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The Faith-Based and Community Initiative skip to primary page content Empowering America's Grassroots

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

Purpose

The Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) is a formula grant that provides funds to States, Territories, and federally and State-recognized Indian tribes/tribal organizations so that they may provide supportive services and activities to assist low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient. Typically, States fund these services by making sub-grants to locally based Community Action Agencies and other eligible entities that provide services to low-income individuals and families.

The amended legislation for CSBG includes Charitable Choice, a legislative provision designed to remove unnecessary barriers to the receipt of certain federal funds by faith-based organizations. The provision prohibits States from discriminating against religious organizations when choosing providers under CSBG, as long as the programs are implemented in a manner that is consistent with the First Amendment. In 2003, HHS issued a final rule implementing the Charitable Choice statutory provisions in the Community Services Block Grant Act. See http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/finalCSBG_ccregs.html for a copy of the final rule.

How Funds May Be Used

Grantees use the funds to support a variety of services that help low-income people. Services typically assist with childcare, employment, education, emergency services, health care, housing, nutrition, transportation, youth development, and coordination of resources and community participation.

Fiscal Year 2005 Appropriation: $637,000,000

Sponsoring Bureau: Office of Community Services
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/

State Program Information
For information on how the funds are used in your community, contact the CSBG agency in your State: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/documents/8b.htm

CSBG Charitable Choice Regulations:
http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/finalCSBG_ccregs.html

CSBG State program contacts:
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/documents/8b.htm

Office of Community Services Programs to strengthen Marriage and Families:
www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/funding/community_services.html