Community Services Block Grant
"For the war against poverty will not be won here in Washington. It must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House."
-President Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities. These grants are available to:
- States
- The District of Columbia
- The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- U.S. Territories
- Federally and state-recognized Indian Tribes and tribal organizations
- Community Action Agencies
- Migrant and seasonal farm workers' agencies
- Other organizations specifically designated by the states
CSBG funding supports projects that:
- Lessen poverty in communities
- Address the needs of low-income individuals
- Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health
- In addition, discretionary grants are available at the statewide or local level, or for associations with demonstrated expertise in addressing the needs of low-income families, such as Community Action Agencies (CAAs).
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.
Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Community Services
