Stimulus Bill Includes Funds for Faith-Based Initiative

Among the many items in the proposed economic stimulus bill, HR 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is a provision for funding of $100 million for grants to faith-based organization through the Compassion Capital Fund [at pg. 141 of bill]. Half of the amount would become available October 1, 2009. A proposed amendment by Rep. Susan Davis of California would increase the total appropriation to $500 million. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the purpose of Compassion Capital Fund grants is "to expand and strengthen the role of faith-based and community organizations in their ability to provide social services to low-income communities."