The US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families has Recovery Act funds available specifically for nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The Strengthening Communities Fund will make $50 million available to help communities severely affected by the economic downturn. Partnering with private and public organizations, HHS will provide one-time, two year grants. The focus of this program is to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, to address the broad economic recovery issues present in their communities, including helping low-income individuals secure and retain employment, earn higher wages, obtain better-quality jobs, and gain greater access to state and Federal benefits and tax credits, including Recovery Act benefits.

There are two components of the funds: the Nonprofit Capacity-Building Program – open to nonprofit and faith-based organizations among others; and the State, Local, and Tribal Government Capacity-Building Program – open to government entities. To learn more visit: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/scf/index.html.