Under Obama's rules the money would go to secular aid services run by churches not to the churches religious activities. Considering that in many poor communities church's play a big role in local social services it can be a good idea if done right.

It also is a big deal to Hispanic evangelicals who number in the millions and the 50% of white evangelicals who are not totally committed right wing Republicans.

Obama can't write off Evangelicals or gun owners anymore then he can write off white working class men. He does not need a majority he just needs to cut into the Republican margins to have a dominant national coalition.