WACO, Texas -- Efforts by faith-based organizations to fight poverty will be examined in a $2 million study funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Baylor University's School of Social Work received the grant, and will examine the issue for 2 ½ years, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald.
The work of faith-based organizations has been the subject of increased scrutiny since President George W. Bush announced his support of federal funding for many faith-based humanitarian projects during his 2000 presidential campaign.
The study's results are expected to be used in developing workshops and seminars to help religious leaders improve service programs, said Julie Sulc of the Pew organization.
"The irony of all the attention to faith-based social service is that it isn't really new at all," she said. "Churches have been in the business of serving their neighbors for a long, long time. What is new is interest in enhancing their efforts and the potential for better partnerships among faith-based organizations, other nonprofits, and public and private funders."
The Baylor project will examine programs like Waco, Texas-based Mission Waco, a Christian-based organization that receives federal funds.
