CFR

92.257—Faith-based activities.

(a) Organizations that are religious or faith-based are eligible, on the same basis as any other organization, to participate in the HOME program. Neither the Federal government nor a State or local government receiving funds under HOME programs shall discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character or affiliation.

(b) Organizations that are directly funded under the HOME program may not engage in inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization, as part of the assistance funded under this part. If an organization conducts such activities, the activities must be offered separately, in time or location, from the assistance funded under this part, and participation must be voluntary for the beneficiaries of the assistance provided.

(c) A religious organization that participates in the HOME program will retain its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs, provided that it does not use direct HOME funds to support any inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. Among other things, faith-based organizations may use space in their facilities, without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a HOME-funded religious organization retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents.

(d) An organization that participates in the HOME program shall not, in providing program assistance, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion or religious belief.

(e) HOME funds may not be used for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of structures to the extent that those structures are used for inherently religious activities. HOME funds may be used for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of structures only to the extent that those structures are used for conducting eligible activities under this part. Where a structure is used for both eligible and inherently religious activities, HOME funds may not exceed the cost of those portions of the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation that are attributable to eligible activities in accordance with the cost accounting requirements applicable to HOME funds in this part. Sanctuaries, chapels, or other rooms that a HOME-funded religious congregation uses as its principal place of worship, however, are ineligible for HOME-funded improvements. Disposition of real property after the term of the grant, or any change in use of the property during the term of the grant, is subject to government-wide regulations governing real property disposition (see 24 CFR parts 84 and 85 ).

(f) If a state or local government voluntarily contributes its own funds to supplement federally funded activities, the State or local government has the option to segregate the Federal funds or commingle them. However, if the funds are commingled, this section applies to all of the commingled funds.

Code of Federal Regulations

[68 FR 56404, Sept. 30, 2003]

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