# Title 54 — State Government

## 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;
3. Encourage private charitable giving to support faith-based and community initiatives;
4. Bring concerns, ideas, and policy options to the governor and legislative assembly for
assisting, strengthening, and replicating successful faith-based and community
programs;
5. 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
and the state's families and communities;
7. Encourage innovative grassroots, nonprofit organizations, and civic initiatives; and
8. Ensure that the efforts of faith-based and community organizations meet high
standards of excellence and accountability.
### § 54-62-03. Advisory commission.

Repealed by S.L. 2013, ch. 177, § 4.
