Labor Department first to offer grants

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Labor Department has created the first new grants designed to implement President Bush’s faith-based initiative.

One of five administration departments with a “Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives,” the Labor Department intends to help grassroots organizations advance efforts to provide employment and training opportunities across the country.

“We are proud that the department is making the president’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative a reality,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, in announcing the grants April 17. The department will seek applicants for three new grant programs.  A total of 25 grants of $20,000 to $25,000 will go to faith-based and community groups involved in employment, training and other services. In addition, $5 million in grants will be used by “regional intermediaries” to develop networks with faith-based and community organizations. There also will be $10 million in grants to encourage state work force programs that will link faith-based and community groups to employment centers.