New Guide Released for Hindu Organizations Participating in the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Program

September 2, 2005

Source: Hindu American Foundation

http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/Content/Achievements/media_press_release_federalgrants.html

On September 2, 2005 a Hindu American Foundation Press Release reported, "The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) released today a guide intended to assist Hindu religious organizations in participating in the federal Faith-based and Community Initiatives (FBCI) program. Entitled 'Faith-based and Community Initiatives in the United States: A Guide for Hindu Organizations,' HAF members stated that report is aimed at offering a single point of reference to an otherwise complex FBCI program and specifically informing Hindu Faith-based Organizations (FBOs) of the steps required to prepare for the grant process, identify funding sources, write grant proposals and comply with post application rules and regulations... Hindu participation in the FBCI program has been absent thus far according to the leaders at HAF. They felt that this absence reflects a relative lack of integration of Hindus into the mainstream. Acknowledging some concerns that the FBCI process is dominated by Judeo-Christian groups and that the entire program compromises separation of church and state, HAF members nevertheless felt that as the program enters its sixth year, participation is necessary to actually confirm a Hindu presence in the mainstream and increase general understanding about Hinduism."