Abstract

This study investigates the contribution of faith-based organizations (FBOs) to community development in Rwanda from 2014 to 2024. Employing a community-development and social-capital framework, the research collected data from 62 FBO-run projects across education, healthcare, agriculture, and social-welfare sectors. Household surveys (n = 3,700) and interviews with 50 community leaders, project beneficiaries, and FBO administrators were used to assess service delivery, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Findings show that FBOs played a significant role in expanding access to basic services, particularly in rural districts. Education initiatives improved literacy outcomes by providing subsidized schooling and vocational training, while FBO-led health centers increased maternal and child health service uptake. Agricultural programs enhanced food security through farmer cooperatives and training in improved farming techniques. Regression analysis confirmed that participation in FBO programs significantly improved household welfare indicators such as income, food availability, and school attendance (p < 0.05). However, limitations included donor-dependency risks, occasional duplication of government programs, and challenges ensuring equitable access across religious groups. Despite these constraints, FBOs demonstrated strong community trust and organizational stability, making them reliable partners in national development. The study recommends strengthening government–FBO collaboration frameworks, diversifying funding sources, and institutionalizing monitoring and evaluation systems. Overall, FBOs remain pivotal in Rwanda’s grassroots development landscape.