Faith-based organization

A faith-based organization is an organization whose values are based on faith and beliefs, which has a mission based on social values of the particular faith, and which most often draws its activists (leaders, staff, volunteers) from a particular faith group. The faith the organization relates to does not have to be academically classified as religion. The term "faith-based organization" is more inclusive than the term "religious organization" as it also refers to non-congregation faith beliefs.^[1]

Faith-based organizations are grass-root organizations active locally but also on an international^[2] scale. Their funding comes from member donations, but they are also eligible for state^[3] or international grants.^[4]

Currently, this terminology is widely used in governmental,^[5][6] inter-governmental,^[7][8] and non-governmental settings.^[9] World Bank prepared a list of international faith-based organizations.^[10]

Policymakers in Germany have recognized the potential of cooperating with faith-based organizations.^[11]