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]