Is there a difference between faith-based and non-profit organizations?

Faith-based organizations and non-profit organizations are two different things, but an organization can certainly be both. There are also faith-based organizations that are not non-profit, and non-profit organizations that are not faith-based.

Faith-based just means an organization is based on religious tenants.

Non-profit means the organization does not earn profit - that all income is directed towards covering costs and running programs.

A Christian organization that helps the homeless might be an example of an organization that is both non-profit and faith based.

A Christian business organization might be an example of an organization that is faith-based but not non-profit.

An animal rescue group is an example of an organization that is non-profit but not faith-based.

An organization of real estate agents is an example of an organization that could be neither faith-based nor non-profit.

Government money can go to any of the above examples. There are grants for charities and grants for people starting out businesses. There is all kinds of government money.

Whenever an organization or individual receives government money, rules and conditions apply. What those rules and conditions are depend on the nature of the specific grant.

To the poster who said the government subsidization of faith-based organizations is a violation of the first amendment, he is incorrect. That argument has been made, but it isn't legally valid. If anything, one could argue that withholding funds from religious persons and organizations is discriminatory.

The first amendment only prohibits the establishment of a national religion, or the prohibition of any religion. Nothing more. Monies granted to faith-based organization must be used in compliance with government standards with the 1st amendment in mind - for example, a grant might be given to a homeless shelter to purchase food, and because the food was purchased with government funds, it would be a violation for that organization to require recipients to listen to a sermon before receiving the food. But there's nothing unconstitutional about the government giving money to a religious person to dispense of for social services, so long as the religious aspects of their work are not coercive or tied up with the government funded programs, and so long as the government is equal-opportunity about giving out money (and not favoring one religion's organizations disproportionately above another.)

Because of these restrictions, many faith-based organizations choose not to seek grants, as relying on private donations gives them more freedom to pursue their religious agendas. But there's nothing unconstitutional about a faith-based organization receiving funds if they are willing to abide by the government's restrictions.

Christian Based Non Profit Organizations

I'm not aware of the government subsidizing any faith based groups, they can't, or it would be a violation of the first ammendment. Churches are financed by donations, not the government. Not all non profit organizations are faith based. You have men's clubs, the red cross , etc..God bless.

Yes. Chances are most faith based organizations are not for profits, and may or may not apply for government funded grants. Many not for profits are also funded by government grants.

The thing is, the grants are usually project specific, and all of them have reporting requirements which are different according to the the grant involved.

But grants do require accountability.

States require financial information to be submitted by non-profit organizations that are not affiliated with religion, but churches and other faith based organizations are not required to do so.

When a faith based organization stick their hand out in your face it is in the name of Jesus but when a non-profit organization begs for money it is in the name of its cause whatever it may be.

Difference is all donations go toward their intended cause. A for profit company sole intent is to earn money

"The following organizations may be considered tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) even if they do not file form 1023: (a) Churches, integrated auxilliaries of churches and conventions or associations of churches. Many Churches have submitted to government 1023 so as to receive government funding or bank mortage of church building ... Once you file 1023 there are rules that you have to follow regarding public speech and advocacy. Many churches regret the restraints that they willingly submitted themselves to. A Faith based church, 501c3, is restricted in public speech. An un incorporated church has free speech but no special government recognition or money. Both are legal non-profits, both are tax exempt. Depending on how much government involvement you want.

Yes. Most faith based organizations are non-profit but not all non-profit organizations are faith based..

Faith based is church based really.

If government gave them money, it would be sponsoring religion.