The term 'faith-based' is a neologism (coined in the 1970s), mostly current in American English, to describe any organization or government idea or plan based on religious beliefs, specifically Christian beliefs.[1]
The term commonly refers to associated organizations such as Catholic Charities. Such "faith-based organizations" typically deliver a variety of services to the public, such as caring for the infirm and elderly, advocating justice for the oppressed and playing a major role as NGO's in humanitarian aid and international development efforts.
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Science and Theology News equates the term "faith-based group" with "civic associations loosely connected with faith groups", pointing out that such groups have existed in the United States since the Second Great Awakening in the late 18th century.[2]
In the 2000s, the term came into public use in the United States of America as an abbreviation of "faith-based initiative", e.g. U.S. President George W. Bush's proposal to grant religious charitable social-service groups federal money via the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
Funding for faith-based organizations in the U.S. centers around several signature initiatives including:
In providing these grants to faith-based groups, the Federal Government has also set up a comprehensive set of supports for groups who are interested in applying for these resources.