Feb 26, 2026. INDIANAPOLIS — A new executive order from Indiana Gov. Mike Braun established the Indiana Faith-Based Institutions Initiative, a program that Braun stated in the order will be run by the office of Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.

The initiative aims at encouraging and fostering faith-based institutions to better serve individual Hoosiers, families and communities, according to Executive Order 26-06.

Through this initiative, Beckwith and the lieutenant governor’s office will be able to consult with experts and leaders of faith-based institutions that operate programs in specific areas to help identify areas to “reduce barriers to effective participation of faith-based institutions in addressing societal ills.”

The specific areas outlined in the order include:

• Increasing civic engagement
• Promoting recovery from substance use disorder
• Facilitating prisoner reentry into society
• Cultivating resilience through work and self-sufficiency
• Strengthening the family unit
• Mentoring the next generation
• Promoting principled morals and character
• Supporting foster parenting and adoption

The order stands that Braun’s administration believes that the state of Indiana’s “diverse and welcoming faith community” can help bring “unique skills, services and resources to assist with the struggles” that Hoosiers face.

Officials said they believe that these institutions have the capacity to serve in ways different from what government can provide, as well as with effectiveness that “often exceeds that of government.”

In a post on social media from Beckwith, he thanked Braun for moving forward with this program, stating that he is “humbled by his confidence” for his office to spearhead the initiative. Beckwith said he believes that Hoosiers will “benefit from this effort for years to come.”

“By promoting collaboration between state government and faith-based partners, the initiative aims to expand the reach of programs that help Hoosiers overcome addiction, reenter society after incarceration, strengthen their families, develop resilience through work and build meaningful lives rooted in purpose and service,” Beckwith said in the post. “These community-rooted institutions frequently provide forms of support that government alone cannot, and ensuring they are able to participate fully and freely is vital to the well-being of our state.

The order’s emphasis on safeguarding religious liberty and creating a fair, welcoming environment for all qualified service providers reaffirms Indiana’s long-standing commitment to both constitutional principles and community partnership,” Beckwith’s post continued. “Empowering organizations that uplift Hoosiers in times of need strengthens families, enhances civic engagement and broadens pathways to opportunity across our state.”