New grants benefit faith-based groups

WASHINGTON - President Bush's faith-based and community initiative has stalled in Congress, making full implementation unlikely until next year or after. But two federal agencies, using existing law, have announced plans to distribute nearly $50 million to encourage religious organizations to assist the government in helping the needy.

Last month, the Labor Department awarded $17 million to state governments and intermediary groups, such as community centers and charity associations, to help churches and other nonprofits set up or improve job-assistance programs and to apply for federal grants. In addition, the department gave 20 grants of about $25,000 each to faith-based and community organizations that offer employment assistance.

On Oct. 1, the Department of Health and Human Services will announce a dozen grants totaling $25 million for intermediary organizations that work with churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based institutions. An additional $5 million in this Compassion Capital Fund will be used to establish a national resource center and to underwrite studies on how to expand the government's network of social services.

The Labor Department grants come from discretionary funds and a $15 million congressional appropriation to strengthen the nation's One-Stop Career Center System, established eight years ago to streamline efforts to help people find jobs, said Brent Orrell, director of the department's faith-based and community initiative office.

The HHS appropriations were the first funds allocated by Congress in support of the president's faith-based plan. The request for funds, made by the Bush administration, avoided the most sensitive issues by focusing on "capacity building" rather than direct services, said Bobby Polito, the agency's faith-based and community initiatives director.

Not funding Bible studies

Currently, faith-based organizations can receive federal funds for social service programs as long as they do not use the money for worship, Bible study or other religious activities.

President Bush wants to expand the range of "charitable choice" programs and create tax deductions to encourage donations to faith-based groups.

The president's initiative, announced shortly after his inauguration, immediately came under attack and has failed to get approval from both houses of Congress.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., had said he would try to bring a compromise version of the bill to the Senate floor before the August recess. But concerns over some of the bill's provisions, including suggested changes to a version the House passed in July 2001, have delayed discussion at least until September, a Daschle spokeswoman said.