Executive Order 13279, Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based and Community Organization, set forth principles and policymaking criteria to guide Federal agencies in formulating and developing policies for faith-based and other community organizations, to ensure equal protection of the laws for these organizations, to expand opportunities for, and strengthen the capacity of, these organizations to meet the need for social services in America's communities. In November, 2010, Executive Order 13559, Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships with Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations, amended Executive Order 13279 to clarify its principles and add certain protections for beneficiaries of Federal social service programs.
The purpose of this page is to provide faith-based and other neighborhood organizations grantees, sub-grantees, and contractors that provide program services to beneficiaries under a grant or subgrant, with a clear and uniform understanding of the fundamental principles that apply to their awards along with guidance and regulations for implementing their awards.
Executive Orders 13279, 13559, and 14015 and ED's Revised Regulations:
- Executive Order (E.O.) 13279 -- Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based and Community Organizations. | PDF Version
- Executive Order (E.O.) 13559 -- Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships With Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations. | PDF Version
- Executive Order (E.O.) 14015-Establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. | PDF Version
- Federal Agency Final Regulations Implementing Executive Order 13559 dated April 4, 2016. | PDF Version
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) -- (34 CFR xxxxxx 75.52, 75.712-75.714 and appendix A to part 75, 76.52, 76.712-714).
Guidance for Grantees, Sub-grantees, and Contractors of Direct Federal Financial Assistance:
The Guidance to State-Administered Programs—Protection of Project Beneficiaries Notice, this document clarifies the requirements in 34 CFR Part 75 Appendix C to ensure beneficiaries participating in federally funded projects receive proper notice that their religious liberties will not be infringed upon.
The Guidance on Prohibited Uses of Direct Federal Financial Assistance and Protections for Religious Identity, includes all of the topics listed below. Specifically, this guidance addresses both prohibited religious uses of direct Federal financial assistance and protections and separation requirements to ensure that faith-based groups are able to retain their religious identity after receiving an award.
- Prohibited Uses of Direct Federal Financial Assistance
- Preserving Faith-Based Organizations' Religious Identity
- Separation of Explicitly Religious Activities
- Separate and Distinct Programs
- Separate Presentations
- Explicitly Religious and Anti-Religious Activities
- Cost Allocation
- Eligibility, Outreach and Recruitment
- Availability of Separate Religious Programs
Training and Other Resources for ED Grantees:
The links below will take you to other documents that provide significant guidance about compliance with the new regulations.