03/08/2022 Partial Revision
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Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations, and 22 CFR 205,
Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs, the following
principles guide USAID on the participation of faith-based and community
organizations in USAID-funded programs:
(1) The Federal Government must distribute Federal financial assistance for
social service programs in the most effective and efficient manner possible
(see Executive Order 13559).
(2) All eligible organizations, including faith-based and other community
organizations, must be able to apply on an equal footing for Federal
financial assistance used to support social service programs and
participate in any program for which they are eligible.
(a) USAID, recipients, and subrecipients who administer USAID funded
programs, must not discriminate for or against an organization on
the basis of the organization's religious character or affiliation [see
22 CFR 205.1(a)]. USAID must not disqualify religious
organizations from participating in USAID's programs because such
organizations are motivated or influenced by religious faith to
provide social services (see 22 CFR 205.1(f)). Decisions about
awards of USAID financial assistance must be free from political
interference or even the appearance of such interference and must
be made on the basis of merit, not on the basis of the religious
affiliation of a recipient organization, or lack thereof (see 22 CFR
205.1(j)). Additionally, when limiting eligibility using the local
eligibility exception (303.3.6.5), USAID must not limit eligibility
solely to either faith-based or secular organizations.
(b) All organizations, whether religious or secular, that participate in
USAID programs, including through an award or subaward, must
carry out eligible activities in accordance with all program
requirements and other applicable requirements governing the
conduct of USAID-funded activities, including those prohibiting the
use of direct financial assistance from USAID to engage in explicitly
religious activities, including activities that involve overt religious
content such as worship, religious instruction, prayer, or
proselytization (see 22 CFR 205.1(f)).
(c) Faith-based organizations must not be required, as a condition of
Federal assistance, to sacrifice their independence, autonomy,
expression, or religious character. A faith-based organization that
applies for or participates in USAID-funded programs or services,
including through an award or subaward, may retain its
independence and may continue to carry out its mission, including