Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant funds Pennsylvania agencies to deliver research-based, community-driven anti-poverty services like job training, education, housing, and case management.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026: Monthly invoice due by the 20th | June 2026: Monthly Financial Status Report due by the 20th | January 2027: Annual work plan submission (all dates projected)
Funding Amounts: Annual statewide pool ~$29 million; typical agency awards range from ~$250,000–$5.2 million/year; 1-year grant terms.
Summary: Supports Pennsylvania Community Action Agencies and local government entities to deliver anti-poverty services, including job training, housing, education, and case management.
Key Information: Only existing, designated Community Action Agencies and one limited-purpose agency are eligible; no new designations currently.
Description
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to address the causes and conditions of poverty across the state. The grant provides financial support to a network of 43 designated Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and one limited-purpose agency, enabling them to implement a broad range of services such as case management, job training, food and nutrition, transportation, education, housing, drug and alcohol counseling, and economic development. The program emphasizes local, community-driven solutions, requiring agencies to base their programming on regular community needs assessments and to maintain rigorous performance and fiscal standards.
