Community Services Block Grant

The objectives of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) are to provide assistance to states and local communities, working through a network of community action agencies (CAAs) and other neighborhood-based organizations, for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient.

The Secretary is authorized to make CSBG awards to states. This includes each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Secretary also provides assistance directly to the governing body of an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization upon application by the tribe. Only state-recognized tribes, as evidenced by a statement to that effect by the Governor, or tribes formally recognized by the Secretary of the Interior, under the procedure for such recognition in 25 CFR Part 54, are eligible to receive direct awards. In order for a private nonprofit or public organization to be considered an eligible entity, they must administer the CSBG program through a tripartite board as described in 42 USC 9910 that fully participates in the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program to serve low-income communities. For the discretionary T/TA cooperative agreements: Eligible entities include CSBG eligible entities, or statewide or local organizations or associations, with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and communities. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards.

Beneficiaries are low-income individuals and families. The official poverty line, as established annually by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), is used as a criterion of eligibility in CSBG. For FY 2025, the HHS Poverty Guidelines set the poverty line at $32,150 for a family of four in the contiguous United States. When a state determines that it serves the objectives of the block grant, it may revise the income limit, not to exceed a certain percentage of the official poverty line. Historically, the percentage has been set at 125%. However, Congressional appropriations made since FY2020 allow states to revise the percentage to 200% of the official poverty line. This has not been changed by Congressional action as of FY2026.

For CSBG, funds are allocated to recipients using a formula method. For Cooperative Agreements: Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process. After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson. While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. For example, ACF reserves the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions. ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients. Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.

Discretionary Awards: September 30 through September 29 annually. Non-Discretionary Awards: September 1 through 30 annually.