn, Ph.D.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issues awards under the Compassion Capital Fund. ACF estimates that the funds available under today’s announcement will support approximately 100 grants.
More information about the Compassion Capital Fund and how to apply for grants can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccf.
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