The Gap Between Religious Charities and "Nones"

Partnerships with religious nones can help organizations do more good in communities without undermining their faithful calling, Croswhite noted.

These interactions also benefit nonbelievers, who often continue to value community service even after leaving organized religion, and find common ground between the two groups, said Mike Aus, executive director of Houston Oasis, a secular community that gathers Sunday mornings for live music and informative talks.

"Just because we're no longer religious doesn't mean we don't want to make the world a better place," he said.