One of President Obama's first official acts as President was to change the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The Office was tasked at its inception with leading a "determined attack on need" by strengthening and expanding the role of faith-based and community organizations in addressing the nation's social problems. While President Bush envisioned a faith-friendly public square where faith-based organizations can compete equally with other groups to provide government or privately-funded services, President Obama has chosen to move this department into the US Department of Health and Human Services where faith based communities have to compete with other non-profit organizations and local governments for official funding. Opportunities are limited. Website

 From the HHS Website:

Tips on Applying for Federal Grants

• Frequently asked questions about grants and funding 
• Obtaining a DUNS number (PDF-15.2KB)—All federal agencies require all applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. 
• Always contact the official listed in the request for application or program announcement with questions about a specific grant. 
• "Developing Competitive SAMHSA Grant Applications" Participant Manual - This manual was developed to provide organizations with skills and resources needed to plan and write a competitive SAMHSA grant application. Although written with SAMHSA programs in mind, information in this manual is helpful for individuals applying for any federal grant. 
• “Developing Quality Grant Proposals” (PDF-24.4) – This guide from the White House Office for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives includes tips for writing a successful grant proposal. 
• The Foundation Center: Developing and Writing Grant Proposals – A guide from The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
• “Tips for Novice Grant Seekers” – Information compiled by the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the Department of Education. 
• SAMHSA Grants-Writing Training and Technical Assistance Trainings for Grassroots Faith and Community Based Groups 
• Intermediary organizations funded by the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) offer training and technical assistance to faith-based and community organizations.
  • List of CCF Intermediary Grantees
  • National Map of Grantees

Priority Areas
The White House Office strives to support organizations that serve people in need, particularly those that serve the following populations:

• At-risk youth
• Ex-offenders
• Homeless and hungry
• Substance abusers
• Those with HIV/AIDS
• Welfare-to-work families

More Info:

• Faith Based Grants Catalog (free)
• Government Benefits for Individuals
• HOW TO APPLY FOR FAITH BASED GRANTS