HHS To Award $7 Million to Intermediary Organizations to Improve the Capacity of Smaller Faith-Based

HHS News Report

The Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families today announced that approximately $7 million will be made available to intermediary organizations that help grassroots faith-based and community organizations increase their capacity to assist people in need. The resources will come from the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) program, a $47 million Presidential initiative aimed at helping these organizations improve their effectiveness, enhance their ability to provide social services, diversify their funding sources, and emulate model social service programs.

Grants will be made to intermediary organizations that serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and faith-based and community organizations. Intermediary organizations will provide technical assistance and capacity-building sub-awards to grassroots faith-based and community groups. Private, non-profit organizations including faith and community-based organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments are eligible to apply for these grants.

"Because of the help of intermediary organizations, front-line faith-based and community organizations are serving more people, more effectively," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said.

"The grassroots approach works for people in crisis," said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., assistant secretary for children and families. "We are pleased to empower faith-based and community organizations to play a greater role in helping people in need."

Applications for these grants are due by May 18, 2004. The Compassion Capital Fund website is available at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/

Information on how to apply and whom to contact can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2004-EJ-0002.html

Contact: Chris Downing
ACF Press Office (202) 401-9215