Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services has established a new $50 million grants program to strengthen grassroots nonprofit and faith-based organizations and agencies who aid families and communities struggling in the current economic downturn. The Strengthening Communities Fund is part of the President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed by Congress in February.

“This is a highly competitive national grants program, so there are no guarantees for Hawaii nonprofits,” said Abercrombie. “However, this couldn’t have come along at a more opportune time since there are fewer local funding resources available because of the economic downturn.”   

The Strengthening Communities Fund (SCF) is divided into two parts: the Nonprofit Capacity Building program, with two-year awards of up to $1 million to support faith-based or secular nonprofit organizations; and the State, Local and Tribal Government Capacity Building program, with two-year awards of up to $250,000 to state, city, county and Indian/Native American tribal governments to increase their nonprofits community’s involvement in projects that help turn around the economy.

Abercrombie’s Honolulu office coordinates regular outreach and training for Hawaii’s nonprofit agencies and organizations, providing guidance and instruction in grant and proposal writing and nonprofit administration. In February, more than 20 organizations participated in a Nonprofit Workshop at the Susannah Wesley Center.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Service’s Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services will administer the Strengthening Communities Fund programs. Organizations interested in applying for funds should visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/recovery.html.  

For more information about assistance available to Hawaii nonprofits, contact Renee Sambueno in Congressman Abercrombie’s office at (808) 541-2570.  Ask about the Non-Profit Executive Director's Workshop at Fort Shafter-Hale Ikena, Bldg. 711, Morton Drive, Pikake I Room on Thursday, May 28th.

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