Faith-Based Community Economic Development
"Faith-based" community economic development (CED) is a unique subset of CED. Many houses of worship (churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, etc.) create separate entities, which are most often 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporations, to conduct their community development activities. In some cases, multiple houses of worship that are in close proximity to one another will collaborate to create a community development corporations (CDC) to serve their shared community.
Faith-based community organizations distinguish themselves by operating in a manner that reflects the principles of their faith. The faith community has a long and rich history of supporting community and social initiatives. In the 1970s, for example, organized religious institutions and faith-motivated individuals infused millions of dollars into social services and community improvement projects. With the growth of the CDC movement in the 1980s, CDCs with congregational or religious linkages became prevalent across the U.S. The 1990s and 2000s have seen an emergence of diverse religious institutions working in community development.
In January 2001, President Bush signed into law an executive order creating the White House Office J of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The order directed federal agencies to stream line or lift, if possible, federal regulations that made it difficult for churches to obtain grants to provide services.
Community Economic development’s aims are to deal with the root cause of poverty which is lack of education and non-access to resources. The programs are comprehensive, inclusive of all sectors of the neighborhood, social, educational, cultural and physical. These initiatives are focused on strengthening the fiber of the communities. Both faith-based and secular CDCs work to revitalize their communities through activities like creating affordable housing, promoting commercial and business development, providing job training, and other community services.
In 1999, the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the direction of Pastor Brian E. Kennedy launched the Mt. Zion Economic Development Corporation (MZEDC). The Mt Zion Economical Development Corporation (MZEDC) is a community faith based non-profit organization that has adopted these initiatives in enhancing the quality of life in their geographical area.