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OFBCI > About the OFBCI > About the Indiana OFBCI > Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions


Question: What is the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives?

Answer: In January 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels created the OFBCI to insure that the faith-based institutions of Indiana were provided equal access to state and federal resources and services. With the establishment of the OFBCI, the responsibilities of the OFBCI were folded in under the auspices of this new office. Together the OFBCI with assistance from the Indiana Commission on Community Service and Volunteerism, provides information, training, technical assistance and limited grant funding to both community based and faith-based organizations seeking to make Indiana a better place to live for all citizens.

Question: Are there grants available from the government specifically for faith-based organizations?

Answer: No.  However, faith-based and community organizations are eligible to compete with other organizations for government grants and contracts.  State and Federal programs often have different eligibility requirements for their programs, which you should consult before applying.  However, the fact that your organization is faith-based will not exclude you from participation in these programs.

Question: What is AmeriCorps?

Answer: AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.  AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation.  AmeriCorps is made up of three programs: AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).  The OFBCI administers the AmeriCorps*State program in Indiana. 

Question: What is a volunteer center?

Answer: Volunteer centers match volunteers with meaningful opportunities at local non-profit organizations.  They promote volunteerism and recognize volunteers in their communities.  Many offer training to non-profit staff to more effectively work with volunteers.

Question: How many people in Indiana volunteer?

Answer: In 2006, 1.52 million Hoosier volunteers dedicated 242.8 million hours of service.

Question: What are the Governors Service Awards?

Answer: The Governor's Service Awards are the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives' most prestigious award for volunteer service.
The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives will soon be seeking nominations for recipients of the 2012 Governor’s Service Awards.
The 2012 Honorees will be recognized for outstanding volunteer contributions to causes that include health care, neighborhood revitalization, youth and senior activities, the arts, education, justice, housing, nutrition and social services at the 2012 Governor’s Conference on Service and Volunteerism Awards ceremony, for which the date will be announced soon.  Each honoree will receive a beautiful customized award, presented by the representatives of the highest office in Indiana.

Question: How can I nominate someone for a Governor's Service Award?

Answer: Interested persons may access the 2012 Nomination Form by clicking here or visiting the Governor's Service Award web page to learn more.
Service Award Resources
General Information on Electronic Submission (doc)
Writing an Effective Award Nomination (ppt)