Most places of worship are good sources of contacts. Their members usually live locally, and they have numerous links with surrounding communities. Memberships are often broad, embracing - for example, unemployed people, local business people, old and young. Faith groups may be able to offer partnerships a gateway to other sectors of the community - and the place of worship may be the only local organisation able to reflect the views of particular ethnic groups. Faith communities also have a role in delivering partnership or programme outcomes.
Memberships often possess a useful range of managerial skills, too.
They usually have their own premises - frequently centres for community activity and members voluntary work. They often have access to funds unavailable to other organisations, including special trusts and members goodwill offerings. They generally operate within legal and constitutional frameworks, and can draw on the resources of national networks or institutions. It does not necessarily follow that all faith groups will be interested initially in becoming active partners in delivering neighbourhood renewal programmes. There may be tension within and between groups.