18 March 2010

Christians who bring people together could receive a £50,000 Government prize

Christian organisations who bring people together to meet the needs of local communities could receive a £50,000 Government prize, following an announcement from Communities Secretary John Denham.

Denham praised faith groups for their hard work and commitment to their local communities and called on local authorities to ignore the myths about faith communities and create a level playing field for faith groups providing publicly funded services.

He issued a series of policy announcements which can be accessed on: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1507453

 1.  A £50,000 Innovation in Faith-Based Social Action Prize topublicise and reward faith based projects which have not yet received the recognition they deserve. Prizes will be awarded to faith projects who are finding new ways to meet local problems, bring people together and meet the needs of local communities.

2.  A £1m Faith Leadership in Government Fund in which national faith based organisations are invited to bid for a share of £1m funding that help them develop a bigger voice and strengthen their capacity to challenge and engage Government.

3.   New 'myth busting' guidance for local government on working with faith groups which recognisesthere has been a reluctance or confusion on the part of some local authorities to commission services from faith based groups and that there are concerns amongst many faith groups and organisations that they are disadvantaged when trying to access funding. Faith-based bodies are entitled, like any other suitably qualified bodies, to be awarded funding to deliver public services.

A paper dealing with some common myths entitled Ensuring a level playing field: Funding faith based organisations to provide publicly funded services, will be sent to all local authorities urging them to dispel such myths relating to the faith sector.

The myth busting guidance is available at: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/15073411.pdf

Steve Clifford, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, said: "We're delighted that the Communities Secretary clearly values the unique experience and creativity that faith groups bring to local communities. 

"As committed citizens we cherish the opportunity to partner with the state for the benefit of all. We thank and commend the Government for recognising the key motivating role of our beliefs, while backing their faith in us with financial support."