| |
|
A faith-based organization is … ?
FBOs can be community-based organizations (CBOs), but community-based organizations, of course, are not necessarily faith-based. The two groups differ in their starting points, history, leadership, reputation, agenda, mission, constituency, and resources. A faith-based organization (FBO) is a church, synagogue, mosque, parish or 501(c)3 organization established as an expression of an individual or agency’s religious ministry, “calling,” or beliefs. An FBO could be initiated by a religious organization or closely aligned with a specific denomination or congregation. In short, if a group says it is an FBO, it is.
Among FBOs, the role of faith distinguishes one from another:
- Faith-filled: Requires religious commitment or conversion on the part of those served. Faith is a prerequisite for participation.
- Faith-linked: Religious organization that does not require faith participation or employment, does not openly practice or evidence faith in its secular activities (e.g., Catholic Charities, Jewish Family and Children’s Services).
- Faith-based: Faith is neither a prerequisite nor mandatory and may be openly practiced in ways closely linked to the program.
While FBOs have been around for a long time, their role as activists, especially among Evangelicals and the minority community, has increased and broadened; their leaders have become better educated, more experienced in business issues, and technologically savvy; and, for many, their capacity has greatly expanded.
If you are a potential funding source for FBOs, educate yourself first about the group’s theology, emphasis, attitudes and motivations. Be sensitive to what is important to them, including certain dates and times; sacred places, people and things; language, especially sensitive words; feelings about other religions; and various hot-button issues. Know the group’s structure, how decisions are made, formal and informal communication channels, capacity, and the size and composition of the group. Get information by attending a service, if the organization is a religious congregation, obtaining a bulletin, talking with a member, visiting the congregation’s website, and sitting in on a congregation’s committee meeting. Be faith-friendly and faith-sensitive but don’t discuss religion.
MODELS OF FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
Single Congregation Model
- Organization is often named after the congregation
- The word faith is in its mission statement
- The leader is a strong figure
- Example include Bethel New Life, Abyssinian Development Corp., Lawndale CDC, West Angeles CDC, and Malcolm Shabazz CDC
Interfaith/Ecumenical Coalition Model
- Composed of members of various religious faiths
- Often includes non-faith members
- Mission emphasizes the common good and not any particular faith
- Examples: Tri-city Interfaith Collaborative, Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement, and Kansas City Partnership
Judicatory/ Religious Coalition Model
- Composed of members of the same related religious faith
- Intra-faith coalition
- Often started by judicatory or national organization
- Seen as ministries of outreach
- Examples: Nueva Esperanza, Jewish Family and Children Services, Collective Banking Group, The Grayston Foundation, McAuley Institute, and Christian Community Development Association
Leadership-based Model
- Identified as faith-based, with personal faith and motivation characterizing the board and staff
- Mission statement usually does not reflect faith
- Example: Caleb CDC, Garfield Jubilee
- Association, Rocky Mt CDC, New Communities, CDC of Tampa, and Fifth Ward CDC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
