CHAPTER 54-62 FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES 54-62-01. Office of faith-based and community initiatives established

The office of faith-based and community initiatives is established within the department of commerce. The office of faith-based and community initiatives has lead responsibility to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the state's comprehensive effort to enlist, equip, enable, empower, and expand the work of faith-based and community organizations to the extent permitted by law. The commissioner of the department of commerce shall designate a member of the department of commerce staff to serve as director of the office of faith-based and community initiatives. The department of commerce shall provide other staff services to assist the director

54-62-02. Functions

The principal functions of the office of faith-based and community initiatives are to: 1. Develop, lead, and coordinate the state's policy agenda affecting faith-based and community programs and initiatives; expand the role of those efforts in communities; and increase their capacity through executive action, legislation, federal and private funding, and regulatory relief; 2. Coordinate public education activities designed to mobilize public support for faith-based and community initiatives through volunteerism, special projects, demonstration pilots, and public and private partnerships; Encourage private charitable giving to support faith-based and community initiatives; Bring concerns, ideas, and policy options to the governor and legislative assembly for assisting, strengthening, and replicating successful faith-based and community programs; Provide policy and legal education to state, local, and community policymakers and public officials seeking ways to empower faith-based and community organizations and to improve the opportunities, capacity, and expertise of those groups; 6. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to strengthen the institutions of civil society 3

4

5

and the state's families and communities; Encourage innovative grassroots, nonprofit organizations, and civic initiatives; and Ensure that the efforts of faith-based and community organizations meet high standards of excellence and accountability

7

8

54-62-03. Advisory commission

Repealed by S.L. 2013, ch. 177, ยง 4

Page No. 1