Faith in Public Life Announced Closure
The nonprofit will officially cease all operations and programming by the end of October 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Christianity
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Faith in Public Life announced it will shut down as an organization, with all programming set to cease on October 31, 2026. The board of directors voted to wind down operations citing an increasingly uncertain fundraising environment.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a two-decade effort to integrate religious voices into progressive policy discussions. The organization struggled to maintain its operational capacity following significant staffing reductions in 2025.
Founded in 2006, the organization saw a massive reduction in its workforce, laying off 90% of its staff in 2025. The group concluded its final fiscal year on June 30, 2026.
The players
Faith in Public Life
This nonprofit was founded in 2006 as a project rooted in the Center for American Progress to mobilize religious leaders for policy advocacy.
Jennifer Butler
She is the founder of Faith in Public Life who led the organization until her departure in 2022.
Center for American Progress
This is a nonpartisan public policy research and advocacy organization that served as the original home for the Faith in Public Life project.
The details
The board decided to end operations during the summer of 2026, pointing to persistent financial challenges. Originally launched as a project within the Center for American Progress, the group historically engaged in public advocacy campaigns in cities including Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Timeline
Faith in Public Life was founded in 2006.
Founder Jennifer Butler departed the organization in 2022.
The organization laid off 90% of its staff during 2025.
The fiscal year ended on June 30, 2026.
All programming will cease on October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
The dissolution of the group reflects a broader trend of consolidation and funding volatility within the faith-based advocacy sector. This shift signals a departure from the multi-faith institutional models that gained significant prominence in the early 2000s.
The closure signals an end to the organization's advocacy programming, which may leave gaps in national religious-led policy initiatives. Supporters and partners will need to identify new conduits for faith-based engagement as the group discontinues its operational activities.
The takeaway
Large-scale advocacy nonprofits remain sensitive to shifts in the broader fundraising climate. Organizations must increasingly balance long-term mission goals with the sustainability of their operational funding models.
Further reading
Explore more about the evolving intersection of faith and policy in the Christianity section.
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