A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Organizations 

PARTNERSHIPS 

for the 

COMMON GOOD 

The White House Office of Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships
	

A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 1 ]
	

PARTNERSHIPS
�

for the
�

COMMON GOOD
�

A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Organizations
	

The White House Office of Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships
	

This toolkit was produced by the White House Office of 

Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, 

led by the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships 

at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
	
 [ 2 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 3 ] 

“For as much as government can do and must do, 

it is ultimately the faith and determination of the 

American people upon which this nation relies. It is 

the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees 

break, the selflessness of workers who would rather 

cut their hours than see a friend lose their job... a 

parent’s willingness to nurture a child that finally 

decides our fate. 

What is required of us now is a new era of 

responsibility — a recognition, on the part of 

every American, that we have duties to ourselves, 

our nation, and the world, duties that we do not 

grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the 

knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the 

spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all 

to a difficult task.” 

– President Obama, 

Inaugural Address
	

January 20, 2009
	
 [ 4 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 5 ] 

THIS IS AN INVITATION. 

This is an invitation to partner with the White House and 

Agencies across the federal government to roll up our 

sleeves and work together to improve our communities. 

We all know that government cannot solve our nation’s 

problems on its own. But in partnership with organizations 

like yours, we can accomplish amazing things together on 

behalf of those in need. 

This Guide is an invitation to our nation’s houses of worship, 

neighborhood associations, and community-based 

nonprofits of all stripes – to join with us to strengthen the 

common good. 

This Partnership Guide will point you to particular 

opportunities to form partnerships with Centers for FaithBased and Neighborhood Partnerships across government, 

as well as helpful information on how to apply for federal 

grants and access capacity building resources to support the 

great work that you are already doing. 
 [ 6 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE 

This Guide is designed to give local faith and community leaders a menu of 

opportunities to partner with President Obama’s Office for Faith-Based and 

Neighborhood Partnerships to address a variety of challenges and issues critical 

to local communities. This list is not by any means exhaustive. Use this Guide to 

review the kinds of partnerships that can be formed in the areas that are most 

important to your local congregation or organization. 

The staff at our Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership Centers stand ready 

to support your local group in forming the partnerships described in this Guide 

and to answer any questions you have about how to move forward. 

Learn more about our office and stay up to date on all of our work at: 

www.whitehouse.gov/partnerships 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 7 ] 

 

 

THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF 

FAITH-BASED AND NEIGHBORHOOD 

PARTNERSHIPS 

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships 

forms and supports partnerships between government at all levels and 

nonprofit organizations, both secular and faith-based, to more effectively 

serve Americans in need. 

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships 

coordinates 13 Federal agency Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood 

Partnerships. Each Center forms partnerships between its agency and 

faith-based and neighborhood organizations to advance specific goals. This 

resource guide highlights some of the programmatic work our Centers are 

engaged with across all aspects of government. 

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and 

its Federal Centers do not award grants or make grant award decisions. 

Organizations must apply for grants through a competitive process. 

This guide shares more information about how to begin the process of 

applying for a federal grant. Because of the trust that government agencies 

and clients place in these organizations, financial partnerships with the 

government must be characterized by their ability to both uphold the free 

exercise of religion and to prevent the establishment of religion. 

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships 

also coordinates the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and 

Neighborhood Partnerships. This Advisory Council is a group of leaders 

from both faith-based and non-sectarian organizations, each serving a 

1-year term. The Advisory Council forms recommendations on how the 

federal government can more effectively partner with faith-based and 

neighborhood organizations to better serve families and communities. 
 [ 8 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 9 ] 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Issue Areas 

Strengthening Adoption 11 

Preparing for and Responding to Disasters 13 

Improving Education for our Children 17 

Partnering on Responsible Fatherhood 21 

GreeningYour Building 25 

Supporting Healthy Children and Families 29 

Creating Housing Opportunities 33 

Impacting Hunger and Nutrition 37 

Advancing International Relief and Development 41 

Creating Jobs and Economic Opportunity 45 

Supporting Veterans and Military Families 51 

Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Service 57 

Applying for Federal Grants 61 

Capacity Building 67 

Contact Information 69 
 [ 10 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 11 ] 

STRENGTHENING ADOPTION 

President Obama recognizes adoption as a positive and powerful 

force in the lives of millions of Americans. The White House Office 

of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships works with the 

Department of Health and Human Services to support adoption and 

help youth in foster care. 

Today, 115,000 children in foster care in this country are waiting to 

be adopted. Fortunately, there has been a significant decline in the 

number of children in foster care overall, down from 523,000 in 2002 

to 424,000 in 2009, while the number of children being placed in 

permanent homes for adoption has continued to increase, up to 57,000 

in 2009, the latest year data is available. Childhood is fleeting, however, 

and no child should grow up without or have to endure the uncertainty 

that they will receive the stability love, and nurturing that a permanent 

family can provide. Every child needs and deserves a family, up to age 18 

and beyond. 

The President and this Administration have proved their commitment to 

adoption in several ways: 

• First, through the Affordable Care Act, the President signed into 

law a substantial increase in the Adoption Tax Credit, extended the 

Adoption Tax Credit through 2011, and made the credit refundable. 

• Then, in December 2010, the President signed into law legislation 

extending the Adoption Tax Credit through 2012. 

• The President has also maintained support for critical programs, 

including the Adoption Opportunities Program, the John F. Chafee 

Foster Care Independence Program, and Adoption Assistance funding 

to states. 

Still, despite the powerful role government can play in supporting adoption, 

the responsibility is always shared with families, communities and faithbased organizations to support children and families who need homes. 

So many faith-based and community organizations across the country are 

doing tremendous work to ensure that every child has a happy, safe home. 

This includes houses of worship that encourage their members to adopt and 

commit to supporting adoptive and foster families in their congregations. Here 

are some areas where we can partner together. 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	

	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	

 [ 12 ] Partnerships for the Common Good
	

1.	Host an event providing

information to prospective

adoptive families and

encourage them to take the

first step!

Adoption isn’t for everyone, but you can 

help make it easier for families who may 

be considering adoption to have all the 

information they’ll need to take that first 

step. Using resources provided by 

www.adoptuskids.org, a collaboration 

funded by the Department of Health and 

Human Services, you can help put on a 

seminar offering prospective families what 

they’ll need to start the adoption process. 

2.	Connect to the National Foster

Care & Adoption Directory

The National Foster Care & Adoption 

Directory is a comprehensive resource 

that provides individuals with information 

about foster care and adoption resources in 

their state, public foster care and adoption 

agencies, domestic and international 

private adoption agencies, foster care and 

adoption support groups, and other critical 

information. The directory is located at 

www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad. 

3.	 Partner to connect families to

the Adoption Tax Credit

The Adoption Tax Credit is a tremendous 

tool for families exploring adoption. 

Adoption advocacy and community 

organizations can share helpful information 

with adoptive families about the Adoption 

Tax Credit. 

You can learn about adoption 

assistance in your state by visiting 

www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_ 

assistance. 

For more information, please contact our 

Center at the Department of Health and 

Human Services at 

partnerships@hhs.gov. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 13 ] 

PREPARING FOR AND 

RESPONDING TO DISASTERS 

Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. Some come with warning 

and forecasts while others, like earthquakes, can strike without 

notice. Unfortunately, for many people, planning for an emergency or 

disaster is not a priority. Many of us think that it will be easy to grab 

items from the pantry if disaster strikes. However, what if you are not 

at home? What if your family is separated? What if you have to leave 

quickly? What about your elderly or disabled neighbor? 

Nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community 

organizations, play a vital role in both preparing for disaster, and in 

ensuring an inclusive and participatory community-wide recovery 

from a disaster. Nonprofit sector support is provided by a range of 

organizations, from small community-based nonprofits to national 

organizations with extensive experience with disaster recovery. These 

organizations directly supplement and fill gaps where government 

authority and resources cannot be applied. 

If organizations and businesses — including nonprofits 

— are ready to survive and recover, our communities, 

country, and our economy are more secure. Taking 

steps now to prepare for all types of disasters and 

emergencies will go far in ensuring everyone’s safety. 

We must work together as a team to ensure that 

individuals, families and communities are prepared 

for emergencies and disasters. It is better to be 

prepared and have essential resources on hand, 

even if you don’t use them, than to be unprepared if 

a disaster occurs. 
 [ 14 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

 

	 	 	 	

	 	 	

 

Your organization can help your community 

be ready for a disaster. Here are three ways 

you can help your community be properly 

equipped: 

• Host a “Ready America” 

Preparedness Workshop
	

• Ensure your organization is prepared 

• Join or start an emergency response 

team in your community. 

1.	Host a “Ready America”

Preparedness Workshop for

your Community

A “Ready America” Preparedness Workshop 

is a community-wide event. This workshop 

is a great way for community and faith 

leaders to work in conjunction with their 

first responders and the emergency 

management community. Together, 

community and faith leaders host events 

that demonstrate that when individuals 

and communities are prepared, emergency 

response personnel can better focus on 

those survivors with medical and rescue 

needs. 

Here’s how to host a “Ready America” 

Preparedness Workshop: 

To start, learn how to build an emergency 

kit using free publications, including our 

Ready Emergency Supply Checklist,” and 

walk through how to develop a Family 

Emergency Plan by using Ready’s Family 

Emergency Plan Template. Both are 

available at www.ready.gov under Make a 

Plan. 

Then, be sure to invite local government 

officials, first responders, your local 

Voluntary Organization Active in 

Disaster representative (American Red 

Cross, Salvation Army, etc.), your local 

Citizen Corps Council, and Community 

Emergency Response Teams to give brief 

emergency preparedness presentations at 

community recreation centers, houses of 

worship, libraries, etc. 

Present the community’s emergency 

preparedness plan so people are aware of 

it. The local first responders can discuss 

emergencies that could affect your area 

and the appropriate responses. 

Lastly, show the latest Ready Public Service 

Advertisements on a video monitor. Visit 

The Ready Campaign at www.ready. 

gov and www.citizencorps.gov for more 

information on partners and resources 

available for this event. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 15 ] 

2.	 Ensure Your Organization is

Prepared

How quickly your nonprofit organization, 

congregation or company can open 

its doors again after a terrorist attack, 

tornado, fire or flood often depends on 

emergency planning done today. Start 

planning now to improve the likelihood that 

your company will survive and recover. 

Ready Business at 

www.ready.gov/business outlines 

commonsense measures that nonprofit 

leaders and business owners can take to 

start getting ready. It provides practical 

steps and easy-to-use templates to help 

you plan. These recommendations reflect 

the Emergency Preparedness and Business 

Continuity Standard developed by the 

National Fire Protection Association 

and endorsed by the American National 

Standards Institute and the Department of 

Homeland Security. The site also provides 

useful links to resources providing more 

detailed business continuity and disaster 

preparedness information. 

Business continuity and crisis 

management can be complex issues 

depending on the particular industry, size 

and scope of your organization or business. 

However, putting a plan in motion will 

improve the likelihood that your nonprofit 

organization or company will survive and 

recover. 

Preparing makes good sense. Get ready 

now. For more information, 

go to www.ready.gov/business. 
	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

 

 [ 16 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

3.	Join or Start an Emergency

Response Team in Your

Community

Following a major disaster, first responders 

who provide fire and medical services may 

not be able to meet the demand for these 

services. In some cases, survivors may need 

to rely on each other for help in order to 

meet their immediate life saving and life 

sustaining needs. 

Members of a house of worship, 

neighborhood association, or workplace 

can form community Emergency Response 

Teams (CERTs) through partnership with 

local emergency service personnel that 

to be better prepared for hazards that 

can threaten their communities. CERTs 

are an active and vital part of community 

preparedness and response. 

To get started, become familiar with CERT 

Program basics at the CERT website, 

www.citizenscorps.gov/cert/. The CERT 

Basic Training course will enable individuals 

to be better prepared to respond to and 

cope with the aftermath of a disaster. 

Additionally, if local government wants to 

supplement its response capability after a 

disaster, CERT members can be organized 

as neighborhood, workplace, school, and 

government teams. 

Community Emergency Response 

Team members are our country’s 

citizen heroes when disaster strikes. 

Find out more at 

www.citizencorps.gov/cert/

To determine if your community has a 

CERT Program, go to 

www.citizenscorps.gov/cert/. A local 

CERT Program will be sponsored by the fire 

department, or the local law enforcement 

or emergency management agency. You 

can encourage your membership to register 

for community-wide CERT training. The 

local CERT program might also be able to 

conduct the CERT Basic Training just for 

members of your congregation if a large 

enough group is interested in attending. 

If there isn’t a CERT Program already 

established in your community you can 

play an important role with the sponsoring 

government agency in getting the program 

started. To determine how you might help, 

see “Start a CERT program” at the CERT 

website: www.citizencorps.gov/cert/start. 

For more information on how to tie in to 

the local preparedness efforts, contact your 

local or State Emergency Management 

office by going to www.fema.gov. 

For more information about any of these 

programs, contact our Center at the 

Department of Homeland Security at 

infofbci@dhs.gov.
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 17 ] 

IMPROVING EDUCATION 

FOR OUR CHILDREN 

“The question is whether all of us — as citizens, and as 

parents — are willing to do what’s necessary to give every 

child a chance to succeed. That responsibility begins not in 

our classrooms, but in our homes and communities.” 

– President Obama, 

State of the Union Address 

January 25, 2011 

Education is a critical pathway to success for individuals and 

families. Partnerships between schools and faith-based and 

community organizations can help to achieve this goal of 

educational success for all students. That is why the Center for 

Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department 

of Education works to promote student achievement and build a 

culture of educational excellence within communities across the 

country. 
 [ 18 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	

	 	 	

	 	

There are many ways we can work together 

to help the students in your community. We 

have highlighted four ways to get started. 

1.	 Partner with Local Schools

Community and faith-based organizations 

can support academic achievement by 

partnering with school districts to help 

them in their efforts to improve lowperforming schools. Organizations can 

create, implement, and support programs 

that have been shown to be successful in 

boosting school attendance, decreasing 

negative student behavior, improving 

academic performance, and increasing 

access to post-secondary education. 

We want to help you partner with schools 

in your community. Contact the Center 

for Faith-Based and Neighborhood 

Partnerships at the Department of 

Education at edpartners@ed.gov 

for more information. 

2.	 Sponsor Summer and

Afterschool Programs

Another option is to partner with the local 

school district to develop or continue a 

quality summer or afterschool program. 

Under the 21st Century Community 

Learning Centers program, the Department 

provides grants to states for summer and 

before- and afterschool programs. Your 

community or faith-based organization 

may be eligible to receive a sub-grant. 

Be sure to visit 

www.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc 

for more information. 

Your organization can also help children 

in low-income areas get the nutrition they 

need to learn, play, and grow throughout 

the summer months when they are out 

of school. You can participate in the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food 

Service Program and provide children with 

subsidized meals as part of your summer 

program. For more information, visit 

www.fns.usda.gov/CND/summer. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 19 ] 

3.	Help Students with

College Access and

Federal Student Aid

For our young adults to become 

competitive global citizens, more and more 

of them will need to attend and complete 

college. Many students are not aware of 

the opportunities they have to attend 

college. Your community or faith-based 

organization can help improve college 

access by providing information to local 

families through hosting college fairs, 

college tours and family education events. 

Applying for federal student financial aid 

has been simplified over the years. Many 

faith leaders and community organizations 

can host workshop and college nights, 

and provide resources for families on the 

process of applying to college. Too often 

students and families disqualify themselves 

without knowing all the facts. 

Host a college night 

at your organization 

1. Visit local high schools, recreation 

centers, and community organizations 

to publicize your college night. 

2. Invite school guidance counselors, 

teachers, students, and parents to 

participate. 

3. Walk participants through 

postsecondary education options. 

4. Present information on the financial 

aid process. 

For more information, please visit: 

www.college.gov. 

For additional information please visit 

www.ed.gov/edpartners or contact the 

Center at edpartners@ed.gov

or (202) 401-1876. 
 [ 20 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 21 ] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARTNERING ON RESPONSIBLE 

FATHERHOOD 

Being a dad is one of the most important jobs any man can have. 

However, almost one-third of American youth live in a single-parent 

home and far too many children in America grow up without the love 

and support of their father. Without the active involvement of dads, 

young people are more likely to drop out of school, be involved in the 

criminal justice system, and become teen parents themselves. 

As the father of two young girls and someone who grew up without 

his dad in the home, President Obama knows firsthand the power of 

fathers being present in the lives of children -- and the holes dads leave 

when they are absent. Over the past year, the Obama administration 

has led forums across the country to discuss how we all can impact 

father absence through personal and community responsibility. Now, 

President Obama is launching a major next step in his longstanding 

agenda on fatherhood: The President’s Fatherhood and Mentoring 

Initiative. 
 [ 22 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

 

	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 		

	 	 	

 

The President’s Fatherhood and Mentoring 

Initiative is a national effort to impact 

father absence in America through 

partnerships with fatherhood and familyserving groups and role models around the 

country. The following are many ways you 

can join with the President in this national 

effort to address the crisis of father absence 

across the country. 

1.	Join the President in the

Fatherhood and Mentoring

Initiative

Go to www.Fatherhood.gov/initiative to 

sign up others and get more information 

about being a father or mentor, and 

supporting fatherhood and mentoring in 

your community. 

2.	Distribute cards in your

community for others to join

the effort

Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative 

Cards are available in English and Spanish. 

Community members who might not have 

access or opportunity to visit the website 

can sign up to join with the President in this 

effort. To request cards, please send your 

request to partnerships@hhs.gov. 

3.	 Become a Mentor

You can be involved by serving as a mentor 

or asking for a mentor. Sometimes, we 

know a father can’t be present. That is 

when we need others to step up even more 

to be involved and be a positive role model 

in the life of a child. For more information 

on mentoring, visit the website for the 

Federal Mentoring Council at 

www.federalmentoringcouncil.gov or 

www.serve.gov. 

For more information or opportunities to be 

involved, www.Fatherhood.gov provides a 

wide range of resources and information on 

fatherhood programs in your community, 

descriptions of efforts by State and much 

more. 
	 	 	

 beadad today. Take time to 

877-4DAD411 

www.fatherhood.gov 

A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 23 ]
	

4.	 Support Responsible Reentry

Hundreds of thousands of men and 

women return to our communities from 

incarceration each year, and many of them 

are parents. Community and faith-based 

organizations play a critical role in helping 

formally incarcerated individuals transition 

back into our communities in a way that is 

safe, healthy, and responsible. 

The Center for Faith-Based and 

Neighborhood Partnerships at the 

Department of Justice works with 

community- and faith-based groups to 

support responsible reentry. 

You can reach this Center, learn more about 

grant opportunities, and share your good 

work at (202) 307-0588 or 

partnerships@ojp.usdoj.gov. 

For additional information on 

Fatherhood, contact the Center at the 

Department of Health and Human 

Services at partnerships@hhs.gov. 
 [ 24 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 25 ] 

GREENING YOUR BUILDING 

Caring for our planet is an integral part of living out the values 

shared by millions of Americans, including communities of faith 

and nonprofit organizations. You can be a good steward of our 

environment and help your organization save money through energy 

efficiency. Let’s look at the statistics. There are more than 370,000 

congregations in the United States with hundreds of thousands of 

nonprofit buildings. If American houses of worship all reduced energy 

waste and saved a modest 10 percent of current use, they would 

achieve: 

• Savings of about $315 million that could be redirected to programs 

and ministries; 

• Prevention of more than 1.3 million tons of greenhouse gas 

emissions – equivalent to the emissions of about 240,000 cars, or 

to planting nearly 300,000 acres of trees. 
 [ 26 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	

	 	

	 	

Not only will greening a congregation or 

nonprofit reduce energy bills and carbon 

emissions, and protect the environment, 

it will also encourage job growth among 

thousands of U.S. energy efficiency 

design, construction, service and product 

providers, as well as among manufacturers 

of products and equipments. 

Retrofitting a building can be a complicated 

process. The Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) created ENERGY STAR for 

Congregations to help faith-based and 

community organizations operate and build 

green, environmentally friendly facilities. 

1.		Learn about what ENERGY

STAR provides your

Congregation and Business

You will receive free, accurate, unbiased 

information on energy efficiency, along 

with online technical support, through 

the “Email a Technical Question” service 

and other technical resources. Be sure to 

review “Putting Energy into Stewardship,” 

a “how-to” guide for analyzing and 

upgrading your facility efficiency, more tips 

for greening, and an even more detailed 

guide, the “Building Upgrade Manual” 

for your facility manager. You will also be 

able to review links to energy efficient 

equipment, service contractors and utilities. 

There is also information, calculators and 

specifications on ENERGY STAR labeled 

products. 

Please visit 

www.energystar.gov/congregations. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 27 ] 

2.		Join ENERGY STAR as a

Partner and sign the ENERGY

STAR Challenge

After you sign up, help your members learn 

how to save money and reduce energy 

waste at home and at their workplaces. 

Then, “benchmark” your congregation’s 

baseline energy use, costs and greenhouse 

gas emissions with the free, online Portfolio 

Manager tool, found at 

www.energystar.gov/benchmark. Don’t 

forget to prepare a strategic energy 

management plan and track your energy 

savings. You could earn the ENERGY STAR 

label for your facility. ENERGY STAR 

Congregations offers national and local 

recognition of success through annual 

awards and the ENERGY STAR label for 

worship or community facilities. 

3.	 Educate others about what you

are doing and the simple steps

to become more “Green.”

You can review our website for information 

materials and marketing resources to 

communicate your efforts. Find expert help 

for remodeling, upgrading or expanding 

your worship facility from Professional 

Engineers, Registered Architects or service 

and product providers. Work with qualified 

Architecture & Engineering Firms to 

build new facilities “Designed to Earn the 

ENERGY STAR” and purchase ENERGY 

STAR qualified products for your facilities. 

Finally, you can also apply for a national 

award for your congregation! 

For more information on how to get 

started, contact ENERGY STAR. For 

houses of worship, visit 

www.energystar.gov/congregations. 

Nonprofit community organizations can 

visit www.energystar.gov/smallbiz. 

You can also contact us at 

EPACongregations@energyandsecurity. 

com. 

For additional information, contact the 

Center at the Environmental Protection 

Agency at Partnerships@epa.gov or (202) 

564-8368. 
 [ 28 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 29 ] 

SUPPORTING HEALTHY 

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 

Millions of Americans lack access to health care. Access to quality 

health care and healthy choices are essential to healthy children, 

families and communities. 

As leaders of faith and community-based organizations, you play 

essential roles in your community’s health. Through health ministries, 

outreach programs, education, and other creative efforts, you already 

connect people to health care and help them achieve health and reach 

their potential. 

As trusted leaders and messengers, your support for healthy choices has 

a tremendous impact. You are able to motivate people to live healthy 

lives in a way government cannot. You are often the link between those 

who are most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach and the health services 

they need. We thank you for your leadership for health and we are 

excited to share five ways that your organization or congregation can 

help promote the health of your community. 
 [ 30 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

		 	 	 	 	

	 	 	

  

1. Offer your Community a Tour

of HealthCare.gov

HealthCare.gov is an easy-to-use website 

that helps Americans take control of their 

health care and make the choices that 

are right for them by putting the power 

of information at their fingertips. You can 

empower your members to learn about 

these important new health care benefits 

made possible by the Affordable Care 

Act and how to access them by offering a 

simple guided tour of the website. On the 

site, your members can learn: 

• How families can now keep their 

college-age and young adult children 

on their family health insurance plan 

until the age of 26; 

• How people with pre-existing 

conditions can access coverage;
	

• Timeline for implementation of the 

law; 

• And much more! 

Visitors can compare health coverage 

options and prices available to them in their 

zip code. The website also enables users to 

compare the quality of care for hospitals, 

nursing homes, home care and dialysis 

facilities in their region. 

Visit www.HealthCare.gov. 

Also available in Spanish, at 

www.CuidadoDeSalud.gov. 

2.		Link Adults and Kids

to Health care

Connect Kids to health care coverage 

Through the Connecting Kids to Coverage 

Challenge, community stakeholders can 

join the effort to enroll 5 million eligible 

uninsured children in Medicaid and the 

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 

within 5 years. You can help families enroll 

their eligible kids in your state’s Children’s 

Health Insurance or Medicaid program by 

providing information at your community 

center or house of worship. Check out 

www.InsureKidsNow.gov for fact sheets, 

posters and other resources to connect kids 

to coverage! 

Partner with your Local Community 

Health Center 

You can easily link your members who 

need care to a health center in your area. 

Community Health Centers provide 

primary and preventive care to low-income 

individuals and families. They serve as 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 31 ] 

	 	 	 	

 

 

 

medical homes for millions of people who 

receive health services, including primary 

care, dental care, prevention screenings for 

disease, and nutrition programs. 

To start, you can find your local community 

health center by looking it up at 

www.hhs.gov/partnerships. Visit or call 

your local community health center to find 

out what services and programs it offers, 

and how individuals and families can make 

the health center their medical home. Make 

sure that the staff in your organization who 

work with individuals and families who 

may lack health insurance understand the 

services that are available and how people 

can sign-up. You can make sure that your 

entire community is aware of the services 

provided by your local community health 

center. 

3.		Join the First Lady’s

Let’s Move! Initiative

The First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative 

focuses on an ambitious goal: to solve 

the problem of childhood obesity within 

a generation. Childhood obesity rates in 

America have tripled over the past 30 years 

and childhood obesity is associated with 

increased risk of asthma, type 2 diabetes, 

heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep 

problems, and more. 

Let’s Move! Faith and Communities is 

a unique effort within Let’s Move! that 

recognizes and engages the efforts of faith 

and community-based organizations in the 

Let’s Move! goal. 

We invite your faith or community-based 

organization to join the hundreds of 

groups that have already stepped up to 

help achieve the Let’s Move! Faith and 

Communities Challenges! 

The four nationwide challenges are: 

1. Walk three million miles together 

– Consider starting a walking club 

in your community to log miles 

together; 

2. Earn 500,000 Presidential Active 

Lifestyle Awards; 

3. Start 10,000 new community 

gardens or farmers markets at 

congregations and community 

centers; and 

4. Host 1,000 new Summer 

Food Service Program sites at 

congregations or community 

organization.
	

We created a special toolkit and website 

for congregations and community 

organizations participating in Let’s Move! 

You can view and download the toolkit at 

our HHS Partnership Center website: 

www.hhs.gov/partnerships/letsmove 

To learn more about Lets Move! go to 

www.LetsMove.gov. 
 [ 32 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	 	

	 	

 

	 	 	 	 	

 

 

4.		Encourage Moms and Dads to

Sign Up for Text4Baby

Text4Baby is a free texting service to help 

promote healthy pregnancies and babies. 

Women who sign up for the service receive 

three SMS text messages each week timed 

to their due date or baby’s date of birth. 

Text4baby messages also connect women 

to local clinics and support services for 

prenatal and infant care. Dads can also sign 

up for Text4Baby. 

Signing up is easy: just text the word 

“BABY” to 511411. For text messages in 

Spanish, text the word “BEBE.” Put up a 

poster for Text4Baby in your community 

or announcement board and highlight 

Text4Baby for youth in your community. 

For more information, visit 

www.text4baby.org. 

5.	Host HIV/AIDS Testing Day in

your Community

Last year, President Obama issued the first 

ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) 

for the United States. This strategy includes 

concrete action steps to engage faith and 

community groups to address HIV/AIDS 

and related issues. Faith and community 

leaders are trusted messengers on health 

issues. Your ability to raise awareness, 

support prevention and encourage early 

detection makes you a key partner in 

addressing HIV/AIDS. HIV Testing Day is 

held each year in June to coincide with 

national testing month. 

To help raise awareness and support 

the National HIV/AIDS strategy in your 

community, consider hosting an HIV testing 

event during the month of June. Your 

congregation or community organization 

can partner with a local health clinic or 

other health and wellness organization 

to sponsor a testing day. For more 

information, please visit www.AIDS.gov. 

Contact the Center for Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships at 

the Department of Health and Human 

Services to learn more about all of 

these opportunities for partnership at 

partnerships@hhs.gov and 

www.hhs.gov/partnerships. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 33 ] 

CREATING HOUSING 

OPPORTUNITIES 

With hundreds of thousands of American households facing the 

possibility of foreclosure, there is a great amount of help that 

faith-based and community organizations can provide to their 

communities in this area. 

In addition, on any given night, hundreds of thousands of 

individuals across the country are homeless, seeking shelter on 

the streets, in cars, and in other inadequate facilities as well as 

in emergency shelters, transitional housing or other supportive 

housing. Homelessness affects people of all ages, all ethnicities, 

and various backgrounds. While many cities and states are already 

working hard to assist the homeless, the need is still great. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and 

our Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at HUD 

would like to work with your organization to help those in your 

community prevent foreclosures and impact homelessness. 
 [ 34 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	

	 	

	 	 	

 

There are many ways you can help families 

and individuals in your community avoid 

foreclosure. Through partnerships with 

faith-based and community organizations 

around the country and capacity building 

resources, the U.S. Department of Housing 

and Urban Development is working to 

stem the tide of high foreclosure rates and 

to support the development of affordable 

housing. Here are three key ways that you 

can help prevent foreclosures and aid the 

homeless. 

FORECLOSURES

1.	 Partner to Prevent Foreclosures

The Obama administration’s Making Home 

Affordable Program includes opportunities 

to modify or refinance a mortgage in 

order to make monthly payments more 

affordable. It also includes the Home 

Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives 

Program (HAFA) for homeowners who are 

interested in a short sale or deed-in-lieu of 

foreclosure. 

Let’s work together to spread the word 

about the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline. 

You can ask folks in your congregation and 

community to call (888) 995-HOPE (4673) 

to learn about the Making Home Affordable 

program and to speak with a HUDapproved housing counselor for free. If you 

are having difficulties working with your 

mortgage company, ask for “MHA Help”. 

(888) 995-HOPE (4673) 

(877) 304-9709 TTY 

Or visit: 

www.makinghomeaffordable.gov 

2.	 Raise awareness

of foreclosure scams

We have created a new “Toolkit on 

Foreclosure Prevention & Scam Awareness 

for Faith-Based and Community 

Organizations.” You can find this toolkit 

under “Publications” at 

www.hud.gov/offices/fbci. This document 

provides 10 tips for avoiding foreclosure, 

explaining how to identify a scam, and 

highlights ways to promote an event and 

other valuable resources and websites. You 

can spread the word about this toolkit in 

your community. 

Foreclosure rescue and mortgage 

modification scams are a growing problem. 

Homeowners must protect themselves so 

they do not lose money—or their home. 

Faith-based and community organizations 

can play a tremendous role in raising 

awareness in their congregations and local 

communities about foreclosure prevention 

scams. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 35 ] 

	 	 	 	

Scammers make promises that they cannot 

keep, such as guarantees to “save” your 

home or lower your mortgage, oftentimes 

for a fee. Scammers may pretend that they 

have direct contact with your mortgage 

servicer when they do not. For more 

information visit: 

www.makinghomeaffordable.gov. 

HOMELESSNESS

3. Partner to Provide Assistance

to the Homeless

The Obama administration is committed 

to ending and preventing homelessness 

across all vulnerable populations, including 

families, youth, children, and Veterans. 

For example, the American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act provided $1.5 billion 

in targeted homeless assistance through 

the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid 

Re-Housing Program. The Affordable 

Care Act provides new and more effective 

models for serving uninsured, chronically 

ill individuals as well as children, youth, 

and adults experiencing homelessness. 

The United States Interagency Council on 

Homelessness (USICH) works across the 

federal agencies to develop and implement 

the federal government’s efforts to end 

homelessness. 

There are many ways to get involved in 

these efforts, including educating the 

public about homelessness, partnering 

with local government leaders to renew 

their commitment to ending homelessness, 

and promoting volunteerism to fuel the 

work that needs to be done. Here are some 

things you can do: 

• Share information on the National Call 

Center for Homeless Veterans: 

www.va.gov/homeless 

• Visit the Homelessness Resources 

Exchange web site for information on 

homeless assistance and contacts for 

local providers: www.hudhre.info 

• Find and partner with nonprofit 

grantees coordinating homeless 

services programs across HUD, 

Health and Human Services, Labor, 

and Veterans Affairs. To find out 

more about these programs visit the 

InterAgency Council on Homelessness 

and read their “Opening Doors” 

report: www.usich.gov 

• Volunteer your time at an existing 

local homeless shelter. From serving 

food to watching children to assisting 

with the daily operations, such 

opportunities fulfill a critical need and 

foster a deeper understanding of all 

members of your community. 

• Open your own homeless shelter. 

HUD administers a variety of 

homeless assistance grant programs 

to help alleviate operating costs. 

To learn more, visit: 

www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless. 
 [ 36 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

• Start a food or clothing drive at 

your place of worship or in your 

community to collect non-perishable 

foods, clothing, and personal hygiene 

products and donate them to a local 

shelter or food bank. 

For more information about these 

opportunities to help, visit: 

www.hud.gov. Under “Topic Areas,” click 

on “Homelessness.” 

Contact the Center for Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships at 

the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development to learn more about all of 

these opportunities for partnership at 

(202) 708-2404 or Talk_to_us@hud.gov. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 37 ] 

IMPACTING HUNGER AND 

NUTRITION 

Almost one in six Americans struggle to put food on the table at 

some point during the year. In 2009, over 50 million Americans, 

among them 17 million children, had limited access to adequate 

food due to lack of money or other resources according to the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

People of all faiths and people of good will share 

a common concern to feed hungry people and 

serve those in need. Many congregations and 

nonprofit organizations are doing that already. 

USDA values the role of faith- and communitybased organizations as critical partners in helping 

spread the word about America’s primary 

food safety net, the Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as 

Food Stamps. 

Unfortunately, only 67% of those who are 

eligible for SNAP participate, with some 

groups like seniors, the working poor, and 

Latinos participating at disproportionately 

lower rates. When eligible individuals 

do not participate in SNAP, they lose 

out on nutrition assistance that could 

stretch their food dollars at the grocery 

store, and their communities lose out 

on the economic benefits provided 

by new SNAP dollars flowing into 

the local economy. Faith-based 

and neighborhood organizations 

can help address the needs of the 

most vulnerable by doing SNAP 

outreach in their congregation and 

community. 
 [ 38 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	

1.	 Provide Access to Nutritious
 

Food for Those in Need
 

SNAP helps families buy the groceries they 

need to put food on the table. Sharing 

information about SNAP can help your 

congregation or nonprofit organization 

ensure that people in need have access to 

nutritious food. Use a variety of outreach 

ideas to help your congregation or 

community promote the benefits of SNAP, 

such as displaying SNAP posters and flyers 

in your place of worship or community 

organization. You can order these free 

materials at 

http://snap.ntis.gov. Be sure to include 

SNAP information in bulletins, newsletters, 

and in religious and community radio and 

TV programs. USDA has ample information 

in English and Spanish available to assist 

you. 

In addition, you can provide information 

about SNAP during meetings and other 

activities. Form an outreach group and 

train staff and volunteers in the group with 

basic information about SNAP and how to 

apply for this and other federal nutrition 

assistance programs. 

Take the opportunity before or after 

services or events to host an information 

table where volunteers can help eligible 

congregants apply for SNAP. Your local 

SNAP office can partner with you by 

providing training and materials. They 

might even be able to have someone 

attend and register people on the spot. 

Please contact us at 

collaborate@usda.gov to learn more. 

2.	 Feed Children When They Are

Out Of School

Over 22 million children receive free or 

reduced-price lunch during the school 

year, but only three million receive a 

meal through USDA programs during the 

summer months. Many houses of worship 

and community groups host programs for 

kids, but too many children still go without 

meals when school is out. Did you know 

that you can partner with USDA to provide 

free, nutritious meals during these times? 

There are two ways your congregation or 

community organization can help feed kids 

when they are out of school. One way is to 

become a sponsor “of a feeding site” for 

the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP. 

SFSP reimburses approved sponsors for 

serving meals that meet federal nutritional 

guidelines. Sponsors prepare or procure 

meals and receive payments from USDA, 

through their state agencies, based on the 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 39 ] 

	 	 	

number of meals they serve. Sites are the 

actual places where the meals are served 

free to eligible children. 

Visit www.summerfood.usda.gov for 

additional information. 

A second way you can help is to provide a 

nutritious meal or snack through the Child 

and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in 

your afterschool program, childcare center, 

emergency shelter, or daycare home. 

Thanks to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids 

Act becoming law, participants in every 

state can now serve supper to at-risk youth 

through the same program. 

Visit www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/care to learn 

more. 

For more information on how to get started 

in applying for these programs, please 

contact the Center for Faith-Based and 

Neighborhood Partnerships at USDA at 

collaborate@usda.gov or by calling 

(202) 720-2032. 

3.	 Plant a Community Garden

Help people access more fruits and 

vegetables in your neighborhood by 

planting a community garden. Community 

gardens beautify neighborhoods and help 

bring neighbors closer together. They can 

reduce neighborhood crime, particularly 

when vacant lots are targeted for garden 

development. Community gardens are a 

great addition to faith- and communitybased organizations interested in being 

good stewards of the land and sharing their 

harvest with congregants and neighbors in 

need. They also provide safe, recreational 

and learning space in urban areas with 

little or no park land and can contribute to 

keeping urban air and water clean. Finally, 

produce can be donated to local food 

pantries to provide people in need with 

fresh food. 

SNAP helps low-income individuals 

purchase food so they can obtain a 

nutritious diet. The average monthly 

SNAP benefit per household in 2010 

was $290. 
 [ 40 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

USDA can help you get the technical 

assistance and advice you need to start a 

safe and productive community garden 

at your house of worship or in your 

community. We can also help connect you 

with a Master Gardener who can host a 

workshop on starting a community garden 

in your area. 

For more information on starting your own 

garden, including Start-Up Guides and 

technical assistance, visit our USDA Center 

website www.usda.gov/partnerships. 

Contact the Center for Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships at the 

Department of Agriculture to learn 

more about all of these opportunities 

for partnership at (202) 720-2032 or 

collaborate@usda.gov. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 41 ] 

ADVANCING INTERNATIONAL 

RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT 

Faith-based and community organizations have been pioneers 

in the field when it comes to providing humanitarian assistance 

and long term development on an international scale. Whether 

taking teams on medical missions or advocating on behalf of child 

nutrition, many of you have a long history of providing life-saving 

support around the globe. There are numerous ways for you and 

others in your community to continue to take part in this broader 

effort to help those in need. 

Faith-based organizations not only express the moral values of 

millions of Americas, they also provide some of the most dependable 

support systems for millions of people in the developing world. In 

Kenya, for example, 30 percent of all health-care services are provided 

by faith-based hospitals. 

Kendra Helmer/USAID 
 [ 42 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	

 

 

1.	 Educate

Visit the U.S. Agency for International 

Development at www.USAID.gov to learn 

more about how the generosity of American 

taxpayers is combating poverty and disease 

around the world. On the USAID website 

you can learn about USAID Forward, 

President Obama’s vision of the United 

States as the global leader in international 

development. You can also visit the IMPACT 

Blog to get up to the minute updates on our 

work and download Frontlines magazine, 

an informational publication you can share 

with those in your community. 

You can also find country-specific fact 

sheets and updates under the Locations 

section at www.USAID.gov. 

2.	 Provide Disaster Relief

Be familiar with this list of do’s and don’ts 

when responding to a crisis. Following 

these simple guidelines can ensure that 

your monetary ensure contribution is most 

helpful. 

Monetary donations are the most effective 

way to provide immediate relief in a disaster 

situation. Many organizations already have 

the materials, staff, and expertise needed 

but face real financial limitations. Taking up 

a collection to give to the relief organization 

of your choice is a great way to help. 

While monetary donations are preferred, 

there may be instances when commodity 

contributions could be useful to a relief 

organization. 

Don’t let contributions go to waste: Have 

you received a collection of goods to donate 

which are not appropriate for the crisis? 

Hold a garage sale and donate the profits, or 

consider giving them to a U.S. organization 

that can use them. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 43 ] 

As part of the U.S. Government’s response to care for the most vulnerable, 

President Obama has two signature development initiatives focusing on 

global health and food security. 

Global Health Initiative 

The Global Health Initiative (GHI) is the next chapter in the way U.S. 

Government agencies conduct global health activities, building on successful 

bipartisan leadership in global health and expanding their impact for 

sustainable results around the world. GHI helps partner countries improve 

health outcomes through strengthened health systems - with a particular 

focus on improving the health of women, newborns and children through 

programs including infectious disease, nutrition, maternal and child health, 

family planning, safe water, sanitation and hygiene. 

Feed the Future 

Feed the Future (FtF) is President Obama’s signature initiative on global 

food security with a pledge of $3.5 billion over five years. FtF recognizes that 

food security is not just about food, but it is also closely linked to economic 

security, environmental security, and human security. USAID is working with 

partners and stakeholders to advance action that addresses the needs of 

small scale farmers and agri-businesses, and harnesses the power of women 

to drive economic growth. We will increase our investment in nutrition and 

agriculture development while maintaining our support for humanitarian 

food assistance. 

Through our leadership in this initiative, we advance global stability and 

prosperity by improving the most basic of human conditions: the need 

that families and individuals have for a reliable source of quality food and 

sufficient resources to purchase it. 

For more information on these initiatives visit: 

www.ghi.gov 

www.feedthefuture.gov 
 [ 44 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

 

3. Volunteer

One of the best resources we have to give 

is ourselves. Do a quick survey of your 

congregation; you may be surprised at the 

skills and expertise your community has. 

USAID’s Volunteers for Prosperity Service 

Incentive Program helps to match highly 

skilled professionals with NGOs seeking 

volunteers. Volunteers for Prosperity is 

committed to continue finding innovative 

ways to incorporate volunteers into the 

design and implementation of development 

work around the world. Highly-skilled 

American professionals such as doctors, 

nurses, teachers, engineers, economists, 

computer specialists, financial sector 

professionals, business executives and 

others with specialized technical expertise 

and significant practical experience are 

eligible volunteer candidates. 

Additionally, the Volunteers for Prosperity 

Service Incentive Program provides 

competitive grants to U.S. partner 

organizations to assist Americans with 

relevant professional experience who 

wish to volunteer. These grants (ranging 

from $500 to $1000) are individual, nonrenewable and are designated to offset 

volunteer travel and living expenses while 

on assignment. The program provides a 

dollar for dollar match for funds raised by 

volunteers up to a $1000. 

For more information, visit: 

www.volunteersforprosperity.gov. 

Another way that individuals can volunteer 

is through the Peace Corps. For nearly 

50 years, Peace Corps Volunteers have 

been dedicating 27 months to serving 

and partnering with communities in 

over 70 countries. They work with 

communities to develop and implement 

improvements in education, youth and 

community development, health, business 

and information and communications 

technology, agriculture, and the 

environment. In addition to the incredible 

reward of knowing they improved the lives 

of community members, Peace Corps 

Volunteers gain invaluable professional 

skills and are eligible for student loan 

deferment or partial cancellation and 

transition funding upon return. 

Contact a Peace Corps recruiter to learn 

about necessary qualifications by calling 

(800) 424-8580. To learn more and apply 

online, visit: www.peacecorps.gov. 

Contact the Center for Faith-Based and 

Community Initiatives at USAID with any 

questions about all of these items at 

(202) 712-4080 or fbci@usaid.gov. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 45 ] 

CREATING JOBS AND 

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 

While the economy is recovering, job loss impacts almost 

everyone. Now more than ever, individuals need support 

and assistance to find and sustain employment, and to 

enhance their skills and talents. However, many people don’t 

know where to turn. Fortunately, there are many partnership 

opportunities in these key areas, where you and your 

organization can be part of the solution! 
 [ 46 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	

	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	

1.	Connect those in your

organization or

congregation to your local

One-Stop Career Center

The Department of Labor coordinates a 

nationwide network of approximately 3,000 

One-Stop Career Centers. These centers 

provide job seekers a range of employment 

and training services, including helping 

those who need to apply for unemployment 

benefits. Many of these Centers across 

the country are not connected to local 

faith and community-based leaders and 

organizations. Your organization can play a 

vital role in referring those in need to these 

centers and their available resources. 

To start, reach out to your local One-Stop 

Career Center. You can find your nearest 

Center at www.careeronestop.org. Call 

the Center to inquire about establishing a 

referral relationship or other partnership 

with your congregation or organization. 

Also, check out the Department of Labor’s 

newest career websites 

www.myskillsmyfuture.org and 

www.mynextmove.org. You can share 

these websites with your members and 

create bookmarks to these sites on public 

access computers in your congregation or 

community center. 

The Department of Labor also directly 

funds job training programs in communities 

across the country. Two of the largest 

training programs focus on at-risk 

youth ages 16 to 24. The YouthBuild 

program provides job training and 

educational opportunities combined 

with on-the-job experience renovating 

or building affordable housing in lowincome communities. There are over 220 

YouthBuild programs in 43 states. Job Corps 

is a residential-based program that helps 

young people learn a career, earn a high 

school diploma or GED, and find and retain 

employment. Job Corps currently trains 

more than 100,000 students at 124 centers 

nationwide. To learn more or connect to 

these programs in your area, contact our 

Center at cfbnp@dol.gov. 

The Department of Labor encourages 

faith-based and community organizations 

to participate in its competitive grant 

programs either as a lead applicant or 

partner, depending on the program and 

eligibility. Find the nonprofit organizations 

in your region that are DOL grantees 

and reach out to discuss partnership 

development. You can also learn about 

open DOL grant solicitations and reach out 

to organizations in your area to develop a 

joint grant application. 

Visit www.dol.gov/cfbnp/grant.htm 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 47 ] 

	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	

to find nonprofit grantees and open 

solicitations. 

For guidance on applying for grants, 

go to www.workforce3one.org/page/
	

grants_toolkit.
	

2.	Create a Job Club

Across the country, places of worship and 

local community organizations host job 

clubs or unemployment ministries for their 

community members. These clubs tend 

to be informal and are often organized 

by an enterprising volunteer coordinator. 

However, they can serve as a very valuable 

resource for job seekers. Part peer support 

group and part employment network, job 

clubs help individuals manage the stress 

associated with unemployment while 

learning strategies for their job search and 

connecting with employers and other job 

seekers. 

The Department of Labor’s Center 

for Faith-Based and Neighborhood 

Partnerships is a resource for job clubs. 

We can provide technical support to help 

you set up a job club and we can link you 

to existing clubs. We can also help connect 

your job club to the local public workforce 

system, employers, and workforce 

professionals who can speak at your job 

club meetings. For more information 

contact the Center at cfbnp@dol.gov or 

(202) 693-6017. 

We also manage a Community of 

Practice website for local organizations, 

congregations, and community members 

across the country who host job clubs, 

or are interested in starting one, to 

share ideas, resources and learn from 

one another at: https://partnerships. 

workforce3one.org. 

3.	 Promote Small Business

Programs within Your

Community

Small businesses are the largest job 

creators in the country. They also generate 

the majority of the innovations from 

companies within the United States. Small 

businesses are critical to our country’s 

economic development. Over the past 15 

years, 65% of all new private sector jobs 

have been created by small businesses and 

today 50% of all U.S. workers either own 

their own business or are employed by a 

small business. 

Community and faith-based organizations 

are integral to helping to sustain economic 

development in our country. Because 

you have credibility and have earned 

the trust of the communities you serve, 

you can work with the Small Business 

Administration (SBA) to promote programs 

that encourage entrepreneurship, 

community development, economic 

growth and job creation. 

One example of how you can help in this 

important endeavor is to build awareness! 

With the economy rebounding, your 

congregants, members and neighbors need 

to be aware of the all the opportunities 

available for them to participate in the 
 [ 48 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	

economic recovery. SBA has programs that 

can transform neighborhoods and change 

lives; but too often the people who could 

take advantage of these programs are not 

aware of them. 

One of these opportunities is SBA’s 8(a) 

Business Development Program. This 

nine year program assists eligible small 

businesses owned and controlled by 

socially and economically disadvantaged 

individuals compete in the American 

economy and access the federal 

procurement market. Firms approved to 

participate in the 8(a) program receive a 

broad scope of benefits and assistance, 

including one-on-one coaching; training 

workshops; specialized management 

and technical assistance; enhanced 

subcontracting opportunities; and access to 

sole source and limited competition federal 

contracts. For more information about 

contracting with the federal government 

visit www.sba.gov/contracting. 

For more information on SBA programs, 

and how to raise awareness about them 

in your local community, contact the 

Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood 

Partnerships at SBA at 

partnerships@SBA.gov or (202)205.6452. 

4.	 Become an Intermediary for

Micro-lending

At a time when credit for small businesses 

is still not always available - especially in 

underserved markets - your organization 

can provide a local financing option for your 

congregants, members and neighbors by 

becoming an SBA Microloan Intermediary. 

Having a “microlender” in a community 

is important because the Microloan 

Intermediary often acts as a bank for 

entrepreneurs and small businesses that 

might otherwise not get a loan. Dollars 

through Microloans can be used for 

working capital, machinery and equipment, 

furniture, fixtures, supplies and inventory. 

Microloans to individual borrowers are 

capped at $50,000. 

To become an SBA Microloan Intermediary, 

the applicant must be a nonprofit and have 

at least one year of experience making 

loans of $50,000 or less to small businesses 

and providing technical assistance to its 

borrowers. Additionally, the Intermediary 

is required to contribute not less than 15% 

of its loan amount in matching funds. The 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 49 ] 

match must be in cash and obtained from 

non-federal sources. 

Because of the risk associated with these 

Microloans, Intermediaries are required 

to provide borrowers with technical 

assistance. SBA does provide grants to help 

offset the technical assistance costs. The 

match against the grant is 25% of the grant 

amount. 

For more information about SBA’s 

Microloan program go to: 

www.sba.gov/content/microloanprogram. 

5.	Promote Good Jobs

for Everyone

Department of Labor offices across the 

country enforce laws and regulations that 

protect workers in the areas of wages 

paid, hours worked, on-the-job health and 

safety, employment discrimination, and 

more. These are important protections 

that help workers keep what they earn and 

ensure they return home safely from work 

every day. 

Many workers are victims of labor law 

violations. They may be paid less than 

the minimum wage, not receive overtime 

pay, or they may be misclassified as an 

independent contractor. Often times, 

workers are not aware of their rights or how 

to report violations. When workers aren’t 

sure where to turn, they often consult their 

pastor or community leader for guidance 

and help. 

You can work with the Center for FaithBased and Neighborhood Partnerships at 

the Department of Labor to address any 

of these concerns that might arise in your 

community. Our public outreach campaign, 

“We Can Help”, provides basic information 

on worker protections in the form of 

written materials in multiple languages and 

public service announcements (PSAs). 

Visit www.dol.gov/wecanhelp to 

download or request materials. 

You can also invite local staff from the 

Department’s worker protection agencies, 

including the Wage and Hour Division 

and the Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration to your congregation to 

make presentations on worker protections 

and the process for filing complaints. 

The Center for Faith-Based and 

Neighborhood Partnerships at the 

Department of Labor can help connect 

you to your regional and district offices 

and answer any questions at 

cfbnp@dol.gov or (202) 693-6017. 
 [ 50 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

6. Revitalize Rural Communities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

Rural Development programs help create 

jobs and promote economic development 

in rural communities. Grants, loans, and 

technical assistance are available to 

support the growth of rural businesses and 

cooperatives, which creates employment 

opportunities for rural residents around the 

country. 

Faith-based and neighborhood 

organizations play a critical role in 

building our rural communities. Nonprofit organizations, both faith-based and 

secular, may be eligible to apply for several 

Rural Development programs, including 

Rural Business Enterprise Grants and Rural 

Community Development Initiative grant 

funding. USDA also has resources to help 

new farmers access capital through the 

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program 

and the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers 

and Ranchers program. 

Every state has USDA Rural Development 

offices that can provide more information 

about these programs, as well as guidance 

about the application process. Learn more 

at www.usda.gov/partnerships and 

www.rurdev.usda.gov. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 51 ] 

 

 

SUPPORTING VETERANS
�

AND MILITARY FAMILIES
�

“For their service and sacrifice, warm words of thanks from a grateful 

nation are more than warranted, but they aren’t nearly enough. We also 

owe our Veterans the care they were promised and the benefits that they 

have earned. We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform 

of the United States of America. It’s a commitment that begins at 

enlistment, and it must never end. But we know that for too long, we’ve 

fallen short of meeting that commitment. Too many wounded warriors 

go without the care that they need. Too many Veterans don’t receive 

the support that they’ve earned. Too many who once wore our nation’s 

uniform now sleep in our nation’s streets.” 

–President Obama, 

April 9, 2009 

Every day, our men and women in uniform risk their lives to 

provide invaluable protection and services to our country 

both domestically and around the world. As President 

Obama said, “to our Veterans, to the fallen and to their 

families – there is no tribute, no commemoration, no 

praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service 

and your sacrifice.” 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is 

committed to ensuring that we honor the service of 

our Veterans. Many of our Veterans require assistance 

accessing the benefits and support that VA provides. 

And at this time when enrollment in VA is expected 

to increase by 800,000 in the next two years, it is 

especially critical that Veterans can access the 

assistance they deserve. 
 [ 52 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	

The First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden have 

launched the Joining Forces initiative, 

calling on all of us to come together to 

help support America’s military families 

and Veterans. Faith and community 

leaders are on the forefront of such efforts 

already, and the First and Second Lady 

want to invite more to join together to help 

make a difference for military families. 

Joining Forces is a comprehensive national 

initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to 

give our service members and their families 

the opportunities and support they have 

earned. For more information on Joining 

Forces and how you can become involved, 

please visit 

www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces. 

Community groups and faith-based 

organizations can provide some of the 

most effective support, resources and 

opportunities to help Veterans and their 

families. You can play a critical role in 

joining VA’s efforts to help those who have 

served our country. 

1. Start a Ministry or Program

to Support our Military and

Veteran Families

Take a close look at your current ministries 

or community programs. Consider how 

your program or group may assist our 

military women, men and Veterans, their 

families and survivors. This may include 

providing Veterans with transportation to 

appointments or even clothing to Veterans 

and their family members who may have 

hit a rough spot. A food pantry may provide 

extra meals for families who may be having 

a greater difficulty adjusting to life postdeployment. 

For more information, be sure to contact 

your local VA medical center Chaplain 

Service or VA Mental Health Department. 

When you contact a VA medical center you 

may be connected with any or all of the 

following: 

• Chaplain 

• Operation Enduring Freedom/ 

Operation Iraqi Freedom Program 

Coordinator 

• Network Homeless Coordinator 

• Mental Health Worker 

• Women Veteran Program 

Coordinators
	

• VA Volunteer Office 

These key resource people will assist you 

in working with our Veterans, their families 

and survivors. 

You and your team may also host a family 

night for Veterans. Invite all the Veterans in 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 53 ] 

your community and thank them for their 

service. This kind of gathering provides an 

informal support group for Veteran families, 

which will come in handy as there is always 

be a period of adjustment for each family 

member. For more information contact: 

www.oefoif.va.gov and click on Welcome 

Home Outreach. 

You can refer a Veteran or his or her family 

member to the VA telephone-based 

program, Families at Ease (888) 823-7458, 

which operates 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern 

Time. You also may call this resource 

for support and suggestions about how 

to talk to a Veteran about seeking an 

evaluation or treatment. A call responder 

will ask the right questions about the 

Veteran’s situation and will readily 

provide information on how to get the 

Veterans enrolled in VA or other care. The 

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has 

resources in place to help your Veteran get 

the treatment and support he or she needs, 

all in complete confidence. 

You can also help veterans and their 

families connect to their local Vet Center 

for support and help. Vet Centers are a 

wonderful resource offering free peercounseling to combat Veterans and 

their families. To find out more about 

the resources and benefits available to 

Veterans, call the VA Health Benefits 

Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS or visit 

www.vetcenter.va.gov. 

If your congregation is interested in helping 

Veterans get important information on 

health care and other benefits, attend a 

VA sponsored Welcome Home Event held 

around the country for returning military 

service members and their families. For 

more information, contact your local VA 

Voluntary Service office at your local VA 

medical center. 
 [ 54 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	 	

	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	

2. Watch for Signs of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder

(PTSD) and Mental Health

Needs

Although most Veterans will readjust 

smoothly, the most common mental 

health problems faced by returning troops 

are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and 

Depression. Anyone who has gone through 

an event such as combat can develop 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

Many Veterans, who are struggling with 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 

the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 

or depression may not understand what 

they are experiencing before they seek 

treatment. They may also be avoiding help 

that VA offers due to a concern about the 

stigma of mental health treatment or be in 

denial about their problems. 

The symptoms of PTSD may appear 

suddenly or may be triggered by something 

that reminds the individual of their 

traumatic experience. Each person who 

has PTSD experiences it differently, but 

symptoms fall into three main clusters: 1) 

re-experiencing the event, either through 

flashbacks, nightmares or a physiological 

reaction such as pounding heart, muscle 

tension, sweating, etc.; 2) avoidance and 

emotional numbing, which can include an 

inability to remember the event or loss of 

interests in activities and daily life; and 3) 

hyperarousal: symptoms associated with 

increased stimulation, such as difficulty 

concentrating, falling or staying asleep, or 

outbursts of anger. 

Veterans and their families can turn to 

their local VA medical center or Vet Center 

for help. Vet Centers are also a wonderful 

resource offering free peer-counseling to 

combat Veterans and their families. To find 

out more about the resources and benefits 

available to Veterans, call the VA Health 

Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS. 

Religious and community leaders are in an 

important position to recognize the signs 

of PTSD in our returning veterans and help 

connect them to care and help they might 

need. 

Learn how to recognize signs of trauma and 

how to connect returning veterans to care. 

Learn more at: 

www.mentalhealth.va.gov. 

3. Homeless Veterans

Sadly, Veterans are overrepresented among 

the nation’s homeless population. At a 

point in time in 2009, approximately 12 

percent of all people (and 16 percent of 

adults) experiencing homelessness were 

identified as a Veteran. There are many 

reasons that contribute to the downward 

spiral of Veteran homelessness but one 

of the main reasons is due to the effects 

of PTSD and substance abuse. These 

challenges are compounded by a lack of 

family and social support networks. 

Faith and community-based organizations 

such as yours can help link homeless 

Veterans to the services they need most. 

This is a great opportunity for you and your 

group to join the VA in helping homeless 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 55 ] 

Veterans and help President Obama and 

Secretary Shinseki reach the goal of zero 

homelessness among Veterans in five years. 

As members of your organization conduct 

outreach to homeless Veterans in your 

community, you may refer Veterans to the 

Department of Veteran Affairs National Call 

Center for Homeless Veterans 

1-877-424-3838. 

You may call this number on behalf of a 

homeless Veteran or a Veteran at risk for 

homelessness. 

When a Veteran family member or 

concerned individual calls on behalf of a 

Veteran, they will speak to a trained VA 

staff member. The VA staff member will 

conduct a brief screening to assess the 

need and the homeless Veteran will be 

connected with the Homeless Point of 

Contact at the nearest VA facility. 

For more information, visit: 

www.va.gov/homeless 

To learn more about any of these programs, 

contact our Center at the Department of 

Veterans Affairs at 

VAPartnerships@va.gov 

or (202) 461-7689. 
 [ 56 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 57 ] 

ENCOURAGING VOLUNTEERISM 

AND SERVICE 

In 2009, over five million volunteers helped faith- and communitybased organizations carry out their missions and assist those in 

their communities. People are volunteering now more than ever, 

and more Americans volunteer through faith-based organizations 

than any other kind of organization. What does this mean for you? 

With the passage of the Kennedy Serve America Act, the 

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has an 

expanded mandate to work across programs to demonstrate results 

in six critical areas: education, economic opportunity, healthy futures, 

disaster preparation and response, environmental stewardship, and 

Veterans and military families. 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	

 [ 58 ] Partnerships for the Common Good
	

No matter what your congregation 

or organization is working on in your 

community, there are many ways to get 

committed, passionate volunteers to help 

your program and achieve results. 

1.	Apply for a National

Service member to work

with your organization to

support your mission

CNCS offers many resources to help 

you recruit volunteers for your projects, 

including tools to post your service 

opportunities online. To get started, 

be sure to review the various volunteer 

programs we offer. Some programs, such 

as AmeriCorps State and National, award 

financial support through competitive 

grants to community groups that sponsor 

service activities, whereas others, such as 

VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), 

allow your organization to receive 

volunteers as they become available. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 59 ] 

Below is a brief summary of each volunteer program. 

AmeriCorps 

State and 

National 

AmeriCorps 

VISTA 

AmeriCorps National 

Civilian Community 

Corps (NCCC) 

Senior Corps 

National 

Service 

members 

provide 

the human 

capital that 

is essential 

for sustaining 

numerous 

nonprofit 

organizations. 

National Service 

members build 

capacity by 

putting in place 

systems and 

tools to support 

faith-based and 

community 

based efforts to 

alleviate poverty 

and related 

issues. 

Young adults live and 

work in teams at five 

regional campuses 

across the country. 

NCCC teams can help 

you with short-term 

intense service projects 

such as youth camps, 

coordinating large 

groups of volunteers 

for events, disaster 

response, and physical 

plant rehabs. 

Senior Corps promotes 

service opportunities for 

older Americans. Using 

Senior Corps members 

helps organizations 

meet their core 

missions. Senior Corps 

volunteers help reduce 

the cost of service, 

provide invaluable skills 

and experience along 

with their dedication 

and concern for their 

communities. 

Competitive 

process; 

must apply 

to receive 

National 

Service 

members. 

Contact your 

state service 

commission to 

learn how to 

apply. 

Work with your 

CNCS state 

office, propose 

a project and 

as openings 

become available 

you can get a 

VISTA member. 

Contact a regional 

campus directly to 

learn more about 

collaborating with 

NCCC teams. 

Work with your CNCS 

state office to find 

out about relevant 

opportunities. 
 [ 60 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	

	 	

Be sure to visit www.NationalService.gov 

and click on resources For Organizations 

and Grantees to find out which program 

is most appropriate for your organization 

and your needs, how to apply and relevant 

contact information. 

2.	 Encourage members of your

community to serve

Members of all ages are eligible to apply 

for a variety of AmeriCorps programs. 

Research each program to see which one 

is most appropriate for your community 

members to apply to, as well as which 

volunteer opportunities are available to 

you. Not only can you assist those looking 

for a way to volunteer in their area of 

interest, but you can also reap the rewards 

of having volunteers assist you who are 

outside your service area. 

To post or find opportunities to serve, 

visit www.Serve.gov, where all volunteer 

opportunities are located in one place. 

For more information, current grant 

opportunities, or to find out which program 

is right for your organization or community, 

visit: www.NationalService.gov. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 61 ] 

 

 

 

APPLYING FOR 

A FEDERAL GRANT 

As this toolkit demonstrates, there are numerous ways your 

organization can partner with the federal government. In addition 

to diverse civic or non-financial partnerships to address community 

challenges and critical issues, there may be appropriate opportunities 

where you may decide to pursue a competitive federal grant 

opportunity. You will want to evaluate the relevant grant opportunity 

very closely, as well as your organization’s size, scope and current 

capacity with respect to the grant program. Applying for a federal 

grant is a competitive process. The White House Office of Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships and federal Centers work to make sure 

that organizations that receive grants from the federal government, as 

well as the government officials supporting those financial partnerships, 

have all of the information they need to comply with relevant law and 

policy. Because of the trust that government agencies and clients place 

in these organizations, financial partnerships must be characterized by 

their ability to both uphold the free exercise of religion and to prevent the 

establishment of religion. 

It is important to note that a significant percentage of federal grant 

dollars are also awarded by state and local government agencies. So in 

addition to assessing competitive direct federal grant opportunities that 

may be appropriate to pursue based on your organization’s size, scope, and 

capacity, it is also important to understand the state and local government 

grant opportunities as well. In addition, it is important to develop nongovernmental funding sources and prospects for your nonprofit as well. A 

resource for understanding private and foundation funding sources is the 

Foundation Center, at www.foundationcenter.org. The Foundation Center 

also provides webinars and training sessions for nonprofits, especially related 

to development and grant writing. 

Please note that the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood 

Partnerships and its federal Centers do not make grant award decisions. 

You must apply via the competitive process. 
 [ 62 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	

Below are some helpful hints and tips on 

the grant process. Some agencies may 

refer to the process in different terms, 

such as a RFP (Request for Proposals), RFA 

(Request for Applications), or FOA (Funding 

Opportunity Announcement). These letters 

all mean the same thing for the most part: 

they are announcing a grant application 

opportunity. 

1.	 Start planning before a

grant opportunity has been

published

Review previous announcements and 

determine whether your organization’s 

mission and vision align with the intent 

of the federal grant program. You can 

start preliminary planning before an 

announcement is made. Most federal grant 

awards are “on the street” for 60 days, 

sometimes less, and you should be ready 

to start writing the grant application once 

it is available, versus planning who your 

partners are and how you will fulfill the 

grant requirements. 

2.	 Register at Grants.gov

In order to apply for a federal grant, your 

organization should complete the Grants. 

gov registration process. You can register 

your organization at any time. It is a good 

practice to register your organization if 

you are considering applying for federal 

funding in general. Your registration does 

not need to be tied to a specific grant 

announcement. Registration can take 

between three to five business days or 

as long as two weeks if all steps are not 

completed in a timely manner. Please go to 

www.grants.gov and click on “Get 

Registered.” 

3.	 Partner with other agencies

and organizations in your

community!

If you haven’t done so already, talk to 

agencies in your community that would 

be a logical fit with your organization and/ 

or provide a service that will assist your 

organization and your intended service 

recipients. By working together, you 

and your partners will be able to support 

and strengthen each other’s work and 

the services you each provide to your 

community. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 63 ] 

	 	 	 	 	

	 	

	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	

4.	 Be on the lookout for

announcements about preaward conferences, webinars

or other training and technical

assistance offered to those

interested in applying for a

specific grant

Sign up for emails that the Partnership 

Center, the program office and the Training 

and Technical Assistance provider provides, 

including other entities as appropriate, 

to find out if and when they offer these 

valuable tools. Please be aware that not 

every agency and program provides this 

service for their grants. 

5.	When your grant application

has been published, please

note the deadline

You must ensure that your grant 

application is submitted before the 

deadline or else it will not be reviewed and 

eligible for funding. 
 [ 64 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

6. When	 	 	 	 the grant application

has been published:

1. Download a Grant Application 

Package. This allows you to complete 

it offline and route it through your 

organization for review before 

submitting. Each grant/funding 

opportunity will have its own grant 

application package so if you are 

applying for more than one grant, 

be sure to download all appropriate 

packages. 

a. Make sure your Adobe software 

is compatible with Grants.gov. Go 

to www.grants.gov/applicants/ 

AdobeVersioningTestOnly.jsp to 

test your version for compliance. 

b. Instructions on how to open and 

use the forms in the package are 

on the application package cover 

sheet. Agency specific instructions 

are available for download when 

you download your application 

package, which will include 

required information for your 

submission. 

2. Complete the grant application offline 

and be sure to save along the way. 

All required fields must be completed 

before your application package can 

be submitted. 

3. Submit your grant application. After 

you have entered all the necessary 

information, checked the package for 

errors and saved your package, click 

the “Save & Submit” button on the 

cover page. Your application package 

will automatically be uploaded to 

www.Grants.gov. 

A confirmation screen will appear once 

the submission is complete. A Grants.gov

tracking number will be provided at the 

bottom of this screen, as well as the official 

date and time of the submission. Record 

the tracking number so that you may refer 

to it should you need to contact 

www.Grants.gov for support. 

If you do not get a grant please do not get 

discouraged. Many organizations apply and 

there is a finite amount of money available. 

If you do not receive your reviewer 

comments, please contact the person listed 

in the grant application package to request 

the comments. Review them and be sure to 

take the comments into consideration the 

next time you apply for a federal grant. 

For additional details on how to apply for 

a grant go to www.Grants.gov and click 

on “Apply for Grants.” 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 65 ] 

Hints and tips to keep in mind as you write 

your grant application: 

• Avoid acronyms and jargon. Your grant is likely to be 

reviewed by peer reviewers and they may not be aware of 

the acronym in your organization or community. 

• Make your grant compelling and easy to read. Place all 

the information in a logical order and follow the format 

prescribed in the announcement. You do not want people to 

have to search for the information. 

• Use charts and lists when appropriate. 

• Avoid assumptions and generalizations. The people 

reviewing your application do not know what you know so 

be sure to be clear and explain as appropriate. 

• Follow the grant application directions. If something is 

asked for numerous times, provide it numerous times by 

referencing the location of the item within the narrative. 

• Be sure to note the page limit, formatting requirements 

(such as font size and type, spacing, etc.) and other 

required information and forms. Failure to include required 

information or follow the page limits and formatting 

requirements may cause your grant to not be read in its 

entirety, which means you lose points. Awarding a grant is 

competitive and you want as many points as possible. 
 [ 66 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 67 ] 

 

 

 

CAPACITY BUILDING 

President Obama has emphasized the important role that nonprofit 

organizations play in our economy and our communities. We 

recognize that nonprofits, both faith-based and secular, are essential 

partners in the federal government’s efforts to serve those in need. 

And with an all hands on deck approach to serving our communities, 

it is important for the government to come alongside and strengthen 

the work of organizations seeking to address community needs. 

Here are several resources you can use right now to support and 

strengthen your nonprofit and your community. The resources and 

services are available free of charge to any organization interested in 

assistance. You do not need to be a funding recipient of that particular 

agency to access these tools and services. 
 [ 68 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

	 	

 

	 	 	

	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	

1.	Utilize Technical Assistance

Use technical assistance resources 

developed by the Housing and Urban 

Development Center for Faith-Based and 

Neighborhood Partnerships or attend an 

upcoming workshop. 

Find resources and opportunities at 

www.hud.gov/offices/fbci. 

HUD has a cadre of seasoned professionals 

that provide insight on the federal grants 

process and provide capacity building for 

emerging, intermediate, and advanced 

groups. Through the HUD Partnership 

Center’s Capacity Building Workshop 

Series, faith-based and community 

organizations work to strengthen their 

effectiveness in the following areas: 

• Organizational Development (Board 

Development, 501c3 tax status, etc.) 

• Strategic Planning and Financial 

Management Basics 

• Performance Measurements and 

Evaluation 

• The Science of Finding and Applying 

for Grants 

For more information go to 

www.hud.gov/offices/fbci and click on 

“Technical Assistance for My NonProfit 

Organization.” 

2.	Connect with SAMHSA’s

Capacity Building Materials

and Seminar:

Join with the efforts underway at the 

Department of Health and Human Services’ 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration. Link with other 

nonprofits both, faith-based and secular, 

and strengthen your community’s ability to 

support the recovery of individuals working 

to overcome substance abuse by visiting 

www.samhsa.gov/fbci/fbci.aspx. 

3.	Discover Resources or Events

that Support Your Work in the

Community

Search for a resource from the federal 

government that might be of use in your 

community through the Resource Center 

at the Corporation for National and 

Community Service at 

www.nationalserviceresources.org. 

On that same site, search the calendar to 

find webinars and events that can help 

you serve vulnerable populations in your 

community. 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 69 ] 

CONTACT INFORMATION
�

White House Office of Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships 

Phone: (202) 456-3394 

Email: whpartnerships@who.eop.gov 

Website: www.whitehouse.gov/partnerships 

Agency Centers for Faith-Based 

and Neighborhood Partnerships 

Center at the U.S. Agency 

for International Development (USAID) 

Phone: (202) 712-4080 

Email: fbci@usaid.gov 

Website: www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_partnerships/fbci 

Center at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

Phone: (202) 720-2032 

Email: collaborate@usda.gov 

Website: www.usda.gov/partnerships 

Center at the U.S. Department of Commerce 

Phone: (202) 482-2770 

Email: FBNP@doc.gov 

Website: www.commerce.gov/office-secretary/center-faith-based-andneighborhood-partnerships 

Center at the U.S. Department of Education 

Phone: (202) 205-9655 

Email: edparters@ed.gov 

Website: www.ed.gov/edpartners 

Center at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 

Phone: (202) 358-3595 

Email: partnerships@hhs.gov 

Website: www.hhs.gov/partnerships 
 [ 70 ] Partnerships for the Common Good 

Center at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 

Phone: (202) 646-3487 

Email: infofbci@dhs.gov 

Website: www.dhs.gov/fbci 

Center at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

Phone: (202) 708-2404 

Email: Talk_to_us@hud.gov 

Website: www.hud.gov/offices/fbci 

Center at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) 

Phone: (202) 305-7462 

Email: partnerships@ojp.usdoj.gov 

Center at the U.S. Department of Labor 

Phone: (202) 693-6017 

Email: CFBNP@dol.gov 

Website: www.dol.gov/cfbnp 

Center at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

Phone: (202) 564-8368 

Email: Partnerships@epa.gov 

Website: www.epa.gov/fbnpartnerships 

Center at the Small Business Administration (SBA) 

Phone: (202) 205-6452 

Email: partnerships@sba.gov 

Website: www.sba.gov/fbci 

Center at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Phone: (202) 461-7689 

Email: vafbnp@va.gov 

Website: www.va.gov/cfbnpartnerships 

Point of Contact at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) 

Phone: (202) 606-6743 

Website: www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/faith 
A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations [ 71 ] 

“Progress comes when we open our 

hearts, when we extend our hands, 

when we recognize our common 

humanity. Progress comes when we 

look into the eyes of another and see 

the face of God. 

That we might do so ... is my fervent 

prayer for our nation and the world.” 

– President Obama, 

National Prayer Breakfast 

February 4, 2010 
 [ 72 ] Partnerships for the Common Good