Community Service Block Grant
What is CSBG and who is eligible to apply for a grant?
The Community Service Block Grant is a federal anti-poverty program administered by the Community Advancement and Development office of the WV Department of Economic Development. CSBG is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and administered by the Office of Community Services ACF-OCS.
CSBG is not a competitive grant. Eligible applicants are Community Action Agencies that are designated by the Governor of West Virginia to administer the Community Services Block Grant. CSBG does not directly fund individuals but provides funding to Community Action Agencies throughout the state. The purpose in West Virginia is to aid a network of 16 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and other statewide organizations in the reduction of poverty, revitalization of low-income communities, and to provide economic opportunities for low-income families.
Organizations which were officially designated as Community Action Agencies (CAAs) under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and were specifically designated by the 1981 CSBG Act as eligible entities to receive CSBG funds.
All recipients of CSBG funds submit community action plans and budgets detailing the programs, services, and activities to be conducted using CSBG funding. Based on monitoring results by this office’s Compliance Unit, recommendations are made to agencies for continued progress and improvement of existing conditions.
Benefits of CSBG
WV's Community Action Agencies are independent non-profit organizations each providing a unique mix of community services.
CSBG funding supports projects that:
- Lessen poverty in communities
- Address the needs of low-income individuals including the homeless, migrants and the elderly
- Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health
With the support of CSBG funding, states and CAAs work together to achieve the following goals for low-income individuals:
- Increased self-sufficiency
- Improved living conditions
- Ownership of and pride in their communities
- Strong family and support systems
Working together, agencies increase their capacity to achieve results. Partnerships among supporters and providers of services play a large role in the successful implementation of CSBG grants.
CSBG Funding
Amount: The amount of CSBG funding to be awarded to WV annually varies depending on the appropriations by the United States Congress. West Virginia's total CSBG award for FY 2022 is $8,226,293.
Source of Funds: Federal Awarding Agency – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families; CFDA Number and Name – 93.569 – Community Services Block Grant.
Funding Cycle: CSBG grants are awarded every year, and cover the period of two years. The Federal grant cycle is October 1 - September 30.
Authorizing Legislation/Statute:
- The Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998
- The Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998 - CSBG Only
- Uniform Administrative Requirement, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
- CSBG Regulation 45CFR96 Block Grants, October 1, 2005
