25th Anniversary of the White House Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives

On January 29th, 2001, President George W. Bush issued an executive order establishing the creation of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Building on the work of Charitable Choice, this office sought to give faith-based organizations equal opportunity to compete for governmental funding without compromising their religious identity and practices in the process. 2026 marks 25 years of this White House Faith-Based Initiative. While each new administration shapes the office to align with their larger agenda, it remains. This event was a time to reflect and imagine.

We celebrated the stories of how the work of faith-based organizations was accelerated, supported, and honor those who made it possible. But not only did we look back and reflect, but also forward and envisioned the future- what the next 25 years might look like.

We heard from:

Adelle Banks • Dr. Stephanie Boddie • Stanley Carlson-Thies • Dr. John Dilulio • Dave Donaldson •Josh Good • Rev. Dr. Gilford Monrose • Myal Greene • Bill O’Keefe • Dr. Melissa Rogers • Dr. Girien Salazar • Eugene Schneeberg • Stephanie Summers • Lance Villio • Michael Wear • Jeremy White

This event was co-sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania’s Program for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society.

Origin Story

An introduction from Stephanie Summers, John DiIulio, and Stanley Carlson-Thies.

The Faith-Based Initiative Through the Years

Facilitated by Dr. Girien Salazar, with panelists David Donaldson, Dr. Melissa Rogers, Eugene Schneeberg, and Jeremy White.

Stories of Faith-Based Organizations

Myal Green and Bill O’Keefe share stories from their work.

Developments of the Faith-Based Initiative

Facilitated by Josh Good, with panelists Adelle Banks, Dr. Stephanie Boddie, and Rev. Dr. Gilford Monrose.

Recognition and Honor

Dr. John DiIulio and Ben O’Dell are recognized.

On the Importance of Partnership

A closing from Michael Wear.