Voluntary Survey on the Equal Treatment Rule

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

City, State Zip

Dear _______,

As you know, Rural Development partners with faith-based and community organizations on projects that bring housing, community facilities, utilities, and other services to rural communities. For years, these organizations have been on the front lines helping those in need, but sometimes complicated rules and regulations can hinder these groups from competing for Federal funds on an equal footing with other types of organizations.

This is why President Bush created the Faith-Based and Community Initiative in 11 Federal agencies, including USDA, to transform the relationship between Government and faith-based and community organizations. One of the key objectives of the Initiative is to ensure that these groups are allowed to compete on a level playing field for Federal dollars. As we continue to educate faith-based and community organizations on the equal treatment principles that should be inherent in the application review process, we would like to measure our progress to date and learn how we can improve and expand upon our current efforts.

With that in mind, please find enclosed a survey that is being sent to non-profit organizations such as yours that have recently applied for funding to measure your understanding of equal treatment principles as they relate to the application process. Please know that this survey is voluntary and we would greatly appreciate your input as we continue to work to make the application process more open, transparent, and accessible by all organizations. Your response will be kept anonymous.

Please take a few minutes to complete the enclosed survey and return to USDA Rural Development within 14 days of receiving this letter. We have provided a postage-paid envelope for your convenience.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Rhonda Brown, Rural Development Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Coordinator, by phone (202) 692-0298 or by e-mail at <[email protected]>.

Thank you again for your time and input as we continue to strengthen our partnerships with faith-based and community organizations to better serve those in need.

Sincerely,

Clyde Thompson

Deputy Administrator for Operations and Management

Enclosures