Faith-based organizations address a myriad of needs in communities both domestic and abroad. Leaders, new to the field, often lack the strategies needed to successfully secure funds, file form 1023, audit their annual programmatic goals and hold their board of directors accountable. Through a process of understanding the historicity of the faith-based sector, establishing plans and learning the fundamentals of non-profit development, new leaders can position themselves to lead the charge towards establishing bona-fide faith-based organizations. This book is composed of those fundamental areas. In addition to such processes, this book also looks at the mission of Apostle Paul as he led a purpose driven life to establish churches in the Roman Empire and his commitment to the benevolent offering. Clearly, those working the field of Christian philanthropy can use Paul as a model figure as they seek to establish worthwhile causes that meet the needs of people universally. This book examines both the historical and current impact that faith-based organizations have on society. Included are the steps for individuals interested in establishing an NGO (non-governmental organization) and seeking funds. Worksheets are also provided. The author, Dr. Janell N. Harvey is a seasoned proposal developer who has established a number of non-profit organizations while helping to garner millions in funds. "Dr, Harvey's research presents a worthwhile model that is easily adaptable within the faith based sector. Clearly, her reference to Apostle Paul's work is legitimate as he is a model figure within the Christian faith" Attorney Trai Irving Esq.

HISTORICITY, INCORPORATION AND FUND DEVELOPMENT

A Broad Look at the Christian Faith Based SectorBy JANELL HARVEY

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Dr. Janell Harvey
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-6802-5

Contents

INTRODUCTION.....................................................................xixCHAPTER 1: FAITH-BASED MOVEMENT..................................................1The Apostle Paul.................................................................4Questions for Reflection.........................................................8CHAPTER 2: ORGANIZATIONAL READINESS..............................................9Gerald Susman's Action Research Process..........................................13Questions for Reflection.........................................................17CHAPTER 3: ESTABLISHING A BONA FIDE FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION.....................18Filing Form 1023.................................................................20Types of Incorporation Status....................................................22Questions for Reflection.........................................................27CHAPTER 4: GOING GLOBAL..........................................................28Marketing Your Mission...........................................................31The Marketing Plan...............................................................32External Factors.................................................................33Questions for Reflection.........................................................35CHAPTER 5: DISCLOSING THE ANNUAL REPORT..........................................36Professional Standards Organizations.............................................46Auditors.........................................................................48Audit Assessments................................................................49Points to Ponder.................................................................51CHAPTER 6: SEEKING SUPPORT TO SuSTAIN THE CAUSE..................................53Donors Who Fund Faith-Based Organizations........................................60Questions for Reflection.........................................................61CONCLUSION.......................................................................63REFERENCES.......................................................................65BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................71APPENDICES.......................................................................75A. Definitions...................................................................75B. Sample Fact Sheet.............................................................78C. Sample Contribution Form......................................................79D. Sample Board Member Position Description......................................80E. Giving Opportunities..........................................................83F. Types of Grant Support........................................................84G. Organizations That Fund Faith-Based Initiatives...............................86H. Sample Annual Appeal Letter...................................................87

Chapter One

FAITH-BASED MOVEMENT

The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) was established under the Bush Administration on January 29, 2001. The OFBCI was created in an effort to level the playing field while enabling faith-based organizations the same opportunities as nonprofits: to obtain funding, provide support to worthwhile causes and to participate in grass roots training. This effort enabled community and faith-based organizations to work in tandem in order to combat such issues as homelessness, drug addiction and even prisoner re-entry. A faith-based organization is defined as an organization that is based on religious beliefs. Some notable faith-based organizations are the Salvation Army and Campus Crusades for Christ. While President Bush's Executive Order to establish the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives had positive impacts on communities around the world, faith-based organizations and grassroots organizing were established many years before the OFBCI existed.

"Faith-based organizations are of three types: (1) congregations; (2) national networks, which include national denominations, their social service arms (for example, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services), networks of related organizations (such as YMCA and YWCA); and (3) freestanding religious organizations which are incorporated separately from congregations and national networks" (Vidal, 2001, ps. 1). Faith-based organizations are often referred to as NGOs or nongovernmental organizations. According to Human Rights. gov (2012), the official governmental website for human rights related information, there are approximately 1.5 million (par. 1) NGOs that operate in the united States.

Faith-based organizations were established as early as 1919 with the incorporation of Save the Children. Save the Children is an international charity organization that accepts donations on behalf of children.

Faith-based organizations are often characterized by Christian groups. Many Christian-based organizations articulate the response to humanitarianism in their belief system. In the Holy Bible, the book of Isaiah notes that, "If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday" (Isa. 58:4-10). In this scripture it is clear that Christians are called to fulfill a life of servanthood while aiming to meet the needs of those less fortunate. Faith-based organizations must structure such a call within their mission statement while articulating that it is their mission and vision to conquer societal ails.

With the establishment of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, faith-based and community organizations were able to work in collaboration in an effort to meet the needs of society. Most importantly, the Charitable Choice Law, established in 1996, enabled faith-based organizations to apply for federal funds in order to further their mission. Charitable Choice was established by President Bill Clinton as a component of the federal welfare reform so that faith-based organizations could receive funds to provide services to the poor. The Law was later extended in 2001 by President George Bush. While federal funds are not specifically for faith-based organizations, such organizations are able to compete alongside nonprofit organizations and businesses. Charitable Choice leveled the playing field by allowing FBOs the opportunity to maintain their persona; therefore they do not have to remove their religious character when providing services. However, monies cannot be used to further religious activities such as bible studies or praise and worship.

By 2002, additional steps were made towards establishing opportunities for faith-based organizations. The CARE (Charity Assistance and Recovery Act) of 2002 resulted in the establishment of the Capital Compassion Fund which enabled faith-based organizations to apply for technical assistance funding with awards ranging between $400,000 and $800,000 per year. Unfortunately, the last cycle of discretionary awards were given in 2009. While the faith-based movement was established many years ago, clearly its foundation continues to impact the livelihood of persons on a universal scale today. Organizational leaders must continue to work with governments to sustain funds and build...