Community Service Block Grant

WHAT IS COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANT?

The Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded program that works to ameliorate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities through local Community Action Partnership (CAP) organizations. Each Idaho CAP is a private, non-profit organization governed by a local Board of Directors that is comprised of at least 1/3 low-income, and no more that 1/3 private sector and 1/3 public sector. Each CAP develops its programs according to the needs that exist in its communities.

WHO ADMINISTERS CSBG?

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 and organizations that are officially designated as a Community Action Agency (CAA) or a community action program under section 673(1) of the CSBG Act, as amended by the Human Service Amendments of 1994 (P.L. 103-252), and meets all requirements under section 673 (1)(A) and 676A of the CSBG Act, as amended by the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998.

In the State of Idaho, funding is administered through Community Action Agencies/Partnerships.

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED WITH CSBG?

Programs vary by region, individuals and families can find out about local services provided in your area by contacting the local Community Action Partnership. For a list of Community Action Partnerships in Idaho, click this link: Idaho Community Action Partnerships.

The following is a list of some of the CSBG programs offered:

· Education
· Employment
· Child care
· Community and economic development
· Employment
· Head Start
· Health and nutrition
· Housing and related services
· Special populations (including the elderly, ex-offenders and the homeless)
· Transportation

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE?

Beneficiaries are low-income individuals that may be unemployed or receiving public assistance, at-risk youth, custodial and non-custodial parents, residents of public housing, persons with disabilities, persons who are homeless, and individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community.

Each State sets criteria for determining what households are eligible. The Income Criteria for Idaho is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level – Income Guideline Chart.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SERVICES?

To apply for services or to determine eligibility for programs funded with CSBG funds, contact the Community Action Partnership in your county. To locate your Local Community Action Partnership, enter your zip code.

Zip code:

CONTACT INFORMATION & WEB LINKS

Office of Community Services
National Association for State Community Services Program
Idaho CSBG State Plan
Community Action Partnership Locations